On Wednesday, the Commons signed-off a bill to keep foreign money out of British politics. On Thursday, Channel 4 showed us how the game is actually played.
I should, perhaps, have included a link to the National Commission report referred to in this piece. Those interested in that can find it at the link below. 👍🏻
Unfortunately my heart is sinking when I see how lily-livered Burnham is turning out to be, swerving making the necessary commitment to even discuss the details ... it just feels like the ship has already sunk, and it's the sharks who are going to be calling the tune ahead. (No need to explain who I mean by 'the sharks', obviously)
I loathe money in politics, but appreciate that it is a necessary evil. A sensible solution would be to have caps on different kinds on donation: individual, corporate, organisational, union and legacy - barring non-residents, of course. And for set payments to be made for reasonable electoral expenses etc.
The TU exemption makes no more sense than an exemption for companies or other associations. The workaround for individual TUs is that the donation to parties be made as a named item on memberships with parties listed alongside an opt-out i.e. the individual is making the donation, just via a 3rd party.
TUs as a whole should not have an outsize sway over a party because they control the majority of that party's donations, any more than any other group.
Yes, another depressing analysis of our system Mark, but thanks for the clarity and detail. It’s just another way the baddies have in order to advantage themselves. When they’re busted, some will fall or be pushed under the bus, so the others (Farage etc) can stroll on. The law is designed so that they can always find another loophole and repeat ‘we have done nothing unlawful’. All parties can do the same if they pay the right lawyers. Burnham is obviously onto it too, so he’s watered it all down, he’s not missing out on the opportunity to blindside voters!
I should, perhaps, have included a link to the National Commission report referred to in this piece. Those interested in that can find it at the link below. 👍🏻
https://www.biggerthanpolitics.com/the-national-commission-on-electoral-reform-in-a-nutshell
Thank you for this clear and important summary.
Thank you, Caryl. 🙏
Brilliant exposition, as always, Mark.
Unfortunately my heart is sinking when I see how lily-livered Burnham is turning out to be, swerving making the necessary commitment to even discuss the details ... it just feels like the ship has already sunk, and it's the sharks who are going to be calling the tune ahead. (No need to explain who I mean by 'the sharks', obviously)
I loathe money in politics, but appreciate that it is a necessary evil. A sensible solution would be to have caps on different kinds on donation: individual, corporate, organisational, union and legacy - barring non-residents, of course. And for set payments to be made for reasonable electoral expenses etc.
So what can *we* do? You know, the people who are actually supposed to be being represented.
Can we write to individual members of the HoL? Can you give us a template for that?
Interesting piece Mark . Well done for sharing it !.
The TU exemption makes no more sense than an exemption for companies or other associations. The workaround for individual TUs is that the donation to parties be made as a named item on memberships with parties listed alongside an opt-out i.e. the individual is making the donation, just via a 3rd party.
TUs as a whole should not have an outsize sway over a party because they control the majority of that party's donations, any more than any other group.
Thank you for such a clear explanation - it should be compulsory reading for all
A clear, and unutterably depressing, summary.
What are the chances of the Lords sending back a Bill along the lines you suggest? I'd guess zero.
Yes, another depressing analysis of our system Mark, but thanks for the clarity and detail. It’s just another way the baddies have in order to advantage themselves. When they’re busted, some will fall or be pushed under the bus, so the others (Farage etc) can stroll on. The law is designed so that they can always find another loophole and repeat ‘we have done nothing unlawful’. All parties can do the same if they pay the right lawyers. Burnham is obviously onto it too, so he’s watered it all down, he’s not missing out on the opportunity to blindside voters!