← Back to House of Commons Debates
National Security Bill - Clause 14 and Lords amendments 22B, 122B
26 June 2023
Lead MP
Thomas Tugendhat
Debate Type
Bill Debate
Tags
No tags
Other Contributors: 13
At a Glance
Thomas Tugendhat raised concerns about national security bill - clause 14 and lords amendments 22b, 122b in the House of Commons. Other MPs contributed to the debate.
How the Debate Unfolded
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:
Lead Contributor
Opened the debate
Moves to disagree with Lords amendment 22B.
Rosie Winterton
Lab
Sheffield Central
Raises concerns about the Government's reluctance to accept Lords amendments, suggesting it is due to a lack of clarity and progress in addressing foreign interference risks. Supports the need for enhanced safeguards against foreign money influencing political parties.
Maria Eagle
Lab
Liverpool Garston
Questions the Minister about the rationale behind not accepting Lords amendments and highlights the scrutiny gap in intelligence and security activities due to outdated memorandum of understanding.
Kevan Jones
Lab
Durham North
Emphasises the ISC's frustration with lack of progress despite raising concerns for two years, highlighting the need for stronger safeguards against foreign money influence.
Liam Byrne
Lab
Birmingham Hodge Hill and Solihull North
Cites specific examples of foreign money donations and questions how the Bill safeguards against such risks, highlighting the need for clearer provisions to protect political integrity.
Holly Lynch
Lab
Batley and Spen
Critiques Government amendment (a) as insufficient, arguing it provides less clarity than Lords amendments 122B and 22B. Highlights ISC's inability to secure meetings with Prime Ministers since 2014, stressing the need for updated MOU and regular engagement.
Jim Shannon
DUP
Strangford
Questions why Government is reluctant to concede to a review as legislation evolves, highlighting the importance of addressing scrutiny gaps in national security activities.
Julian Lewis
Con
New Forest East
Lewis argues that current safeguards in electoral law are insufficient to guard against foreign interference. He highlights the ISC's position, supported by the Committee on Standards in Public Life and the Electoral Commission, which concludes that existing rules do not adequately protect against foreign influence. Lewis dismisses the Government’s claim that the amendment would place undue burdens on grassroots political organisations, stating it is a modest measure that increases transparency without being overly onerous.
Martin Docherty
SNP
West Dunbartonshire
In an intervention, Martin Docherty questions why the Government cannot extend the requirement for charities to conduct due diligence on foreign sources of funding to political parties as well.
Alison Thewliss
SNP
Glasgow Central
Supports Lords amendments for granting ISC more information access. Argues that political donations through unincorporated associations should be regulated to ensure transparency and accountability.
Rosie Winterton
Lab
Stockport
Called for brevity among speakers.
John Hayes
Con
South Holland and The Deepings
Emphasised the need for dynamic threat responses, secrecy in security missions, and accountability through a constitutionally specific ISC. Supports Government's small mercy in their amendment but urges prompt action within six months to update MOU.
Jeremy Wright
Con
Kenilworth and Southam
Wright agrees with the amendment, stating that it is necessary to protect democracy from foreign influence. He notes the importance of identifying and reporting donations from foreign powers to the Electoral Commission. However, he finds both Lords amendment 122B and Government’s amendment in lieu flawed due to their narrow focus on a six-month review period which may not account for future government changes.
Thomas Tugendhat
Con
Tonbridge
Tugendhat acknowledges criticism but states that the Bill is essential to update intelligence services' powers. He defends parliamentary scrutiny and expresses commitment to addressing oversight concerns with relevant departments, though he finds Lords amendment 22B insufficient for tackling foreign donations due to its narrow scope.
Shadow Response
Holly Lynch
Shadow Response
Highlights concerns about the ISC's ability to perform its function effectively due to outdated MOU, questions lack of progress despite repeated calls for updates. Emphasises the need for robust safeguards against foreign influence on political parties.
▸
Assessment & feedback
Summary accuracy
About House of Commons Debates
House of Commons debates take place in the main chamber of the House of Commons. These debates cover a wide range of topics including government policy, legislation, and current affairs. MPs from all parties can participate, question ministers, and hold the government accountable for its decisions.