Oral Answers to Questions

Cat Smith Excerpts

Thursday 16th November 2023 Commons Chamber

[Mr Alistair Carmichael (Orkney and Shetland) (LD)]

1. What recent discussions the Committee has had with the Electoral Commission on party spending limits for elections.

[Cat Smith (Lancaster and Fleetwood)]

The Committee has not had recent discussions with the Commission on the matters raised. The Electoral Commission supports political parties to comply with their legal obligations to adhere to spending limits during an election campaign, and publishes their spending. That provides voters with transparency over the money spent by political parties during elections and assurance that there is a level playing field for all political parties.

[Mr Carmichael]

Public confidence in the integrity of our democracy is only harmed by the idea that somehow it can be bought by the people with the deepest pockets. Can the hon. Member assure me that the Electoral Commission understands that in setting those limits, it is a question not simply of finance and arithmetic but of the integrity of the system and that level playing field?

[Cat Smith]

The UK Government’s proposals to increase the spending limits and donation reporting thresholds represent a significant change to the UK’s political finance controls. The Commission’s research shows a long-term decline in public confidence in the political finance system. Any changes to spending or reporting thresholds must be supported by rigorous analysis, including on the likely impact on public confidence and transparency. The Commission has not seen any evidence to support these changes. It is concerned that the proposals risk damaging the transparency of political donations and give significantly more scope for higher-spending parties to campaign.

The hon. Member for South West Bedfordshire, representing the Church Commissioners was asked—

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[Justin Madders (Ellesmere Port and Neston) (Lab)]

4. What recent discussions the Committee has had with the Electoral Commission on the regulation of online political advertising before an election.

[Cat Smith (Lancaster and Fleetwood)]

The Committee has not had recent discussions with the Electoral Commission on the matters raised. The Elections Act 2022 introduced a requirement for most online political campaign material to carry a digital imprint. The Commission has said that digital imprints will improve trust and confidence in digital campaigns at future elections and referendums in the UK. It has published statutory guidance to help parties and campaigners understand and comply with this new requirement.

[Justin Madders]

Targeted online advertising can sometimes contain very misleading claims about Members and other politicians. Members might not even be aware that an advert has been sent out. Will the Commission look at some sort of process whereby there is a way for all adverts to be registered, so that people can check their transparency and veracity?

[Cat Smith]

The Commission has previously recommended that social media libraries should be a legal requirement. That would provide voters with more information about who is being targeted online, but it would be for the Government to come forward with the legislation.

The hon. Member for South West Bedfordshire, representing the Church Commissioners was asked—