Foreign Interference in UK Politics

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The MP questioned whether there has been any consultation with relevant bodies despite changes directly affecting them and expressed concerns over the practical consequences of new requirements on candidate donations. He asked if a company sponsoring a lounge or lanyard is considered foreign interference.

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The MP asked about the timeline for implementation of new rules on political finance, particularly in light of upcoming elections.

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Expresses concerns over the lack of meaningful consultation with political parties prior to decisions such as moratoriums on cryptocurrency donations and caps on overseas elector donations. Highlights issues related to party funding conventions, Parliamentary engagement, and clarity around candidate donation requirements.

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Requests clarity on requirements for candidates to prove source of campaign funding prior to becoming official candidates and confirms ongoing discussions with Departments about a stand-alone permanent secretary leading on the security of democracy.

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Welcomes the Minister's acceptance of Philip Rycroft’s recommendation to use post-tax profits rather than overall revenue when assessing eligibility of company donations. Asks about banning foreign individuals from donating to UK political entities, urges consideration of caps on domestic donations and year-round spending limits by parties and candidates.

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Committed the minister for the work done, inquired about a ban on crypto donations versus a moratorium, and asked what steps will be taken to strengthen legal duties in the Representation of the People Bill.

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Asked if the minister is aware of the vulnerability around unincorporated associations and confirmed that measures are being taken in the Representation of the People Bill.

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Welcomed much of the minister’s statement but expressed disappointment over not having an outright ban on crypto donations and questioned why there isn’t a ban now on algorithmic amplification during election campaigns.

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Stated that the Government is right to pursue foreign interference but criticised the lack of consultation with political parties and suggested it looked like a 'stitch-up'.

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Asked about targeting social media companies allowing misinformation to spread and questioned if ministers should stay on platforms owned by individuals hostile to British values.

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Congratulated the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport for removing their Department from Twitter/X and asked about steps being taken to protect democracy before measures in the Representation of the People Bill.

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Welcomed reforms but asked about proper registration for individuals returning to the UK, specifically those with significant crypto wealth.

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Welcomed measures but noted that they may not stop individuals like Christopher Harborne from donating. He asked for severe punishments for anyone undermining democracy.

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Welcomed the statement but expressed concern that money and corruption may always find a way. He proposed an overall cap for all donations.

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Asked if the Government would restore voting rights reserved solely for British citizens.

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Committed the Minister for her work on this matter and asked if she would commit to closing loopholes and capping UK donations at £100,000.

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Asked how earnings from foreign sources will be treated, specifically those enabling indirect self-funding of candidates and MPs by those who seek influence.

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Asked for assurances that measures introduced will prevent convicted individuals and companies from funding British politics.

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Suggested that Labour Government’s actions to stop Reform UK rise were desperate and questioned if they discussed proposals with major donors.

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Named a property magnate as pledging millions to Reform UK and asked if Minister agreed with him being described as an honest politician.

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Welcomed Government accepting Rycroft review recommendations but noted that not all sources of distortion were examined and asked why there is no cap on donations.

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Asked if corporate political donations through shell arrangements or foreign-linked entities will be possible under new proposals.

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Welcomed Minister’s statement and suggested establishing an office of the whistleblower with legal protections for those declaring wrongdoing.

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Asked when changes in law will be seen after Minister’s statement and recommendations from Rycroft review.

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Asked if criminal history of potential donors will be considered as part of due diligence when processing donations.

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Raised concerns about foreign donors lobbying against policies after receiving large sums from them and asked for reassurance.

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Welcomed actions to tackle foreign donations and dirty money but asked for assurance that enforcement agencies will have teeth.

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Asked if measures close routes allowing shell companies with links to Russian-connected individuals from funneling money into politics.

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I very much welcome the Minister’s statement today and the incorporation of the Rycroft review recommendations. I also welcome the changes to the “know your donor” rules, particularly in respect of location; political parties must be forced to include location in their considerations before accepting a donation. Does the Minister agree that political parties should also be forced to consider politically exposed people and the source of the wealth being donated before accepting donations?

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I thank the Minister for her engagement with me on this issue. I want to praise both the work of the Electoral Commission in addressing the many threats that we face and the Rycroft review, which I had the pleasure of speaking to Philip Rycroft about. In the review, he focuses not just on money, which many Members have spoken about, but on the ongoing threats in the online world. Does the Minister agree that this is a once-in-a-generation moment to take a tough line on disinformation that is deliberately created in the UK and then amplified by foreign bots? Such disinformation has a bad influence on our right to choose based on real, true information.