Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Defending Democracy Taskforce

Monday 27 November 2023 · 3 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 0 Partly answered 2 Not answered 0

Key points

  • The Defending Democracy Taskforce has been operating for about a year and works closely with various entities to improve security.
  • The Minister is confident that Lord Cameron has declared all previous contacts with and moneys earned from foreign Governments as required.
  • The Minister acknowledges the importance of foreign ownership and control, mentioning Ofcom's report on TikTok as a source of news for young people.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Cat Smith Lab Lancaster and Wyre
Democracy & Elections
Context

The question concerns the assessment of a task force aimed at preventing foreign interference in UK democracy.

Question

What assessment his Department has made of the effectiveness of the Defending Democracy Taskforce in preventing foreign interference in the UK's democratic integrity.

Answer from Thomas Tugendhat

The Defending Democracy Taskforce has been operating for about a year and works closely with various entities to improve security. It updates individuals across the House on ways to enhance democracy safety. The Minister urges involvement in politics, particularly joining his party.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific effectiveness assessment not provided

How: Urges Political Involvement

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Q2 Cat Smith Lab Lancaster and Wyre
Standards & Ethics
Context

Concern over transparency regarding former Prime Minister's contacts with foreign governments.

Question

Does the Minister agree that Lord Cameron should declare all previous contacts with, and moneys earned from, foreign Governments after he left office as Prime Minister before being appointed Foreign Secretary?

Answer from Thomas Tugendhat

Rules are set by the House and other bodies to ensure proper accounting of expenses and connections. The Minister is confident that Lord Cameron has done so as required.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific agreement not given, only mentions existing rules

How: Refers To Existing Regulations

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Q3 Dan Jarvis Lab Barnsley North
Foreign Affairs Culture, Media & Sport Business & Trade
Context

Concern over immediate attention needed for mergers and ownership issues under the National Security and Investment Act.

Question

Can the Minister give an assurance that both the Three-Vodafone merger and the future ownership of The Daily Telegraph will be looked at in accordance with the National Security and Investment Act 2021?

Answer from Thomas Tugendhat

The Minister acknowledges the importance of foreign ownership and control, and mentions looking at social media influence along with traditional media. He notes Ofcom's report on TikTok as a source of news for young people.

Not addressed: Specific assurances not given for mergers or Telegraph ownership

How: Shifts Focus To Social Media Influence

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