3
Acknowledged
The Government should establish a centralised Political Finance Enforcement Unit.
Recommendation
The Government should establish a centralised Political Finance Enforcement Unit. This should be a joint unit, which could be housed in the National Crime Agency. It should hold the overall national lead and accountability for proactive assessments and criminal investigations into political finance. It should involve secondees from relevant specialisms (Counter Terrorism Policing, MI5 and the Electoral Commission) with temporary involvement from seconded regional police representatives for specific cases. (Recommendation, Paragraph 47) 38
Government Response Summary
The government agrees on the need for policing to have specialist expertise, coordination, and national capacity for investigating political finance. It will use the establishment of the new National Police Service as an opportunity to strengthen and formalise capabilities, considering how functions could be brought together, but does not commit to establishing a specific unit.
Government Response
Acknowledged
Government Response
Acknowledged
HM Government
Acknowledged
The Government agrees that it is vital that we have the right structures and resources in place to allow the police and enforcement agencies to operate effectively and take swift, appropriate action wherever needed. In responding to the Committee, we agree that policing should have the specialist expertise, coordination and capacity at the national level to investigate and prosecute the most serious breaches of electoral law, particularly those involving foreign interference. As we establish the new National Police Service, we have a clear opportunity to strengthen and formalise capabilities, including consideration of how different functions could be brought together to deliver a more consistent and visible response. The Government will continue to work with policing partners to ensure that forthcoming reforms provide a strengthened and more coherent capability in this area, ensuring that this addresses the concerns of the JCNSS.
Source
Inquiry
Defending Democracy
Report
3rd Report - Political finance and foreign influence
18 Mar 2026
HC 720
Addressee Bodies
Cabinet Office
Timeline
Recommendation age
0.4 yrs
Report published
18 Mar 2026