Supports strengthening political finance rules to protect democracy from foreign influence. Questions the lack of individual donation limits and enforcement powers, citing £115 million in donations from unknown sources over a decade as evidence of serious issues.

Calls for immediate action to address corrupt funding in political parties and the need for greater transparency. Emphasises the importance of restoring the Electoral Commission's independence and proposes measures such as lowering reporting thresholds, capping donations, and tightening regulations on shell companies.

Highlights lack of transparency in political party funding, citing Transparency International research which shows £42 million from corrupt sources since 2001. Criticises defence industry corruption and proposes reforms to tighten spending rules, lower limits on donations, introduce caps, and enhance the Electoral Commission’s powers.

Supports tighter regulations on political finance, including donation caps of £10,000 a year for individuals and organisations. Emphasises the need to close loopholes allowing foreign funding and ensure only trusted sources fund overseas trips.

Raises concerns about economic dominance leading to political influence, citing Transparency International data on corrupt donors since 2001. Proposes an independent Ethics and Integrity Commission and closing loopholes for unincorporated associations and overseas funding.

Stresses the importance of rebuilding trust in politics, noting a significant drop in public trust over the past decade. Calls for MPs to focus on addressing people's concerns rather than internal party issues.

Highlights national security concerns with potential large donations from foreign entities. Emphasises the impact of money on local democracy, citing issues like disinformation and fake leaflets in constituencies.

Supports strengthening donation rules and transparency measures, including reforms to clamp down on unincorporated associations. Advocates for a cap on political donations due to the increasing reliance on major donors.

Low voter turnout and ease of circumventing donation restrictions pose significant risks. Foreign donations must be banned more effectively, as seen in past instances where the Bureau of Investigative Journalism made impermissible donations to major parties. Russian entities have donated large sums to political campaigns, raising concerns about influence buying. KYD rules should be introduced, shell company loopholes closed, and unincorporated associations regulated.

The Liberal Democrats support reforms to prevent foreign interference and increase transparency in political donations by strengthening the Electoral Commission’s independence and enforcement powers. They advocate for capping donations to political parties, enhancing regulatory power, and reversing Conservative Government changes that weakened the commission's independence.

Stressed the importance of transparency in political donations through The Guardian's article detailing party spending limits and efforts. Raised concerns over issue-based campaign funding practices from the US, which can significantly impact British elections without being classified as direct donations to parties. Mentioned recent changes by Labour in Wales and SNP in Scotland that allow foreign citizens to vote and donate, creating a loophole. Questioned why the Government abandoned commitments under the National Security Act 2023 for sharing information between regulators, law enforcement, and political parties.

The defending democracy taskforce, chaired by the Home Secretary alongside the Deputy Prime Minister, is looking at issues related to social media and political parties. The Government are reviewing changes in the role of the regulator to ensure enforcement provides a clear deterrent against breaking laws while remaining proportionate. They are considering evidence from various stakeholders and will continue efforts on election security and preparedness.

He is pleased that the Government recognise the evolving nature of threats, especially in cyber and social media platforms. He hopes they look at ways social media can be used to benefit political parties directly or indirectly.

He discussed Elon Musk's comments during riots and suggested investigating such individuals who interfere with democracy, emphasising that their money has no place in politics. He supports protecting the integrity of elections and preventing foreign interference.

He thanked Members for contributions to the debate on political donations and regulation, highlighting the need for change to protect democracy from dirty money and Russian oligarchs. He reminded hon. Member for Dewsbury and Batley about the importance of evidence-based arguments.