How should the UK address foreign influence risks in political finance? MPs and peers explore
On Monday, the Joint Committee on the National Security Strategy will hear evidence on the UK’s approach to tackling foreign interference in the UK’s political finance.
The Government is set to propose an Elections and Democracy Bill in the current Parliament. This is expected to include new rules requiring companies to make sufficient income in the UK or Ireland before donating, and for those receiving donations above a certain threshold to assess the risk involved before accepting them.
In Monday’s session, Committee members will explore whether these new measures go far enough to tackle the growing risk of foreign interference in UK elections, and whether they address concerns around donations made through crypto currencies.
Meeting details
MPs and peers are likely to ask about the adequacy of rules governing campaign finance outside regulated election periods, and whether foreign states could exploit this less tightly regulated area.
They may ask how suitable crypto currency is for making political donations compared to traditional finance methods; options for further transparency; and whether banning crypto donations would be proportionate or unhelpful.
Committee members may also explore the adequacy of investigation and oversight mechanisms across the Electoral Commission, National Crime Agency and Metropolitan Police.