Electoral Resilience 2025-12-16

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Will the Minister commit to all parties being consulted during the new independent review’s work? Does he also accept the long-standing convention that Governments should not unilaterally impose changes to the law affecting political parties without proper consultation and cross-party engagement?

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Will the Secretary of State update us on whether council elections are going ahead or will they be cancelled at the last minute?

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Far too often, Members right across this House take elections for granted. The fact that we can go to the ballot box and cast our votes in a free and fair election is something that we have to fight for and protect.

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The Liberal Democrats welcome the statement and the decision to establish an independent review. Public trust in politics is dangerously low, and restoring it must begin with integrity and transparency. Will the Government accept that a small number of extremely wealthy individuals now wield disproportionate influence over British politics? That includes overseas donors, which raises serious questions about foreign interference. In a recent Westminster Hall debate, Members from across the House spoke out about this strongly. Finally, will the Secretary of State commit to donation caps?

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My right hon. Friend will be aware that the hon. Member for Boston and Skegness recently failed to declare on time hospitality in a French villa from the wife of the former Russian deputy Finance Minister. Will my right hon. Friend assure me that the offer and acceptance of gifts and free holidays from Russian oligarchs will be in the scope of the review?

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I hope that the Rycroft review will take account of the fact that the giving of money is by no means the worst aspect, or the main aspect, of treacherous behaviour, because very often these people do what they do out of a genuine belief in a potential enemy’s point of view. Let us not be overconcerned with the giving of the bribe, which is often a bonus to people who want to betray us to a potential enemy in any case.

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I welcome my right hon. Friend’s statement and thank him for mentioning the forcible deportation of Ukrainian children by Russia. I recently co-ordinated a cross-party letter to the Minister of State at the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office asking him to ensure that the human rights of those children are protected in peace negotiations. Does the Secretary of State share my concern that not a single representative from one particular party sought to sign it?

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I am curious to know in what respect our existing laws were insufficient to deal with this appalling case. Will the Secretary of State confirm that the best way to reassure the public on electoral resilience is never again to delay local council or mayoral elections?

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I welcome this review and the fact that it is independent. It is really important that this is seen to be above party politics because we must protect our democracy; it is very clear that it is fragile and under attack from foreign forces. Will the review look at the role of social media companies?

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I welcome the Secretary of State’s statement and wonder if he would reflect on concerns about UK political parties receiving large donations from abroad or through cryptocurrency. Can he assure me that this independent review will consider these issues?

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I would like to follow up on the question raised by my hon. Friend about social media and whether it is within the terms of the Rycroft review. If a foreign Government are funding third parties to post false comments on social media in order to mislead people exercising their democratic rights, surely that must come within the terms of the review.

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As a former elections Minister, I welcome the Secretary of State’s statement. I wonder if he would reflect on two points: first, whether the Electoral Commission needs more resources and sharper teeth; secondly, whether there is a need for a more uniform approach from police forces across the country in defending democracy.

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Interested in hearing from the Minister about when terms of reference will be published and whether the Secretary of State will appear before JCNSS during their inquiry.

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Enquires about whether donations made to political parties and candidates will be part of Rycroft’s review.

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Asks about providing full powers and resources for agencies to protect democracy from foreign influence.

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Welcomes the Rycroft review but suggests cross-party involvement and invites consideration of OSCE Parliamentary Assembly influences.

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Requests assurance that resources will be made available for a thorough examination of Russian interference.

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Asks if the review can look back to 2014 and 2016 referendums without ministerial censorship.

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Queries about social media sites spreading disinformation outside election periods.

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Critiques recent mayoral elections cancellation and questions about Chinese communist regime influence.

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Asks about money related to changing politics on abortion rights and trans rights.

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Enquires about recommendations for a donation cap or restoring Electoral Commission independence.

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Asks about the legal basis for the review and what individual political parties can do to prevent such issues before elections.

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Welcomes the review but criticises the Labour Government for their delay and lack of action previously.

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Welcomes the independent review but asks if misinformation, disinformation, and aspects of the electoral system will be in scope for the upcoming Bill.

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Asks if legislation can be introduced before May 2024 if parts of the electoral system are found to be not robust, and whether legislation will apply retrospectively.

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Asks for steps being taken to encourage strong approaches across Government Departments to counter Russian malign activity.

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Asks if the review will include EU citizens who have worked in the UK but may not influence elections compared to expats.

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Asks for assurances that the police have resources and if the review will examine full extent of Russian interference in politics.

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Asks if the EU referendum will be in scope of the review.

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Asks about the susceptibility of parties led by Nigel Farage to Russian bribes.

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Welcomes the review but raises concerns about misinformation spread by politicians.

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Asks if every political party will be required to cooperate with the terms of reference.

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I recently visited several high schools in my constituency to talk about our democracy and opportunities to come here and see it at work. The three most common topics they wanted to talk about were bobbing, smartphone bans that may be coming towards them; and our electoral system and proportional representation. Will the Secretary of State listen to our young people when doing so?

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Does the Secretary of State share my concern about the inadequate oversight of foreign donations, particularly moneys funnelled through cryptocurrency?

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A once senior leader of the Reform party is now in jail for colluding with Russia. When the hon. Member for Clacton heard about that, did he launch an inquiry? Will my right hon. Friend commit to make clear to the House exactly which political parties took part in this exercise of scrutiny and transparency?

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Does the Secretary of State agree that it cannot be good enough for any political party to simply accept the peddling of pro-Russian propaganda? Can he assure me that this review will examine all and every link with Russia without fear or favour?

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This case should be of concern to anybody who believes in this country and in our democracy. What will the Secretary of State do to ensure, in working with the Home Secretary, that police forces such as mine in Essex are equipped to deal with any local investigations?