The House of Lords will debate changes to the laws on political donations later today, Monday 14 September 2026. The debate follows Reform UK receiving £72m from two billionaires, Ben Delo and Christopher Harborne, within 24 hours.
The government is seeking to change the law regarding donations to UK political parties from British expats, proposing a £100,000 cap. This cap would be backdated to 25 March. The bill introducing this cap returns to the House of Lords today.
The proposed rules were part of a review by former civil servant Philip Rycroft, aimed at countering foreign influence in UK politics. The government has also suggested a minimum residency period for those returning to the UK, during which the £100,000 cap would still apply for the rest of the calendar year and the following calendar year after their return.
Housing Secretary Angela Rayner stated that the rule changes would apply retrospectively, and any money not complying with them would have to be returned. Reform's economic spokesman, Robert Jenrick, said the donations were "entirely in line with the law as it is, and as far as we know, the law as it's going to be in the future."