Written question asked by Brendan O'Hara (Scottish National Party) on Thursday, 25 June 2026, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 30 June 2026 (named day). It was answered by Sarah Jones (Labour) on Tuesday, 30 June 2026 on behalf of the Home Office.

Local Government: Elections

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what assessment she has made of the potential implications for her policies of the report by Viginum entitled Rokh Solis: Analysis of an informational modus operandi that targeted the municipal elections of March 2026, published on 11th June 2026; and whether the designation power under the National Security (State Threats) Bill 2026 can be applied to private commercial entities.

Answer: The Government is committed to safeguarding the UK's democratic integrity. The Joint Election Security Preparedness Unit (which sits jointly across the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government and the Cabinet Office) is dedicated to electoral security. The designation power under the National Security (State Threats) Bill as currently drafted can be used to designate any body engaged in foreign power threat activity, including private commercial entities. The designation must be necessary to protect the safety or interests of the UK.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 13442
Session: 2026-27
Subjects: Elections Local government National security Subversion
Legislation: National Security (State Threats) Bill 2026-27
Link: View this Written question on www.parliament.uk

Local Government: Elections

Secondary information

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