I write in response to the letter from Mark Murton.
One of the aims of the Transparency Bill has been to take big money out of politics to prevent our political system from ending up like the USA – where opaque and unaccountable groups spend hundreds of millions of dollars attempting to influence elections.
It is not and has never been the intention of this Bill to in any way restrict the abilities of charities to campaign to change government policy or on other issues they feel strongly about.
Having worked closely with Electoral Commission and the National Council of Voluntary Organisations (NCVO) the Government will be making amendments which, I believe, will address the concerns raised about the apparent effect of the Bill.
The Bill will not prevent anyone from expressing their views or getting together with others to amplify their voices.
It simply limits the amount of money that can be spent swaying votes at an election – it should be the strength of someone’s argument, not the size of their bank balance, that determines who wins elections.
Tom Brake; MP for Carshalton and Wallington
- What do you think? Leave a comment below or send your letter to: letters@suttonguardian.co.uk.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel