FARAGE UNVEILS TRUMP-STYLE CRYPTO BID

UK Reform leader and ex-London Metal Exchange trader hopes to launch 'crypto revolution' at home in pitch to young voters.

- By Lucy White

Reform UK leader Nigel Farage attempted to woo younger British voters by announcing a Donald Trump-style foray into cryptocurrency policy at a Bitcoin conference in Las Vegas late on Thursday.

Mr Farage unveiled plans to put a new “Crypto Assets and Digital Finance Bill” before parliament if his party wins the next general election with the aim of launching a “crypto revolution” in the UK.

The legislation would include a cut in capital gains tax on crypto invest-ments to 10% from the current 24% rate, the creation of a Bitcoin digital reserve at the Bank of England as well as provisions that would make it illegal to restrict services for people who want to pay with crypto. Mr Farage also announced the Reform Party can now accept donations in crypto.

"Bring crypto and digital assets in from the cold," Mr Farage said.

The announcement is the latest move by Mr Farage to present his party as a credible contender for government in the next general election — due by mid 2029 at the latest — backed up by a broad policy programme.

While Reform has just five lawmakers in the 650-seat House of Commons, its popularity has soared since last July's election and it is now regularly polling above the prime minister's governing Labour Party, after dominating local elections earlier this month.