Electoral Law Political Donations and Donors 2023-03-09
2023-03-09
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
The committee has not held recent discussions with the Electoral Commission regarding the strength and transparency of electoral laws concerning political donations and donors.
Whether the Speaker's Committee has had recent discussions with the Electoral Commission on the strength and transparency of electoral law on political donations and donors. The UK boasts one of the most transparent political finance regimes in the world, yet the Electoral Commission points out that modernisation and additional safeguards are necessary to bolster voter confidence.
The Speaker's Committee has not held recent discussions on these matters. The UK's political finance regime is highly transparent, but modernisation and additional safeguards are needed to enhance voter confidence. Recommendations include new duties for parties to conduct risk assessments of donations and 'know your donor' checks.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific discussions with the Electoral Commission on recent matters have not been held
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
Concerns were raised about the potential misuse of unincorporated associations as a means to channel foreign money into UK elections, including £1.7 million in registered donations linked to climate sceptics and fossil fuel interests.
What is the Electoral Commission doing to address transparency issues with funding from unincorporated associations, specifically those that might be used by lobbying groups to influence elections? The commission has pointed out weaknesses in the current transparency requirements for political donations by unincorporated associations.
The Electoral Commission has noted that there are weaknesses in the transparency requirements for political donations by unincorporated associations. These entities do not need to ensure donors are permissible; there are also no legal transparency requirements for unincorporated associations donating to candidates instead of parties or campaigners.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific actions or recommendations from the Electoral Commission on improving funding transparency and mitigating influence have not been provided
Response accuracy