Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask His Majesty's Government what discussions they have had with the House of Lords Appointments Commission regarding reports that peers have been appointed after donating money to the Conservative party.

Advice provided by the House of Lords Appointments Commission to the Government is confidential. It would be inappropriate to comment on such reports, or speculate about individual nominations or vetting. Peerages reflect long-standing contributions to civic life and also a willingness to further contribute to public life as a legislator in the Second Chamber. Volunteering and supporting a political party is part of our civic democracy.