Asked by: Lord Rennard (Liberal Democrat - Life peer)
Question to the Home Office:
To ask His Majesty's Government, further to the remarks by the Minister for Security on 1 November (HC Deb col 791), whether the proposed new taskforce to protect parliament from being subverted by foreign powers will examine the funding of (1) think tanks, and (2) other organisations, seeking to influence public policy; and in particular, where such funding comes from (a) abroad, and (b) anonymous sources.
Answered by Lord Sharpe of Epsom - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Home Office)
As the Government set out in the Integrated Review, it will be essential to take a whole-of-society approach to resilience across the United Kingdom.
The taskforce announced by the Minister for Security earlier this week will drive forward work to defend the democratic integrity of our country. It will work with Parliament, political parties, government departments, the security and intelligence agencies, the devolved Administrations and private sector to better protect our freedoms and institutions from a range of threats.
I am not able to comment on the exact parameters or scope of the taskforce at this point, but I can assure Lord Rennard that work is taking place within Departments at pace to define exactly these points.
In addition, national security is a priority for this Government, and there are already numerous workstreams underway to add resilience and robustness to our democracy, including the Defending Democracy programme established in 2019 and the National Security Bill.
Asked by: Lord Rennard (Liberal Democrat - Life peer)
Question to the Home Office:
To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the need to provide a greater police presence at polling stations for different types of elections or votes.
Answered by Baroness Williams of Trafford - Captain of the Honourable Corps of Gentlemen-at-Arms (HM Household) (Chief Whip, House of Lords)
The police assess the needs for security at polling stations in their area and respond accordingly.
Planning and oversight of election issues during campaigns is overseen by a NPCC lead and a network of local Electionco-ordinators, who work closely with the candidates and others involved in the process, to ensure the democratic process.
Asked by: Lord Rennard (Liberal Democrat - Life peer)
Question to the Home Office:
To ask the Leader of the House what assessment she has made of whether there has been any reduction in the capacity of the House to scrutinise the policies of Her Majesty’s Government caused by the suspension of by-elections for hereditary peers until 8 September; and what consideration she has given to extending that suspension to limit the size of the House and reduce costs.
Answered by Baroness Evans of Bowes Park
The House has agreed to a number of temporary changes to its usual working practices and procedures in light of the Covid-19 pandemic. One of these changes was to delay any by-elections under Standing Order 10 until at least Tuesday 8 September. Without this delay a by-election would have had to be held before 26 June owing to a retirement.
In practical terms it is possible to put the arrangements in place for by-elections to be held in a way that reflects our current circumstances and ways of working. So a further extension is not necessary.
Asked by: Lord Rennard (Liberal Democrat - Life peer)
Question to the Home Office:
To ask Her Majesty's Government when they expect Dame Carol Black’s review of drugs policy to be published.
Answered by Baroness Williams of Trafford - Captain of the Honourable Corps of Gentlemen-at-Arms (HM Household) (Chief Whip, House of Lords)
We anticipate that Dame Carol Black’s Review of Drugs will report its findings to the Home Secretary in the autumn and the Home Secretary will report back to Parliament after that.