Carmichael highlights report in Parliament on risks of foreign influence in UK elections

Orkney and Shetland MP, Alistair Carmichael, has today in Parliament highlighted a report by Spotlight on Corruption into the risks of UK elections being exposed to dirty money and foreign influence. Speaking in the House of Commons, Mr Carmichael called on the Speaker’s Committee on the Electoral Commission to raise the concerns involved with the Electoral Commission for response. 

The Electoral Commission has reported that 52% of people think foreign influence on UK election results is a problem, and only 30% think the authorities would take appropriate action. There is currently no single law enforcement body with overall responsibility for criminal enforcement of the UK’s electoral finance laws, or of the new rules in the National Security Act to prevent foreign interference. The Electoral Commission lost its powers to bring criminal proceedings under the Elections Act 2022, and has highlighted gaps in criminal enforcement. 

Speaking in the House, Mr Carmichael said:

“Spotlight on Corruption wrote to the National Crime Agency in December last year highlighting the dangers of UK elections being exposed to dirty money and foreign influence. The commission no longer has powers to raise prosecutions, but it can investigate. Will the hon. Lady use her offices to bring the Electoral Commission’s attention to the Spotlight on Corruption report and see what assessment it makes of it?”

Responding for the Speaker’s Committee on the Electoral Commission, Rachel Hopkins MP said:

“I will bring the report to the attention of the Electoral Commission. The commission has said that it takes all possible steps within the current regulatory framework to prevent unlawful foreign money from entering UK politics, and it publishes information about donations to ensure transparency. 

“It can sanction political parties that accept impermissible foreign donations. It works with the police, who can investigate unlawful foreign money entering UK politics through permissible donors. However, it cannot take enforcement action against organisations based outside the UK. The commission will continue to recommend changes to ensure voters can have greater confidence in political finance in the UK.”

Reacting after the exchange, Mr Carmichael said:

“We know that there is an increased interest from hostile actors in influencing our elections, so it is all the more important that we have the right rules in place to counter those risks. Whether it is dirty or otherwise unlawful money coming into our politics, corruption or direct election interference, we cannot afford to be complacent about these matters. 

“This should not be a partisan issue. Politicians, officials and law enforcement agencies all need to step up to the challenge.”