‘Step backwards’: Union leader warns Burnham against political donations cap

Britain’s most powerful union leader, Paul Nowak, has cautioned Prime Minister Andy Burnham against capping individual donations to political parties in the U.K., warning it could be a "step backwards." Nowak, general secretary of the Trades Union Congress (TUC), believes such a law would likely affect donations from trade unions, not just large contributions from individuals and corporations.

He emphasized the importance of preserving the voices of ordinary working people in politics, stating that the TUC does not donate to Labour and considers union donations as the most transparent form of political funding due to member-controlled contributions. Nowak's comments highlight tensions between the union movement and the Labour Party, which donated nearly £5 million to the party in 2025.

Burnham, who replaced Keir Starmer as prime minister in July with union support, has vowed to reform donation rules after large gifts from individuals like Nigel Farage’s Reform UK party raised concerns. The government is considering changes via the Representation of the People Bill, but Burnham declined using the bill for immediate change, instead opting for the Cabinet Office's existing Defending Democracy Taskforce to assess future adjustments.

Nowak expressed skepticism about a cap, fearing it might silence trade union voices, which he views as the cleanest and most transparent form of political funding in the U.K. The TUC aims to ban donations from overseas residents and non-taxpaying individuals but faces resistance from unions over potential overregulation. Burnham remains committed to addressing donation reforms, with Labour MP Stella Creasy advocating for a £100,000 annual cap on individual U.K.-based donors, exempting trade union funds, while a cross-party group of peers explores similar amendments.