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

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, with reference to the debate and the commitment made by then then Government during the National Security Bill of 4 July 2024, Official Report, House of Lords, Column 1125, and to the answer of 29 January 2025, to Question 23153, on Local Government: Information Sharing, what steps are being taken to facilitate the sharing of confidential or sensitive information, that may originate from (a) the security services and (b) the National Crime Agency and (c) the Special Enquiries Team of the Metropolitan Police, with political parties, that may relate to parties’ risk assessments and due diligence on political donations, including risks of foreign financial interference.

The Government recognises the importance of political parties having access to timely and authoritative information on the threat landscape, including risks relating to foreign financial interference. The Electoral Commission has an important convening role to play in supporting this work. We will continue to work closely with the Electoral Commission, working collaboratively to develop a forum through which parties which will receive annual security briefings.

The Government will build on these arrangements by continuing development on mechanisms for routine engagement with political parties and improving the clarity of guidance and threat briefings. We will also continue to explore whether further enhancements are needed to ensure that information flows are coherent.