Written question asked by Andrew Rosindell (Reform UK) on Tuesday, 9 June 2026, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 11 June 2026. It was answered by Hilary Benn (Labour) on Wednesday, 17 June 2026 on behalf of the Northern Ireland Office.

Political Parties: Finance

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, whether he has had discussions with cabinet colleagues concerning the alignment of Northern Ireland's political donations law with that of the rest of the United Kingdom.

Answer

The statutory framework for donations to political parties applies across the UK. This framework explicitly provides for Northern Ireland parties to receive donations from eligible people and organisations that are based in Ireland. Donations from Irish sources are subject to the same scrutiny by the Electoral Commission as donations from any other permissible donor.

The Government has set out its intention to introduce tougher rules on donations to political parties across the UK in the Representation of the People Bill. Changes to the political donations framework will apply in Northern Ireland.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 8038
Session: 2026-27
Subjects: Finance Law Northern Ireland Political parties
Link: View this Written question on www.parliament.uk

Political Parties: Finance

Secondary information

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