Readers Slam Farage Over £9m Reform UK Donation Defense

When asked about the donation, the Reform leader said: “Does he want anything in return for his money? I promise you absolutely nothing.”

But many in our community questioned how such vast sums from an overseas-based financier could be permissible under UK law.

Our community repeatedly called for strict caps on donations, complete transparency, and a ban on foreign or corporate money.

Some argued that only UK residents and taxpayers should be allowed to donate, while others said the entire system should be replaced with state funding to ensure parties compete on a level playing field.

Here’s what you had to say:

Plutocracy

In the Netherlands, donations to political parties of more than €100,000 are illegal to avoid the nation becoming a plutocracy. All donations over €1,000 have to be published in order to prevent people buying political power.

A price worth paying

And here we have another example of why political donations need to be reformed. Corporate donations and those from foreign nationals should be banned, and those from private individuals limited to a modest level (by which I mean the low thousands of pounds) annually. All donations need to be transparent and fully accountable, which means no crypto and no donations via third parties or shell companies.
If that means instituting some form of state funding for political parties, that’s a nettle that will just have to be grasped. It won’t be popular in these cash-strapped times, but if it is the price of protecting democracy, it would be worth paying.

State funding

Many years ago, I repeatedly suggested that rich people's funding should not be allowed at all. Nor should union funding be allowed.

Funding should be provided by the state according to a formula based on how many votes each party received. Our present system is not one person, one vote. It is about persuasion, and it is clear that more money means more persuasion. And, of course, media that is heavily supportive of an ideology distorts the system as well.

What is needed is:

1. A constitution with certain basic principles that can only be changed by a strong majority in the House of Commons.

2. Proportional representation, obviously – it’s so obvious it surely doesn’t need further discussion.

3. Political party funding by the state, with public funding either forbidden or limited to a low level so that it becomes possible for most of the public.

4. Making proper use of the House of Lords. That should include giving both the place and its members sensible names! One of its current uses is to enable the PM of the moment to ‘reward’ rich people for their donations. I can think of another name for that!

5. One individual or organisation should only be able to own a certain limited percentage of media outlets.