Asked by: Baroness Helic (Conservative - Life peer)
Question to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government:
To ask His Majesty's Government what consideration the independent review into countering foreign financial influence and interference in UK politics will give to the adequacy of existing safeguards, including the Foreign Influence Registration Scheme and lobbying rules, in relation to paid political influence activity carried out in the UK on behalf of foreign authorities and organisations whose senior leadership is subject to UK sanctions.
Answered by Baroness Taylor of Stevenage - Baroness in Waiting (HM Household) (Whip)
It is, and always will be, an absolute priority for this Government to protect our democratic and electoral processes. The Rycroft review will involve an in-depth assessment of current financial and bribery related rules and safeguards that regulate political parties and political finance. The terms of reference for the review can be found here: Independent review: countering foreign financial influence and interference in UK politics: Terms of Reference - GOV.UK
The outcome of the review will, where relevant, inform the elections and democracy bill that we have pledged to bring forward during this Parliament. However, given the review’s independence, we cannot pre-empt specifics of the ground it will cover, nor the recommendations it will make. It is right that the review is independent of Government and independent of any political party. We will be looking to mitigate the risk of foreign financial interference in UK politics from any actors and individuals who might wish to undermine our democracy.
Asked by: Baroness Helic (Conservative - Life peer)
Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:
To ask His Majesty's Government, further to the Written Answer by Baroness Chapman of Darlington on 27 November 2025 (HL11898), what the expected timeframe is for completing the review of the Prime Minister's Special Representative on Preventing Sexual Violence in Conflict; and whether they will publish the full outcomes of that review, including any decision on the continuation or termination of that position.
Answered by Baroness Chapman of Darlington - Minister of State (Development)
In her appearance before the Foreign Affairs Committee on 16 December 2025, the Foreign Secretary explained that work on the review of Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office envoys had been delayed because of September 2025's ministerial reshuffle, but we expect to complete that work in the near future.