Defending Democracy Taskforce

Baroness Winterton of Doncaster Excerpts

Monday 12th January 2026 Lords Chamber

[Lord Hanson of Flint (Lab)]

It is important that any information that comes from Sir Philip Rycroft’s review or from the separate review from the Security Minister is analysed. There will always obviously be restrictions on the information we can put into the public domain, but I will take away what the noble Lord has requested and find a mechanism to ensure that, for the information we can put into the public domain, that is done.

[Baroness Winterton of Doncaster (Lab)]

My Lords, can my noble friend the Minister assure me that the Government are looking carefully at the election monitoring work of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe, especially with regard to combatting foreign interference? I am sure that a lot of this work needs to be done and co-ordinated on an international level. Can he further assure me that, if legislation is needed, which I think it will be, it can be introduced quickly so that it can be effective by the next general election?

[Lord Hanson of Flint (Lab)]

My noble friend is right to say that those who help support election monitoring overseas do a valuable job. I know that she has recently been undertaking election monitoring in Moldova. It is extremely important that the integrity of elections, not just in the United Kingdom, is maintained in the face of threats on the ground and disinformation. We are examining whether legislation is required, which my honourable friend the Security Minister is currently undertaking. If there are areas where action is needed, it is important that we address those speedily.