Reform UK Plans to Circumvent Foreign Donation Ban with New Trade Union

Reform UK is reportedly planning to establish a new trade union to circumvent potential Labour legislation that would ban foreign donors. The proposed union, tentatively named the Allied Computer & Crypto Workers Union (ACCAW), would represent workers in the IT, AI, and cryptocurrency sectors.

This strategy emerged after Labour, reacting to recent substantial donations from cryptocurrency billionaires Ben Delo and Christopher Harborne, pledged to introduce new residency requirements that would retroactively disqualify such contributions. Both Delo and Harborne had previously resided overseas.

According to Arron Banks, a senior aide to Reform UK, the ACCAW would be certified in the UK, thereby adhering to Labour's proposed regulations. The union would function as a conduit for funds, allowing foreign donors to contribute indirectly.

An alternative strategy being considered by Reform UK involves a "Red Wave" campaign. This initiative would aim to infiltrate existing trade unions by encouraging Reform supporters to join in large numbers, potentially leading to a "reverse takeover" of these organizations. This tactic is inspired by a 2018 "blue wave" campaign where Mr. Banks reportedly mobilized former UKIP members to influence the Conservative Party's stance on Brexit.

Reform UK claims internal polling indicates significant support among current trade union members. Banks stated that the ACCAW would be the first union to "politically support the views of its members" and would "hoist Labour by its own petard." He further asserted that the "Red Wave" campaign would challenge "champagne-swilling, socialist union barons" and mobilize trade union members who support Reform.