Tom Tugendhat has written to Keir Starmer for answers on the Foreign Influence Registration Scheme
October 16th, 2024
Tom Tugendhat has written to Keir Starmer asking him to "come clean" and tell us the status of the Foreign Influence Registration Scheme (FIRS).
Mr Tugendhat posted to X:
The Foreign Influence Registration Scheme is crucial for our national security. The Prime Minister should come clean and tell us when it'll come into force.
Here is Tom Tugendhat's letter to Keir Starmer in full
THE RT HON TOM TUGENDHAT MBE VR MP
HOUSE OF COMMONS
LONDON SW1A 0AA
16 October 2024
The Rt Hon Sir Keir Starmer MP
Prime Minister
10 Downing Street
London
SW1A 2AA
Dear Prime Minister,
The Foreign Influence Registration Scheme is crucial for our national security. In this new era of state threats, it will be a first line of defence against those who are trying to harm our country.
In today's Prime Minister's Questions, you claimed that it was 'not correct' that the Government has halted the implementation of the Scheme.
We both know that is not true.
As Security Minister, I planned for the Scheme to become operational in Autumn 2024. I informed the House of this on 21 May 2024. Even when accounting for the loss of Parliamentary time during the election period, the scheme could and should be brought on line before the end of the year. Despite this, the Government now says that it 'no longer expects that the scheme's requirements will come into force in 2024'.
In light of this, and to ensure that the House of Commons has access to the correct information, will you return to the House to correct the record?
It is crucial that security services have the powers they need. MI5 have described this scheme as 'essential'. The Enhanced Tier is needed to protect us against malign activities carried out by countries such as Russia, China and Iran.
Can you give an estimation of when you expect the Foreign Influence Registration Scheme to come into force?
Best wishes,
RT HON TOM TUGENDHAT MP
Member of Parliament for Tonbridge 130 Vale Road, Tonbridge, Kent TN9 ISP
https://twitter.com/TomTugendhat/status/1846574677231030513
