Charities (Protection and Social Investment) Bill [ Lords ] (First sitting)

Debate between Wes Streeting and Peter Kyle

Tuesday 15th December 2015 Public Bill Committees

[Wes Streeting]

I am grateful to the hon. Gentleman for making those points. It is absolutely right that charities benefit, particularly from gift aid. As an avid, although somewhat despondent, viewer of “The X Factor”, I notice that the Chancellor has generously waived VAT on the winner’s single, which I am sure we will all be rushing to buy.

[Peter Kyle]

Will my hon. Friend give way?

[Wes Streeting]

Is my hon. Friend going to rush to buy it?

--- Later in debate ---

[Peter Kyle]

Those of us who run campaigning charities are very familiar with the regulations to which the Minister refers—

[Wes Streeting]

indicated assent.

[Peter Kyle]

I see my hon. Friend nodding, recalling his days in charities.

The point is that for those in government, it is policy and it is not always party political, but those of us who are familiar with the regulations know that sometimes charities need to speak out absolutely. The Minister’s predecessor once said publicly that charities ought to “stick to their knitting”. Charities find that kind of statement offensive, and trustees interpret it as an indication that they should not get involved in public campaigns that might impact on Government policy. Will he say that charities should do everything beyond knitting, including challenging the Government? It does not have to mean that they are involved in party politics—