(Alliance News) – The UK government tightened rules around political donations on Wednesday, including pausing contributions made in cryptocurrencies, as it tries to protect against foreign interference in elections.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer told parliament that the measures were needed after an independent review into overseas political influence set out the “stark threats posed by illicit finance”.

“We will act decisively to protect our democracy. That will include a moratorium on all political donations made through cryptocurrencies,” he said during his weekly questions session.

Lawmakers from the hard-right Reform UK party, which has accepted crypto donations, walked out of the chamber following the announcement.

The government also…