Question

To ask the Right hon. Member for Kenilworth and Southam, representing the Speaker's Committee on the Electoral Commission, what steps the Electoral Commission is taking to protect elections from foreign interference.

Elections in the UK continue to be well-run, but the Electoral Commission has highlighted that the electoral system faces growing threats, including from foreign interference.

The Commission’s regulatory remit is focused on ensuring the safeguards against foreign interference in the political finance system are properly enforced. The Commission also makes recommendations to further strengthen the law, a number of which are being taken forward in the Representation of the People Bill.

The Commission also plays an important convening role, with partners, to enable the sharing of election-related security information with the electoral community, particularly in the run-up to elections. It is part of the Defending Democracy Taskforce and earlier this year it organised a briefing event for political parties with National Protective Security Authority (NPSA) and National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) to discuss their guidance that covers protecting democratic institutions.