New legislation to compel those acting for a foreign power or entity to declare political influencing activity – and criminalise those who do not.
For the first time, new legislation will compel those acting for a foreign power or entity to declare political influencing activity – and criminalise those who do not.
This change is being brought about by the Foreign Influence Registration Scheme (FIRS), which has been introduced to the UK Parliament via an amendment to the National Security Bill.
The bill brings in vital new measures to protect our national security and modernise existing counter-espionage laws to tackle covert influence.
The new scheme will increase the transparency of political influencing activity being carried out for a foreign power or entity; help safeguard UK democratic institutions from covert influence; and better inform us as to the nature, scale, and extent of foreign influence in our political affairs.
The public register will exist on a government website for political influence activities.
Read more:
Foreign Influence Registration Scheme
Impact assessment: Foreign Influence Registration Scheme (accessible)
