UNIONS backed Labour moves for a permanent ban on political donations through cryptocurrencies today following the “eye-watering” sums given to Reform UK.

Accord general secretary Ged Nichols told delegates at TUC Congress in Brighton that the government “must be firm” in strengthening laws around political donations.

The debate was heard after an “unprecedented” £72 million was donated by two crypto billionaires, Ben Delo and Christopher Harborne, to Reform UK.

Mr Nichols said: “The eye-watering donations made to Reform have exposed gaping holes in our legislation.

“We need a permanent ban on cypto donations and the will to enforce it.”

Prospect senior deputy general secretary Sue Ferns, who also sits on the TUC executive, said the motion “cannot be more timely.”

She said: “Make no mistake our democracy is under attack.

“Last week, £72m was given to Reform by two wealthy cryptocurrency investors. The biggest political donation in history.

“Every trade union political fund combined … is worth less than half the amount given to Reform in just 48 hours.

“They represent the small contributions of millions of working people.”