Transparency of Lobbying, Non-Party Campaigning and Trade Union Administration Bill

Debate between Andy Sawford and Wayne David

Tuesday 10th September 2013 Commons Chamber

[Andy Sawford (Corby) (Lab/Co-op)]

As a relatively new Member, I agree that we have had a huge amount of representations from the public—this is the issue on which I have had most contact from the public. Does my hon. Friend share my view that those representations are almost universally against the proposals, which are believed to be rushed and inadequate?

[Wayne David]

Yes, my hon. Friend is absolutely correct. The wealth of concern expressed by voluntary organisations and charities across the board has been spectacular. They are all desperately concerned. They are drawn from civil society and are concerned that the Bill will undermine their ability to campaign on, and even raise, important issues in the run-up to general elections and other elections.