Political Parties and Elections Act 2009
Debate between Lord Khan of Burnley and Lord Fowler(2 weeks, 5 days ago)
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Lord Fowler (CB)
My Lords, I know that, in my day, when I was party chairman—before I became independent—some of the biggest political donors were the trade unions. Does this review include the trade unions and the restrictions that could be placed on them?
Lord Khan of Burnley (Lab)
My Lords, to the noble Lord’s question, your Lordships will have to wait until summer, when we will set out our strategy. The Deputy Prime Minister is absolutely keen, in her role as Secretary of State for MHCLG, to ensure that we have strong electoral reforms ready for the next election.
Political Parties: Donations from Abroad
Debate between Lord Khan of Burnley and Lord Fowler(5 months, 1 week ago)
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Lord Khan of Burnley (Lab)
My Lords, my noble friend makes an excellent point about individuals who are not eligible to vote here. There are rules that govern individuals and organisations that campaign in elections but are not standing in political parties. While it is clear that foreign donations to political parties are not permitted, the Government recognise the risks posed by malign actors who seek to interfere with and undermine our democratic process. My final point is that the rules exist to give the public more confidence in the way third parties interact with the political system. They ensure that campaigning in a transparent manner will prevent any individual, company or organisation exerting undue influence on our elections.
Lord Fowler (CB)
I agree entirely with the noble Lord, Lord Dubs, but is there not a case for a review that goes rather wider than just political contributions from overseas? We have the issue, for example, of whether there should be a cap on all contributions made. Surely, above all, we need a system that is entirely honest and seen as such around the world. Compared with some of the things that are happening now, that would not be a bad example.