House of Commons · Westminster Hall
31 March 2025 · 15 other contributors · 13,285 words
Opened by Irene Campbell Lab North Ayrshire and Arran
Responding minister: Not recorded
Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.
Irene Campbell raised concerns about political donations in Westminster Hall. Response awaited from government.
Key points
Key requests to Government
The lead MP called for the tightening of rules on political donations and the capping of all donations to a reasonable amount. She also requested a review of limits on fines that can be levied for breaking donation rules.
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said.
Opened the debate
The petition 'Tighten the rules on political donations' gathered over 140,000 signatures. The debate highlighted issues such as foreign interference through donations, transparency in political funding, and complex regulations allowing unclear sources of money to enter UK politics. It also mentioned Transparency International's research indicating that almost £1 in every £10 reported by political parties since 2001 has come from unknown or questionable sources.
Referenced a 2020 report from Parliament’s Intelligence and Security Committee that identified members of the Russian elite involved with charitable and political organisations in the UK, donating to political parties. Referenced the Carlton Club's donations from companies run by wealthy Swiss, German, and Russian nationals to the Conservative party.
Mr Carmichael agrees that a lack of transparency is key, suggesting a more open and transparent register of lobbyists as a big step forward.
My right hon. Friend supported the need for legislative change regarding foreign nationals donating to political parties, citing survey evidence indicating that over three quarters of those polled do not want such donations.
Declared support for trade union money as the cleanest in politics. Stated that public confidence in financial transparency has plummeted, with only 15% of Brits believing in spending and funding transparency.
Agreed with the statement that Reform UK is a limited company rather than a political party, highlighting the need for any change to legislation to incorporate risk factors. The hon. Member discusses the Conservative Friends of Russia lobby group, founded at the Russian embassy in London, and highlights instances where UK politicians met with Russian diplomats or received donations from Russian oligarchs. Asked whether the government intends to educate 16 and 17-year-olds about their right to vote, raising concerns that this point was out of scope for the debate.
Simmons acknowledges that foreign donations are illegal in the UK but highlights the need for effective enforcement of these rules. He notes previous Labour Government actions on political financing.
The hon. Member thanks Mr Stone for raising awareness of campaign finance issues and notes the significant increase in election costs following changes to US funding laws, urging consistent rules for political party spending throughout campaigns. Called for transparency regarding unincorporated associations or LLCs that are not transparent about where their money comes from.
The hon. Member highlighted the complexity of political donations beyond direct monetary contributions, referencing Alex Salmond's involvement with RT as an example of foreign influence. Addressed concerns about foreign money influencing UK politics, urging vigilance against subtle ways of political influence.
The hon. Member highlights that nearly $20,000 was donated to Sinn Féin’s 2017 Assembly election campaign from the United States, representing one third of their spending in that election. He agrees with the need to close a loophole allowing foreign money to influence politics.
Perteghella supports the debate's focus on the need for political finance reform to restore public trust. She outlines Liberal Democrat proposals including a cap on donations and closing loopholes.
Supported the need for stricter rules around foreign donations and urged the Government to go further in developing proposals that focus on foreign money entering the UK via companies and unincorporated associations.
Emphasises the importance of examining the relationship between internal mechanisms of democratic political systems and external actors. Discusses the need for effective regulation of political finance to maintain public trust in electoral systems, mentions that foreign donations can enter our politics via UK companies, and highlights the current legislation's failure as a sufficient deterrent.
Stressed the need for 'know your donor' checks and reducing donation reporting thresholds to improve scrutiny and protect democracy from foreign influence.
Acknowledges the concerns raised by Members about protecting democracy from undue foreign influence. Highlights historical milestones in democratic reform and the need to adapt to new challenges. Summarised contributions from colleagues, mentioned the Government's focus on safeguards against foreign interference, and highlighted ongoing work to review the powers of the Electoral Commission. Reiterated commitment to working across party lines on electoral reform, addressing concerns about foreign interference and upholding election integrity. Mentioned upcoming publication of a comprehensive document on the Government’s approach to electoral reform.
Mr Hayes discusses the importance of protecting democracy from foreign interference and the concentration of wealth in tech billionaires who could sway elections through donations or technology. He raises concerns about Elon Musk's potential involvement in UK politics. Asked about Labour’s commitment to giving 16 and 17-year-olds the vote and inquired for a rough timetable on its implementation.