The Minister for Security ()
[V]:...We are taking action at every level. We have
stepped up our response to illicit finance through the introduction
of new powers by the Criminal Finances Act 2017, including
unexplained wealth orders, and the establishment of the
multi-agency national economic crime centre within the
National Crime Agency. The rules on investment
visas have already been tightened, but we will continue to consider
whether any further changes are required to ensure that they cannot
be abused. Let there be no doubt: we are unafraid to act wherever
necessary to protect the UK and our allies from any state
threat...
(Edinburgh North and Leith) (SNP): The
Committee said that Ministers did not want to know or ask about
Russian interference in elections and referendums. It seems they
did not want to ask either about dark money funnelled into the
Brexit referendum through the Democratic Unionist party by a former
Scottish Tory vice-chair, . How will the
right hon. Member stop foreign donations polluting our elections?
: It seems as if again the issue is about trying
to rerun the Brexit referendum, but I would say on the hon.
Member’s broader point that through the defending democracy
programme, we are taking further steps to safeguard our voting
system and democracy. I hope that she supports that and all the
measures I identified earlier—for example, on individual voter
ID. She will also know how transparent we are. We do not accept
foreign donations and are stepping up our response to illicit
finance through the National Crime Agency.
(Manchester, Gorton) (Lab) [V]: The ISC’s report states
that Russian influence in the UK has become the new normal.
Individuals with close links to Putin are now well integrated
into the UK’s business and social scene and accepted because of
their wealth. Surrounding these oligarchs is an industry of
enablers who, wittingly or unwittingly, help to extend Russian
influence and the nefarious interests of the Russian state in the
UK. What steps will the Minister now take to tackle the growth of
this industry and the ability of wealthy individuals to influence
British politicians and parties and our democracy?
: Dirty money—money obtained through criminality
or corruption—has no place in this country, and there should be
no doubt that we will ensure that the full weight of the law
enforcement regime bears down on those who look to use, move or
hide the proceeds of crime. Our National Crime
Agency is vigilant. We have introduced unexplained
wealth orders. We will continue to enhance our legislation to
ensure that corruption is rooted out, and that where dirty money
is identified and seized, action is very firmly taken...
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