The Government is fulfilling another manifesto commitment with the introduction of the Representation of the People Bill. The Bill will extend the franchise for UK elections to allow 16- and 17-year-olds to vote in all UK elections.
The Bill also brings forward reforms to tighten the rules on political donations. It introduces a ‘Know your Donor’ scheme requiring enhanced checks on larger donations to prevent the risk of foreign interference. It introduces tighter eligibility rules on donations from companies to ensure a genuine connection to the UK, and stricter rules and checks by unincorporated associations on the gifts they receive and donations they make. These reforms build on the existing political finance framework set out in the Political Parties, Elections and Referendums Act 2000, and will be supported by Electoral Commission guidance.
We are also bringing forward secondary legislation which means political donors will be required to declare any benefits or sources of funding connected to their donation and will be liable for criminal prosecution for false declaration.
I respect those in support of replacing first past the post with a system of proportional representation in elections to the House of Commons, and, as your Member of Parliament, I will of course bear your views in mind. However, I note there is no consensus on this question and the Government has no plans at the moment to change the current electoral system. While I understand this will disappoint you, I think the Government is right to prioritise delivering the political reforms outlined in the manifesto on which MPs stood at the General Election in July 2024.
Best wishes
Rt Hon Hilary Benn
MP for Leeds South
Secretary of State for Northern Ireland