UK Parliament / Open data

National Security Bill

Proceeding contribution from Lord Beamish (Labour) in the House of Commons on Monday, 6 June 2022. It occurred during Debate on bills on National Security Bill.

I think transparency is the way to do it. That is why Australia’s Foreign Influence Transparency Scheme Act, which was introduced very quickly in 2018, requires anyone engaging in lobbying or any kind of communications activity for the purpose of political influence on behalf of a foreign principal to be registered. The US scheme, which has been mentioned, was introduced in 1938 and came into force in 1939. If Australia and the US have such schemes, I am sure we can have one.

Personally, I think transparency is the best way forward. The approach that I understand the Government are looking at—having a list of countries on behalf of which people working have to register—is asking for trouble and will have to be updated over time. The Australian system and the US system are far better because they are all-encompassing.

About this proceeding contribution

Reference

715 c606 

Session

2022-23

Chamber / Committee

House of Commons chamber
Back to top