Foreign Financial Influence and Interference: UK Politics Debate

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Department: Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government

Foreign Financial Influence and Interference: UK Politics

Adam Dance Excerpts
Wednesday 25th March 2026

(1 day, 9 hours ago)

Commons Chamber
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Steve Reed Portrait Steve Reed
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The report is focused on stopping money coming in from hostile states or other hostile individuals who seek to undermine our democracy. That is the extent of the measures that I am announcing today.

Adam Dance Portrait Adam Dance (Yeovil) (LD)
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Constituents like Andrew from Crewkerne have told me how worried they are about funding from the United States for right-wing UK think-tanks and political parties. Recommendations 4 and 16 of the review would strengthen transparency and reporting around donations to think-tanks and lobbying groups, which can advance foreign influence. Will the Secretary of State tell my constituents whether the Government will implement those recommendations, and when that will be?

Steve Reed Portrait Steve Reed
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I thank the hon. Member and his constituents for their interest in this important matter. Philip Rycroft makes 17 detailed recommendations in his review. We will respond to all of them line by line, and at that point the hon. Member and his constituents will have our clear view.