Political Donation Rules 2025-04-03
2025-04-03
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Direct Answer
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Context
The question stems from concerns about the effectiveness of current measures in place to enforce compliance with political donation rules, as assessed by the Committee on Standards in Public Life.
What assessment has the Committee made of the effectiveness of the Electoral Commission's powers to enforce compliance with political donation rules?
There are high levels of compliance with UK's political donation laws. The Electoral Commission has powers to investigate and sanction breaches but recommends making these more effective by increasing the maximum fine from £20,000 to £500,000.
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Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q2
Direct Answer
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Context
Concerns about the effectiveness of current maximum fine levels set by the Electoral Commission, which is limited to £20,000.
The Electoral Commission has the power to issue fines only up to £20,000. Does the right hon. and learned Member agree with the Committee on Standards in Public Life's recommendation that this threshold needs to be increased to ensure proper deterrence against bad faith actors?
Having been a member of that Committee, I do agree with its recommendations. The Electoral Commission has made clear its views on increasing fine levels from £20,000 to £500,000.
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Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
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Context
Concerns about the transparency of political donations across different regions in the UK, with a specific focus on Northern Ireland.
What progress has been made on establishing individual taskforces for each region of the United Kingdom to ensure that political donations are properly disclosed and provide proper transparency?
The situation in Northern Ireland is different from the rest of the UK. Across the UK, the Electoral Commission supports transparency as an obligation for political parties, aiming to support this across the system.
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Assessment & feedback
Regional taskforces specifically mentioned by MP
Differs In Northern Ireland
Electoral Commission View On Transparency
Response accuracy