Oral Answers to Questions

Ruth Cadbury Excerpts

Wednesday 5th June 2019 Commons Chamber

The Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster and Minister for the Cabinet Office was asked—

[Ruth Cadbury (Brentford and Isleworth) (Lab)]

1. When he plans to launch the consultation on electoral integrity announced on 5 May 2019.

[Alex Cunningham (Stockton North) (Lab)]

13. When he plans to launch the consultation on electoral integrity announced on 5 May 2019.

[The Parliamentary Secretary, Cabinet Office (Kevin Foster)]

The Government recently announced measures to strengthen and protect our democratic processes, including a consultation on electoral integrity. Before we launch the consultation, we will hold discussions with interested groups and explore the scope for cross-party co-operation. It will be published in due course.

[Ruth Cadbury]

Earlier this year, my constituents were bombarded with Facebook adverts telling them that I was stealing Brexit and ignoring their votes. It has been reported that behind those adverts was hundreds of thousands of pounds of dark money. Does the Minister agree that it is vital that voters know who is funding political adverts on social media?

[Kevin Foster]

Part of our announcement was that we will bring in a requirement for digital imprints where candidates or campaigners are involved, and some social media platforms have already implemented that. We are also looking, as part of a wider consultation, at how to have modern and up-to-date electoral rules, but it is about ensuring that we do it well rather than quickly.