Political Donations: Cap
Lord Grocott Excerpts(2 weeks, 6 days ago)
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Lord Khan of Burnley (Lab)
My Lords, the noble Lord and I met the new chief executive of the Electoral Commission, and we will continue to have those conversations—together, if need be, given the noble Lord’s expertise in this area. The noble Lord is quite right: the Electoral Commission plays an important part in the UK’s democratic system, promoting public confidence in democratic processes and ensuring their integrity. On his question about anonymous donations, I will take it away and ensure that we come back to him with some more facts and information.
Lord Grocott (Lab)
Does my noble friend recall that the last Government thought it wise, and legislated accordingly, to ensure that people who had lived abroad for more than 15 years and had no intention of ever living in the United Kingdom again should be enfranchised? Can he tell us, in the light of material gathered since the last election, precisely how many more people were given the franchise as a result of that? I have heard estimates of around 2.5 million. What have been the costs involved in ensuring that these people are identified and known to be bona fides residents at whatever residence they last lived at in the United Kingdom? Finally, can he tell us what proportion of the 2.5 million actually exercised their right to vote? He will not be able to answer all of that right now, but will he please send me an extended reply?
Lord Khan of Burnley (Lab)
To the noble Lord’s surprise, I can answer his question. The total number of overseas voters registered was 191,338, according to the Electoral Commission’s recent report on the 2024 general election. The noble Lord made a very interesting point. Overseas voters have the right to participate in UK parliamentary elections, including the right to donate to the parties or candidates they support. However, foreign money is not permitted, and it is a criminal offence to facilitate an impermissible donation. Political parties can accept donations only from registered electors. Overseas electors are subject to the same counter-fraud measures as domestic electors, including having their identity confirmed as part of the registration process. On his other questions, I will write to him.
European Union
Lord Grocott Excerpts(2 months, 2 weeks ago)
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Baroness Twycross (Lab)
Absolutely. I have a long list—which would deviate from the diktat from my noble friend the Chief Whip—that outlines a number of conversations that have happened. Migration is a shared challenge. We desperately want to strengthen our relationships with European partners to smash the gangs, and that includes strengthening our relations with the EU and its agencies. In recent weeks the Prime Minister and other Ministers have engaged with key European Heads of State and Ministers on this issue, discussing how we can work together to smash the gangs and tackle irregular migration through a whole-of-route approach.
Lord Grocott (Lab)
Although of course we want the warmest possible relationship with the European Union, can my noble friend take this opportunity to reiterate what the Prime Minister has frequently said in recent months, which is that there will be no question whatever of us rejoining either the customs union or the single market?
Baroness Twycross (Lab)
The Prime Minister has been unambiguous on that point, and that is not up for debate.