Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, if he will have discussions with the Metropolitan Police on the steps being taken to help ensure political parties do not exchange financial contributions for honours.

It is against the law to 'sell' honours or peerages - offering cash for awards - under the Honours (Prevention of Abuses) Act 1925.

Honours are earned, not bought, and there are clear procedures in place to protect the honours system and to ensure the integrity of the selection process.

Donations to any political party should not be regarded as a reason for disqualification from receiving an honour.

More broadly, fundraising by political parties is a legitimate part of the democratic process. The alternative is taxpayer-funding of political campaigning, which would mean less money for frontline services like schools, police and hospitals.