Finally, why are we allowing cryptocurrency into our democracy? Who wants to use cryptocurrency? Why can we not just use good old-fashioned cash, cheques and bank transfers like anybody else? Why do they need cryptocurrency? Because they want to cover up. It is the Russian currency of choice when it wants to bribe people. We know that from other countries and we know the way in which it is used. Just say no.
Downing Street has been urged to ban political donations in cryptocurrency by seven senior Labour MPs who chair parliamentary committees.
The committee chairs – Liam Byrne, Emily Thornberry, Tan Dhesi, Florence Eshalomi, Andy Slaughter, Chi Onwurah and Matt Western – called on the government to introduce a full ban in the forthcoming elections bill amid concern that cryptocurrency could be used by foreign states to influence politics.
Keir Starmer must impose a full ban on cryptocurrency being used for political donations or risk losing control of a key new piece of legislation, senior Labour backbenchers warn.
Former minister Liam Byrne, who chairs the business and trade select committee, and six colleagues, including Emily Thornberry, chair of the foreign affairs committee, and Matt Western, who heads the joint committee on national security strategy, have signed an open letter to the prime minister setting out a number of concerns that emerged in committee evidence sessions.