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Political Parties: Finance

Asked by Sir James CleverlyConservativeMinistry of Housing, Communities and Local GovernmentTabled Answered 8 September 2026UIN 20108

The question

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what assessment she has made of trends in the level of foreign financial interference in politics from overseas organisations promoting decarbonisation and net zero policies.

Answered by Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government

Safeguarding the integrity, transparency and resilience of the UK’s system of political finance is fundamental to maintaining public trust in our institutions, both nationally and internationally.

The UK already has a strong regulatory framework governing political finance. However, the Government is clear that protections must continue to evolve to keep pace with emerging threats. We will take decisive action to protect and strengthen safeguards, close potential loopholes, and harden the UK’s defences against foreign financial influence.

These reforms will largely be progressed via amendments to the Representation of the People Bill, currently before Parliament. Where utilising the Bill is not a viable or appropriate option, other methods will be deployed to ensure work is progressed efficiently and effectively.

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