Question to the Northern Ireland Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, what discussions he had with the Electoral Commission before his statement to the House on 3 July 2017 on the publication of details of political donations made to parties in Northern Ireland; and if he will make a statement.

In January, I wrote to the political parties to seek their views on this issue and I also wrote to the Electoral Commission. The Commission’s response is available alongside those of other respondents at the following link:

https://www.gov.uk/government/news/brokenshire-provides-further-details-of-political-donations-policy-to-mps.

My officials have continued to work closely with the Electoral Commission on the preparation of the secondary legislation which will provide for the publication of all donations and loans received by Northern Ireland parties on or after 1 July 2017.