Contributions
380 recent contributions in Hansard
HANSARDRepresentation of the People Bill (Eighth sitting)I beg to move, That the clause be read a Second time. The new clause removes provisions allowing the designation of a strategy and policy statement for the Electoral Commission.…16 Apr 2026HANSARDRepresentation of the People Bill (Eighth sitting)I thank the hon. Lady very much. Question put and agreed to. New clause 14 accordingly read a Second time, and added to the Bill. New Clause 60 Power of Scottish Ministers to vary…16 Apr 2026HANSARDRepresentation of the People Bill (Eighth sitting)The Government fully recognise the seriousness of the threat posed by foreign interference in our democracy. Protecting the integrity of UK elections is essential, which is why it…16 Apr 2026HANSARDRepresentation of the People Bill (Eighth sitting)I have said this before and I will say it again: the Bill is not designed to prevent specific individuals from participating in or undermining elections. It is about the general…16 Apr 2026HANSARDRepresentation of the People Bill (Eighth sitting)I thank the hon. Gentleman for giving me a breather. As he knows, the Rycroft review considered this matter and—I mean this sincerely; it is not simply a form of words for the…16 Apr 2026HANSARDRepresentation of the People Bill (Eighth sitting)New clause 4 seeks to make donations made to a registered political party, candidate or agent impermissible if the donation is made wholly or in part with cryptoassets. New clause…16 Apr 2026HANSARDRepresentation of the People Bill (Eighth sitting)It is only a matter of time. As Members know, we have accepted the review’s recommendation for a moratorium on the use of cryptoassets as political donations in order to safeguard…16 Apr 2026HANSARDRepresentation of the People Bill (Eighth sitting)He did. I invited him to come and talk to me about the Bill; other Members received their letters and came. Putting that to one side—I am being slightly flippant—this has been a…16 Apr 2026HANSARDRepresentation of the People Bill (Eighth sitting)However, had the hon. Gentleman come along, he would have had the opportunity to raise anything he wanted to discuss, as other Members did— I am always happy to meet the hon.…16 Apr 2026HANSARDRepresentation of the People Bill (Eighth sitting)It is not true that the Government do not have an eagerness to resolve issues for overseas voters. They are legitimate voters who should be able to exercise their right to vote…16 Apr 2026HANSARDRepresentation of the People Bill (Ninth sitting)It is a pleasure to serve under your chairmanship, Sir Desmond. The Government do not believe that the new clause is the right or effective way to address these concerns, although…16 Apr 2026HANSARDRepresentation of the People Bill (Ninth sitting)These are important issues, and I thank the hon. Member for raising them. Earlier today, I described the work of the Joint Elections Security and Preparedness Unit, which exists…16 Apr 2026HANSARDRepresentation of the People Bill (Ninth sitting)New clause 30 seeks to place a cap on the amount a person can donate to registered political parties in a calendar year. The Government aim to strike the right balance in relation…16 Apr 2026HANSARDRepresentation of the People Bill (Ninth sitting)I would prefer to press on; the hon. Lady will be able to respond later. To better protect against those who seek to covertly undermine UK elections, we are instead strengthening…16 Apr 2026HANSARDRepresentation of the People Bill (Ninth sitting)No. I simply stand by my previous comments.16 Apr 2026HANSARDRepresentation of the People Bill (Ninth sitting)New clause 31 would require the Electoral Commission to establish a fund to provide financial assistance to disabled candidates standing for election in England. It is the…16 Apr 2026HANSARDRepresentation of the People Bill (Ninth sitting)The hon. Gentleman highlights exactly why further consultation is needed. This is a complex issue, and it needs to be discussed with all the major and minor political parties to…16 Apr 2026HANSARDRepresentation of the People Bill (Ninth sitting)I will write to the hon. Lady and provide as much information as I can.16 Apr 2026HANSARDRepresentation of the People Bill (Ninth sitting)Does the hon. Gentleman not agree that voting is an act of trust?16 Apr 2026HANSARDRepresentation of the People Bill (Ninth sitting)This Bill is about building trust and confidence in our electoral system. Regarding many of the reforms in the Bill, within a year of Royal Assent—the timescale within which the…16 Apr 2026