Democracy minister pledges to ‘enhance’ safeguards against foreign political donations

The democracy minister has pledged to “enhance” the current framework of safeguards designed to prevent foreign money entering the UK political system.

The comments came during a Westminster Hall debate on the UK’s political finance rules, prompted by an e-petition on the topic signed by over 140,000 people.

Rushanara Ali, the democracy minister, told MPs that foreign money has “no place in the UK’s political system.”

But she added: “The current rules no longer match the sophistication and perseverance of those who wish to undermine our laws. This threat must be addressed through stronger safeguards.

“That is why the government committed in its manifesto to strengthen the rules around donations to political parties, including enhanced safeguards against foreign donations.

“We are considering a series of new measures which would achieve this, such as enhanced checks by recipients of donations and tighter controls on donors, including more restrictions around company donations.”

Rumours and reports earlier this year suggested Elon Musk, the richest individual in the world, had been considering donating as much as $100m (£80m) to Reform UK.

Although foreign nationals are banned from donating to British parties, there was speculation that he could funnel the money through the UK arm of X, the social media platform he owns.

During the debate on Monday, former cabinet minister Anneliese Dodds called on the government to introduce legislation to ensure foreign nationals who are not registered to vote in the UK cannot donate to British political parties.

Intervening on a Labour colleague’s speech, Dodds, who resigned from government late last month, said: “Survey evidence has indicated that over three quarters of people… do not want to have a situation where foreign nationals who aren’t registered to vote here can actually donate to political parties here…

“Does she agree with me that we need to see legislative change?”

Liberal Democrat spokesperson Manuela Perteghella said: “Our current rules leave our democracy exposed. Whether through digital interference, shell companies or strategic donations, hostile actors have found ways to reach into our democratic process.”

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