Lib Dems call for ban on donations from foreign officials to “Trump-proof” UK democracy

EMBARGO: 22:30 Thursday 12th March 2026

Lib Dems call for ban on donations from foreign officials to “Trump-proof” UK democracy

The Liberal Democrats have vowed to amend upcoming legislation to “Trump-proof” British democracy by preventing foreign government figures from funding UK political parties, think tanks and campaign groups.

The party has tabled a series of amendments to the Elections Bill that would ban current and former foreign government officials from making political donations in the UK.

The move follows reports that the Trump administration is seeking to support MAGA-aligned think tanks and campaign groups across Europe, including in the UK.

Under the proposals, foreign officials or former officials, including figures such as Elon Musk, who served as Donald Trump’s DOGE czar last year, would be barred from donating to a UK political party, think tank or campaigning organisation.

The Liberal Democrats said the measures were needed to protect British politics from the “once-in-a-generation” threat posed by those in the US who want to fuel hard-right populism in the UK.

Liberal Democrat Cabinet Office Spokesperson Lisa Smart MP said:

“We need to Trump-proof our politics and stop the US administration peddling their divisive agenda here in Britain.

“Nigel Farage wants to import Trump-style chaos and division into the UK, backed by a shadowy network of think tanks and campaign groups with close ties to the MAGA movement.

“British democracy cannot become a plaything for foreign governments and their billionaire cronies. Labour MPs who care about protecting the integrity of our democracy should back our amendments to help close this loophole.”

ENDS