The UK government is preparing changes to political funding legislation that could affect £72 million recently donated to Reform UK by cryptocurrency billionaires Ben Delo and Christopher Harborne.
The two donors each gave £36 million to the party, creating the largest donations to a UK political party. Ministers are seeking amendments to the Representation of the People Bill that would introduce stricter rules for donors who live overseas or have recently returned to Britain.
Under the proposed rules, some overseas electors and recently returned residents would face a £100,000 annual limit. The government intends the restrictions to have retrospective effect from March 25, 2026.
Why the Reform Donations Matter
The dispute is now moving beyond the size of the donations to the question of whether Parliament can change the rules after money has already been given.
Reform UK says the donations complied with existing law. Nigel Farage has said the payments were legal under the rules in force when they were made, while the government says stronger restrictions are needed to limit the influence of overseas-based money in British politics.
The Institute for Government notes that retrospective legislation is unusual but not automatically prohibited in the UK. Parliament can pass laws with retrospective effects if the legislation clearly provides for them.
The proposed changes therefore face an important parliamentary test as the bill moves through the House of Lords.
Harry and Meghan Face a Different UK Security Question
Meanwhile, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s return to Britain has created a separate debate over security.
Their children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, were moved to another school after only two days because the family’s security team raised concerns about the school commute, including traffic, journey time and the ability of security vehicles to remain together.
The move comes as Harry and Meghan receive fresh security reviews following their return to the UK. The reviews will assess their circumstances as full-time residents, but they do not automatically mean that publicly funded protection will increase.
What Happens Next
Both stories now depend on formal processes rather than immediate outcomes.
For Reform UK, Parliament must decide how the proposed donation restrictions develop and whether their retrospective provisions remain in the final legislation.
For Harry and Meghan, security officials will assess their current risks and circumstances. Their children’s new school arrangement also shows how security considerations can affect ordinary family decisions, even when the family is living away from royal duties.
