Caroline Nokes
MP for Romsey and Southampton North · Conservative · United Kingdom
“I thank the right hon. Gentleman for his point of order. He will be conscious that there are in the region of 15 more Members wishing to speak in this debate, and we have not yet heard from the Minister, so I am not minded to accept a closure motion at this point.”
“(3) For paragraph (3A) substitute— “(3A) The returning officer shall also provide each polling station with such equipment as is necessary to ensure that relevant persons are able to vote independently and in secret, including— (a) tactile equipment that enables the voter to navigate the ballot paper and accurately mark their chosen candi…”
“(2) During the period commencing 30 minutes before the time appointed for the taking of a poll at an election, and ending 30 minutes after the close of the said poll, a person shall not, in or in the curtilage of a polling station or in any place within 50 metres of such station, for the purpose of promoting the interest of a political pa…”
“New clause 97— Power of Electoral Commission to require disclosure from financial institutions — “In Schedule 19B of the Political Parties, Elections and Referendums Act 2000 (investigatory powers of Commission), after paragraph 1 insert— “Power to require disclosure from financial institutions 1A(1) The Commission may give a disclosure n…”
“() In paragraph 6 of schedule 6 (Donations from impermissible donors), after “section 54(1)(a)” insert— “or section 55B.” (8) In Schedule 20, in Table after Section 56(3) or (4) (failure to return donations) On summary conviction: statutory maximum or 6 months On indictment: fine or 1 year” Insert— Section 55A(8) (cap on donations) On sum…”
“(2) The specified elections for the purposes of subsection (1) are— (a) UK parliamentary elections, and (b) local government elections in England and Wales.”
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“(3) For the purposes of subsection (2), a person is a “property development or construction undertaking” if they are a body corporate, partnership, limited liability partnership, or unincorporated association, of such an undertaking which carries out, whether wholly or substantially, activities consisting of— (a) the acquisition, disposal, or development of land for commercial or residential purposes, (b) property speculation, (c) the construction, renovation, or substantial alteration of buildings or infrastructure, or (d) the provision of construction services as a principal contractor, and whose principal business activities fall within such Standard Industrial Classification (SIC) codes as may be prescribed by regulations made by the Secretary of State.”
“It also places a duty on political parties to ensure that their candidates have made this declaration. New clause 25 —Permissible donors not to include property development and construction undertakings— “(1) Notwithstanding the provisions of PPERA 2000 and any other enactment, a person is not a permissible donor to a registered party, recognised third party, regulated donee or permitted participant if they meet the conditions in subsections (2). (2) The conditions in this subsection are that the person is a property development or construction undertaking as defined under subsections (3) and (4).”
“(3) For the purposes of this rule, a person or organisation connected to the government of the Russian Federation means anyone who has at any time been— (a) a member of, or (b) a politically-appointed adviser to the government of the Russian Federation.” (3) In rule 6A (nomination papers: name of registered political party), at the end insert— “(4) A registered political party is under a duty to ensure that a candidate has made the declaration required by rule 8A, and a certificate under paragraph (1) or (1B) may not be issued by or on behalf of the registered nominating officer of the party in respect of a candidate unless this duty has been discharged.’” This new clause would require candidates to declare past or current income or gifts from the government of the Russian Federation or from any person or organisation connected to that government.”
“New clause 24 —Declaration of income or gifts from the Russian Federation— “(1) Schedule 1 to RPA 1983 (parliamentary elections rules) is amended as follows. (2) After rule 8 (consent to nomination) insert— ‘Declaration of income or gifts from the Russian Federation 8A (1) A person is not validly nominated unless the person makes a declaration stating whether they have received in the past or are currently in receipt of any income or gifts from— (a) the government of the Russian Federation, or (b) any person or organisation connected to the government of the Russian Federation. (2) The declaration must be— (a) in the prescribed form, (b) signed by the person, and (c) delivered at the place and within the time for the delivery of nomination papers.”
“(2) For the purposes of this section— (a) a payment or benefit includes, but is not limited to, remuneration for publishing, promoting or interacting with content on a social media platform, (b) a social media platform means an electronic medium or service through which users may create, share, or view user-generated content, including, without limitation, videos, photographs, blogs, podcasts, messages, emails, or website profiles or locations.’” This new clause prohibits members of registered parties, members associations, holders of relevant elective offices and electoral candidates from receiving any payment, remuneration, or financial benefit in exchange for posting, promoting, or interacting with content on social media.”
“(4) After paragraph 6 insert— ‘Prohibition on payments for social media activity 6A (1) A candidate or their election agent must not accept any payment, remuneration or other financial benefit, whether or not on commercial terms, from any person or organisation in connection with activity on a social media platform.”
“(2) For the purposes of this section— (a) a payment or benefit includes, but is not limited to, remuneration for publishing, promoting or interacting with content on a social media platform, (b) a social media platform means an electronic medium or service through which users may create, share, or view user-generated content, including, without limitation, videos, photographs, blogs, podcasts, messages, emails, or website profiles or locations.’ (3) Schedule 2A to RPA 1983 (control of donations to candidates) is amended as set out in subsection (4).”
“New clause 23— Prohibition on remuneration for social media activity— “(1) Schedule 7 to PPERA 2000 (control of donations to individuals and members associations) is amended as set out in subsection (2). (2) After paragraph 6 insert— ‘Prohibition on payments for social media activity 6C (1) A regulated donee must not accept any payment, remuneration or other financial benefit, whether or not on commercial terms, from any person or organisation in connection with activity on a social media platform.”
“(2) In subsection (2)(b) after ‘Kingdom’ insert ‘, subject to the exemption in subsection (2A).’ (3) After subsection (2) insert— ‘(2A) A company is not a permissible donor if it is an oil and gas company.’ (4) After subsection (8) insert— ‘(9) For the purposes of this section, “an oil and gas company” means any company which derives over 50% of its annual revenue from the extraction, acquisition, transportation, processing, supply or disposal of petroleum or natural gas, or a combination of the two.’” This new clause provides that an oil and gas company would not be a permissible donor for the purposes of the Political Parties, Elections and Referendums Act 2000.”
“(10) No later than three years after a report under subsection (9) has been laid the Secretary of State must commission a new review under subsection (5) for the purposes of determining whether the cap under subsection (1) should be amended.’” This new clause requires the Secretary of State to set an annual cap on permissible political donations from a person, following an independent review to be conducted every three years. New clause 22 —Permissible donors not to include oil and gas companies— “(1) Section 54 of PPERA 2000 (permissible donors) is amended as follows.”
“(7) The Secretary of State must appoint an independent person or panel with relevant experience to conduct the review. (8) The person or panel appointed under subsection (7) must— (a) consult the Electoral Commission and any other persons the person or panel considers relevant; and (b) prepare and publish a report of its findings. (9) The Secretary of State must lay the report under subsection (8)(b) before both Houses of Parliament as soon as practicable after receiving it.”
“(3) The Secretary of State must by regulations specify the donation limit for the purposes of subsection (1) within three months of the day on which this Act is passed. (4) A statutory instrument containing regulations under this section may not be made unless a draft of the instrument has been laid before and approved by a resolution of each House of Parliament. (5) Before laying a draft statutory instrument containing regulations under this section, the Secretary of State must commission an independent review of the level of the cap on political donations. (6) The review must consider and make recommendations on the level of the cap in light of— (a) the prevailing economic conditions; (b) the effect of the cap on democratic participation and political competition; and (c) any other matters the Secretary of State considers relevant.”
“New clause 21 —Cap on political donations— “(1) Part 4 of PPERA 2000 (control of donations to registered parties and their members etc) is amended as follows. (2) After section 54B (declaration as to whether residence etc condition satisfied) insert— ‘54C Power to set cap on political donations (1) A registered party must not accept a donation from a person if the value of donations from that person during the course of that calendar year exceeds the maximum amount specified by regulations made under subsection (3). (2) Where a registered party receives a donation which would cause the limit for the purposes of subsection (1) to be exceeded, the amount by which the limit is exceeded is to be treated for the purposes of this Act as a donation received from a person who is not a permissible donor.”
“to certain foreign nationals— “(1) The RPA 1983 is amended as set out in subsections (2) and (3). (2) In section 1 (parliamentary electors), in subsection (1)(c), after ‘Ireland,’ insert ‘a qualifying EU citizen, or a qualifying foreign national’. (3) In section 2 (local government electors)— (a) in subsection (1)(c) leave out “(in Wales)” (b) in subsection (1)(c)(i), after ‘rights’ insert ‘or a qualifying foreign citizen;’.” This new clause would extend the franchise in parliamentary elections to include qualifying EU citizens and to foreign nationals with a right to enter or remain in the UK, and to extend the local government franchise in England to foreign citizens with a right to enter or remain in the UK.”
“(3) In preparing the report, the Secretary of State must consult— (a) overseas electors; (b) electoral administrators; (c) His Majesty’s Diplomatic Service; and (d) such other persons as the Secretary of State believe appropriate. (4) For the purpose of this section, an ‘overseas elector’ is a person who fulfils the requirements for an overseas elector in section 1 (extension of parliamentary franchise) of the RPA 1985.” This new clause would require the Secretary of State to conduct feasibility studies on proposals to improve overseas voting, as recommended by the Public Administration and Constitutional Affairs Select Committee’s Second Report of Session 2024-6, Review of the 2024 general election. New clause 20 —Extension of right to vote etc.”
“(2) The report must consider the feasibility of proposals for— (a) the use of United Kingdom Embassies, High Commissions or consulates as if they were a polling station as set out in Schedule 1 of RPA1983; (b) the digital transmission and printing of ballot papers; (c) voting by telephone; (d) secure electronic voting; (e) changes to deadlines and practices as set out in Schedule 1 of RPA1983 to enable earlier despatch of ballots for overseas voters; (f) informing overseas voters on early registration and voting options; (g) extended proxy voting arrangements for overseas voters; and (h) any other measures to improve the speed, accuracy and security of voting by overseas electors as the Secretary of State believes appropriate.”
“It also amends the parliamentary election rules to require candidates (including incumbent MPs) to formally declare any past earnings from these entities in order to be validly nominated to stand for election. New clause 19 —Overseas electors: Review of feasibility of proposals for facilitating overseas ballots— “(1) Within six months of the passing of this Act, the Secretary of State must publish and lay before both Houses of Parliament a report on proposals for facilitating overseas electors to vote in parliamentary elections.”
“(4) After rule 8 (consent to nomination) insert— ‘Declaration of past earnings from foreign state broadcasters (1) A person is not validly nominated unless the person makes a declaration stating whether they have received any past or current earnings, payments or benefits from a foreign state broadcaster prescribed under paragraph 6A of Schedule 7 to the Political Parties, Elections and Referendums Act 2000. (2) The declaration must be— (a) in the prescribed form, (b) signed by the person, and (c) delivered at the place and within the time for the delivery of nomination papers.’” This new clause prohibits politicians (regulated donors) from receiving any payment from prescribed foreign state broadcasters.”
“(2) The Secretary of State may by regulations prescribe a foreign state broadcaster for the purposes of this paragraph where the Secretary of State considers the broadcaster is acting on behalf of, or producing propaganda for, a foreign power. (3) For the purposes of this paragraph, a payment or benefit includes, but is not limited to, remuneration for appearing on, hosting, or contributing to broadcasts or programmes.’ (3) Schedule 1 to RPA 1983 (parliamentary elections rules) is amended as set out in subsection (4).”
“(4) In preparing the report, the Secretary of State must consult— (a) the Electoral Commission; (b) Scottish Ministers; (c) Welsh Ministers; (d) the relevant Northern Ireland department; and (e) such other persons as the Secretary of State considers appropriate.” New clause 18 —Payments from foreign state broadcasters to politicians and candidates— “(1) Schedule 7 to PPERA 2000 (control of donations to individuals and members associations) is amended as set out in subsection (2). (2) After paragraph 6 insert— ‘Prohibition on payments from foreign state broadcasters (1) A regulated donee must not accept any payment, remuneration or other financial benefit, whether or not on commercial terms, from a prescribed foreign state broadcaster.”
“New clause 16 —Impact of the Act on trust in elections— “(1) The Secretary of State must, within 12 months of the passing of this Act, publish and lay before both Houses of Parliament a report into the impact of the Act's provisions on trust in elections. (2) Any report made under subsection (1) must make proposals on any further measures required to increase trust in elections. (3) For the purposes of this section, "trust in elections" includes public confidence in the fairness of elections, the voting systems used, and the representativeness of election results.”
“(6) In this section— “Cryptoassets” has the meaning given by Regulation 14A(3)(a) of the Money Laundering, Terrorist Financing and Transfer of Funds (Information on the Payer) Regulations 2017; “Custodian wallet provider” has the meaning given by Section 131ZC(3) of the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002; “Cryptoasset exchange provider” has the meaning given by Section 131ZC(3) of the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002.’” This new clause amends PPERA 2000 to require registered political parties to compile and submit a one-off report to the Electoral Commission detailing the source, value, and dates of any donations made via cryptoassets, or accepted via crypto wallets/exchanges, over the past five years.”
“(4) In this section, “the relevant details” in relation to a donation means— (a) the name and address of the donor; (b) the amount or value of the donation; (c) the date on which the donation was received; and (d) the date on which, and the way in which, any necessary steps were taken regarding the donation under section 56 (acceptance or return of donations: general). (5) The report must be delivered to the Commission within the period of 14 days beginning with the end of the period mentioned in subsection (1).”
“(2) After section 66 (declaration by treasurer in donation report) insert— ‘66A Report on past donations involving cryptoassets (1) The treasurer of a registered party must, within the period of six months beginning with the day on which this section comes into force, prepare a report under this section. (2) The report must record the relevant details in relation to each donation received by the party during the relevant 5-year period which was— (a) made wholly or in part with cryptoassets; or (b) accepted by means of a custodian wallet provider or cryptoasset exchange provider. (3) For the purposes of this section, the “relevant 5-year period” means the period of 5 years ending with the day on which this section comes into force.”
“New clause 14— Repeal of voter identification requirements — “(1) In the Elections Act 2022 omit section 1 (voter identification). (2) In the Elections Act 2022 omit Schedule 1. (3) Schedule 1 to RPA 1983 (parliamentary elections rules) is amended as follows. (4) In rule 37 (voting procedure), omit paragraphs (1A) to (1G).” This new clause repeals the provisions of the Elections Act 2022 that introduced the requirement for voters in Great Britain to produce photographic identification at polling stations. It is linked to Amendment 2. New clause 15 —Disclosure of past donations in cryptoassets— “(1) Part 4 of PPERA 2000 (control of donations to registered parties and their members etc) is amended as follows.”
“(2) After subsection (3)(b) insert— “(c) where the electronic material consists of or includes image, audio or video content that has been generated or materially altered by means of generative artificial intelligence, a statement that such artificial intelligence has been used.” (2A) In this section, ‘generative artificial intelligence’ means a machine-based system that can, for a given set of human-defined prompts or objectives, generate new image, audio or video content.” This new clause amends the digital imprint rules in the Elections Act 2022 to require that any political campaigning material which contains images, audio, or video generated or materially altered by AI must include a statement that such artificial intelligence has been used.”
“(4) Regulations under subsection (3) are subject to the affirmative resolution procedure.’” This new clause requires registered political parties to produce an annual statement detailing how they have mitigated risks relating to donations from foreign nations. It also requires parties to commission an annual independent investigation into donations they receive from foreign-owned UK entities, with the findings submitted to the Electoral Commission. New clause 13— Information to be included with electronic material: generative artificial intelligence— “(1) Section 41 of the Elections Act 2022 (requirement to include information with electronic material) is amended as follows.”
“66B Annual independent investigation of donations by foreign-owned UK entities (1) A registered party must, in respect of each calendar year, arrange for an independent investigation to be conducted into any donations received by the party from a foreign-owned UK entity. (2) A report of the independent investigation must be submitted to the Commission by the treasurer of the party within six months of the end of the calendar year to which it relates. (3) The Secretary of State may by regulations make provision about— (a) the appointment and qualifications of an independent investigator for the purposes of this section; (b) the definition of a “foreign-owned UK entity”; and (c) the required contents of the investigation report.”
“It also places a duty on political parties to ensure their candidates have made this declaration before authorising them to stand on behalf of the party. New clause 12— Annual statements on foreign donation risks and independent investigations— “(1) Part 4 of PPERA 2000 (control of donations to registered parties and their members etc) is amended as follows. (2) After section 66 (declaration by treasurer in donation report) insert— ‘66A Annual statement on mitigation of foreign donation risks (1) The treasurer of a registered party must, in respect of each calendar year, prepare a statement setting out the steps taken by the party to mitigate risks relating to donations originating from a foreign nation. (2) The statement must be delivered to the Commission alongside the party's statement of accounts for that year.”
“(3) For the purposes of this rule, a person or organisation connected to the government of any foreign nation means anyone who has at any time been— (a) a member of, or (b) a politically-appointed adviser to a foreign administration.’ (3) In rule 6A (nomination papers: name of registered political party), at the end insert— ‘(4) A registered political party is under a duty to ensure that a candidate has made the declaration required by rule 8A, and a certificate under paragraph (1) or (1B) may not be issued by or on behalf of the registered nominating officer of the party in respect of a candidate unless this duty has been discharged.’” This new clause would require candidates to declare any income or gifts from foreign nations or connected entities in order to be validly nominated.”
“(2) After rule 8 (consent to nomination) insert— ‘Declaration of income or gifts from Foreign Governments 8A (1) A person is not validly nominated unless the person makes a declaration stating whether they have received in the past or are currently in receipt of any income or gifts from— (a) the government of any foreign nation, or (b) any person or organisation connected to the government of any foreign nation. (2) The declaration must be— (a) in the prescribed form, (b) signed by the person, and (c) delivered at the place and within the time for the delivery of nomination papers.”
“New clause 10— Permissible donors not to include persons who have promoted political violence — “(1) Section 54 of PPERA 2000 (permissible donors) is amended as follows. (2) After subsection (3ZB) insert— ‘(3ZC) A person is not to be treated as a permissible donor in relation to a donation if the person has been convicted of a prescribed offence relating to the promotion, incitement, or use of political violence. (3ZD) The Secretary of State must by regulations prescribe the offences which fall within subsection (3ZC).’” New clause 11 —Declaration of income or gifts from Foreign Governments— “(1) Schedule 1 to RPA 1983 (parliamentary elections rules) is amended as follows.”
“(2) After subsection (2) insert— ‘(2A) An individual who would otherwise fall within subsection (2)(a) is not a permissible donor if that individual is, or has been— (a) a member of, or (b) a politically-appointed adviser to a foreign administration.’ (3) After subsection (8) insert— ‘(9) In subsection (2A)— “foreign administration” means the government or state apparatus of any country or territory outside the United Kingdom; “member” includes elected and appointed members.’” This new clause would ban those who are or have been members of a foreign administration, or advisers to a foreign administration, from donating money to a political party, think tank or campaigning body.”
“(5) For the purposes of this section, ‘election periods’ means the period specified in section 90ZA (meaning of ‘election expense’ of the RPA 1983).” This new clause places a duty on the Electoral Commission to publish and maintain candidate safety guidance, and requires returning officers to provide it to candidates as soon as possible after their nomination has been accepted. New clause 9— Permissible donors not to include individuals serving a foreign administration— “(1) Section 54 of PPERA 2000 (permissible donors) is amended as follows.”
“(2) The guidance must include information about— (a) identifying, recording and reporting threats, abuse and intimidation; (b) physical and online security measures; and (c) the roles of the police, the Electoral Commission and any other relevant public authority in relation to candidate safety during an election period. (3) The Electoral Commission must keep the guidance under review and revise it whenever it considers appropriate. (4) A returning officer must provide each validly nominated candidate with a copy of, or an electronic link to, the guidance as soon as reasonably practicable after the candidate’s nomination is accepted.”
“(3) For the purposes of subsection (1)(b) “member of staff” means a person who is employed by or working under the direction of a person described in section 32 (candidates etc.).’” This new clause would, with Amendment 1, add relatives and staff of candidates to the persons against which hostility may lead to a disqualification order and for the purposes of a statutory aggravating factor. New clause 7— Duty of Electoral Commission to provide candidate safety guidance— “(1) The Electoral Commission must, within 6 months of the passing of this Act, prepare and publish guidance on the safety and security of candidates and campaigners during election periods.”
“(2) In Schedule 19B, paragraph 3, sub-paragraph (5), at end insert ‘or; (b) relevant to determining whether to start an investigation.’” This new clause would enable the Electoral Commission to require information before launching a formal investigation. New clause 6— Hostility towards relatives and staff of candidates etc.— “(1) Part 5 of the Elections Act 2022 (disqualification of offenders for holding elective office etc.) is amended as follows. (2) After section 32 (candidates etc.) insert— ‘32A Relatives and staff of candidates (1) A person falls within this section if the person is— (a) a relative; or (b) a member of staff; of a person described in section 32 (candidates etc.). (2) For the purposes of subsection (1)(a) “relative” has the meaning given by section 63(1) of the Family Law Act 1996.”
“(3) For the purposes of this section, relevant persons are children and young people who— (a) are enfranchised as a result of section (1) of this Act; or (b) are entitled to be registered as a parliamentary or local government elector before reaching voting age as a result of section (3) of this Act. (4) The Secretary of State must lay the report before both Houses of Parliament.” This new clause requires the Government to report on proposals to support the extension of the franchise to 16 and 17 year olds, through promoting awareness or making changes required to strengthen civic education. New clause 5—Electoral Commission: pre-investigation decision notices— “(1) PPERA 2000 is amended as set out in subsection (2).”
“New clause 4— Report on proposals to support the extension of the franchise to 16- and 17- year-olds— “(1) The Secretary of State must, within 12 months of the passing of this Act, publish a report on proposals to support the extension of the franchise to 16- and 17- year-olds under this Act. (2) The report published under subsection (1) must include consideration of proposals to— (a) promote awareness among relevant persons of the extension of the franchise; and (b) make any necessary changes required to strengthen civic education in schools and educational settings available to relevant persons.”
“(2) After section 13A (reimbursement of costs by Scottish Ministers etc.) insert— ‘13ZAA Collection and publication of information about diversity in range of candidates (1) The Commission shall collect information published under section 106 (information about diversity in range of candidates, etc.) of the Equality Act 2010. (2) The Commission shall publish the information collected under subsection (1) in an accessible form at such intervals as the Commissioners consider appropriate.’” This new clause would require the Electoral Commission to collect and publish in an accessible form diversity information required to be provided by political parties under section 106 of the Equality Act 2010.”
“New clause 2— Commencement of Section 106 of the Equality Act 2010 — “The Secretary of State must, within three months of the day on which this Act is passed, lay an order under section 216 (commencement) of the Equality Act 2010 to commence section 106 (information about diversity in range of candidates, etc.) of that Act.” This new clause would require the Secretary of State to commence section 106 of the Equality Act 2010 within three months, which would require political parties to publish information on the protected characteristics of candidates in parliamentary elections, elections to the Scottish Parliament and to the Senedd. New clause 3— Electoral Commission: Publication of information about diversity in range of candidates— “(1) PPERA 2000 is amended as follows.”
“With this it will be convenient to discuss the following: Government new clause 76— Entering into of regulated transactions under Part 4A of PPERA 2000 . Government new clause 77— Procedure for regulations under PPERA 2000 . Government new clause 78— Sharing of information between Electoral Commission and others . Government new clause 113— Termination of entitlement to be registered as overseas elector . Government new clause 114— Powers to prescribe form and contents of campaign expenditure returns etc . Government new clause 115— Meaning of “donation” . Government new clause 116— Cap on donations etc by overseas contributors . Government new clause 117— Power to extend certain restrictions to other types of donation and loan etc.”
“Order. Before we delve into a rabbit hole about proportional representation, it might be helpful if I remind all Members that it is out of scope of the Bill.”
“I am conscious that another Member has risen, but we have only 10 minutes left. The hon. Lady might prefer to confine her comments to an intervention on the Minister in the interests of time.”
“Before I come to Back Benchers, let me say that, as Members will be aware, a lot of you wish to get in. It would be very helpful if questions were succinct.”
“I thank the hon. Member for his point of order. It is not a matter for the Chair, but he has put his point on the record. I am sure the Secretary of State will have heard his comments, and if a correction is needed, he will make it.”
“Perhaps I also need to correct the record—it has been a long summer already. I thank the hon. Member for correcting the record in that way as it did pertain to this particular statement.”
“Before I call the shadow Minister, I gently remind the Minister that the statement he just gave seemed to deviate slightly from the copy I had received. We need to ensure that they align perfectly. I call the shadow Minister.”
“Order. I will hear the shadow Minister. I appreciate that temperatures are running very high, but it is important that voices are heard in this House.”
“Order. The hon. Gentleman means to say, “the former Secretary of State for DEFRA, the right hon. Member for Streatham and Croydon North (Steve Reed).””