Oral Answers to Questions

Owen Thompson Excerpts

Wednesday 23rd June 2021 Commons Chamber

[The Prime Minister]

BT Openreach recently extended its offer of commercial coverage for gigabit broadband to services in my hon. Friend’s area—in the community that he mentions—and that is partly because of the super deduction in taxation in respect of investment that my right hon. Friend the Chancellor announced recently at the Budget.

[Owen Thompson (Midlothian) (SNP)]

  The Electoral Commission performs an important independent role in the regulation of UK elections. Whether it is investigating dark money or attempts to undermine our democracy, its role is critical to ensure public confidence in our democratic processes. With the Government seeking to neuter the Electoral Commission, what exactly is the Prime Minister planning that requires his Government to attempt to be able to direct the independent regulator?

[The Prime Minister]

For the sake of brevity, I think I can say absolutely nothing.