Foreign Financial Influence and Interference: UK Politics

Stephen Gethins Excerpts
Wednesday 25th March 2026

(1 day, 9 hours ago)

Commons Chamber
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Steve Reed Portrait Steve Reed
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I am grateful for my hon. Friend’s question; it is a very important one. We will respond in detail to the recommendations and bring forward any new powers or resources that the Electoral Commission requires. We will ensure that it can carry out any new responsibilities that we place on them.

Stephen Gethins Portrait Stephen Gethins (Arbroath and Broughty Ferry) (SNP)
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Can I put on record my thanks to Sir Philip Rycroft for his public service? The Secretary of State referenced devolved Administrations. The Scottish Parliament is going into the pre-election period this afternoon, so how will this work in terms of the elections? How will this legislation impact the extraordinary number of political donors who happen to find themselves as Members of the House of Lords, should they be seen to have broken any rules here?

Steve Reed Portrait Steve Reed
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I hope to speak with the relevant Minister in the Scottish Government today. There will, of course, be engagement between officials during the pre-election period. Any legislative change would come after the elections in Scotland and in Wales.