Political Parties and Elections Bill

"Information" is clearly the key word here. It is important that we support these amendments. It must be right that the commission is allowed to issue disclosure orders seeking information in any form as opposed to only written documentation. I know from my experience of dealing with the Electoral Commission the importance of oral testimony and being able to discuss issues, as opposed to simply providing written documentation. In the event of someone not providing such information, or such information in any form not being forthcoming, a court order would be the more appropriate route for obtaining it. rather than simply going straight to a prosecution for failing to provide it. On that basis, we support the amendments.