Is foreign money interfering with UK democracy? Committee looks at political finance rules and crypto donations
On Monday the Joint Committee on the National Security Strategy will question industry experts and the Electoral Commission about concerns around foreign money in politics and cryptocurrency donations.
Meeting details
In the public evidence session, MPs and Peers will consider the strength of the Government’s proposals to address loopholes around foreign political donations and explore how these might be evaded. They will also consider the opportunities and risks of allowing political donations to be made in cryptocurrencies.
Concerns have grown in recent years about foreign interference in UK democracy, whether through hostile states such as Russia or China seeking to undermine UK interests, or wealthy overseas individuals seeking to influence decision makers or electoral outcomes.
The Government is proposing a series of new measures including requiring companies to have generated sufficient income in the UK to donate, and for parties to assess the level of risk associated with a donation before accepting it. These new rules will be set out in a forthcoming elections and democracy bill, the Government says.
During the session, Committee Members will also quiz senior officials from the Electoral Commission on its response to the Government’s proposals, its approach to foreign interference, and what more can be done to uphold trust in the UK’s political finance system.