Question to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government:

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what plans she has to consult the Electoral Commission's parliamentary parties panel on proposed changes to electoral law.

The Government is committed to strengthening our democracy, upholding the integrity of elections and encouraging wide participation in the democratic process.

We will tackle the unacceptable participation gap in our democracy by taking action to improve rates of electoral registration, and encourage engagement by young people by legislating to give 16- and 17-year-olds the right to vote in all elections in due course.

The Government also recognises the threat posed by malign actors who seek to interfere in UK elections by hiding the true source of funding behind political donations. We will therefore act to strengthen protections against foreign interference in our political finance framework.

The Government will work with the electoral sector, devolved and local government, and other stakeholders (including the Parliamentary Parties Panel) to raise participation and make the electoral system more effective. Any changes to electoral law will require careful consideration and consultation, including a review of the General Election by the Electoral Commission.