Crypto Billionaires Fuel Reform UK's Anti-Immigration Agenda with $97 Million Donation
Reform UK, an anti-immigration party led by Brexit campaigner Nigel Farage, has received $97 million in cryptocurrency donations from two billionaires. The funds come from Ben Delo and Christopher Harborne, co-founder of BitMEX and a crypto investor respectively.
The donation is the largest ever made to a British political party. Delo gave £36 million ($48 million) while Harborne matched this amount on Saturday. This has raised concerns about money in British politics.
Harborne said he backs Reform UK because its policies will attract investment and bolster the economy, generating revenue for public services. However, established parties have warned that unlimited donations from billionaires risk corrupting elections.
The Liberal Democrats called on Prime Minister Andy Burnham to cap donations and protect British democracy. They accused Farage of trying 'to get into Number 10 as if it's a stop on a monopoly board.'
Farage himself is facing an investigation by Parliament's standards watchdog over his failure to report a £5-million gift from Harborne before his election.