Foreign Financial Influence and Interference: UK Politics

Freddie van Mierlo Excerpts

Wednesday 25th March 2026 Commons Chamber

[Steve Reed]

I thank my hon. Friend for his personal engagement on this issue and for the work of the APPG that he chairs. It has made some significant contributions and we are grateful for that. We will, of course, ensure that the Electoral Commission has the resources it requires to enforce changes as we bring them forward. On his final point, the defending democracy taskforce exists to make sure that there is proper alignment across all the necessary regulators to ensure that we are keeping our democracy in this country free and safe.

[Freddie van Mierlo (Henley and Thame) (LD)]

I welcome the Secretary of State’s reference to the rights of British overseas electors and the cap on donations as a proportionate response, yet their right to cast their vote is constantly stymied by late arrivals of the post. While the Secretary of State is considering amendments to the Representation of the People Bill, will he meet me to consider my amendments that would address that issue and seek to secure the voting rights of overseas citizens?

[Steve Reed]

I am aware of that important concern. I am happy to make sure that he gets an appropriate meeting to discuss it.