Draft Transparency of Donations and Loans etc. (Northern Ireland political parties) order 2018

Debate between Simon Hoare and Jess Phillips

Tuesday 19th December 2017 General Committees

[Simon Hoare]

The hon. Gentleman makes a strong and pertinent point.

[Jess Phillips]

Does the hon. Gentleman honestly think it is in bad faith that the Labour party wishes to see transparency at a time when, in our politics, global powers trying to tinker with our democracy are rife across the world? Does he honestly think the Labour party sits here to try to do something other than see the facts and find the truth?

[Simon Hoare]

I have to say to the hon. Lady, who I know has—

[Jess Phillips]

An independent mind.

[Simon Hoare]

Self-praise is no recommendation, but I was going to say that she has impeccable credentials. Unfortunately—and I suggest that in a moment of private honesty the hon. Lady might concur with this—this country is faced with two Labour parties. As she will be aware, we face a democratically accountable, legally abiding Labour party, and a rather mysteriously funded, trade union, Momentum-inspired—