Asked by: Martin Whitfield (Labour - East Lothian)
Question to the Cabinet Office:
To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, what steps the Government is taking to tackle the effect of foreign political advertising on UK elections.
Answered by Chloe Smith
UK political parties and campaigners can only receive donations (including donations in kind) from permissible sources. These sources are set out in legislation and include individuals on the electoral roll, companies registered in the UK and carrying on business here, and a number of other UK-registered bodies. Separate provisions apply in Northern Ireland. Accepting donations from any impermissible donor is an offence.
Under the Communications Act 2003, other than party political broadcasts, political advertising is prohibited on TV and radio. However, the Government recognises the problems caused by misleading and false information online, and we take the security and integrity of our democratic processes very seriously.
The Government’s manifesto includes a commitment to take steps to protect the reliability and objectivity of information that is essential to our democracy and a free, independent press. Therefore we are working with the broadcast and press sectors, social media and the broader tech industry, academics and international partner governments to ensure we have a news environment where accurate content can prevail. We are also working to improve the critical analysis and digital literacy skills of the wider population.