Wayne David, MP for Caerphilly and Labour’s Shadow Minister for Political Reform, has attacked plans by the UK Government to restrict campaigning by charities in the run-up to the 2015 General Election.
Under part two of the ‘Transparency of Lobbying, Non-Party Campaigning and Trade Union Administration Bill’, which has its Second Reading in the Commons next week, charities in Wales could find their ability to campaign restricted.
The Electoral Commission, Britain’s elections watchdog, has said the plans are flawed and unworkable.
In Wales, the Council of Voluntary Youth Services (CWVYS) has indicated that the legislation could have a hugely negative impact on aspects of youth work in Wales. Similarly, Oxfam Cymru has expressed concern that their work could be curtailed. The Wales Council for Voluntary Action (WCVA) has also added its voice to the growing criticism of the Bill.
Caerphilly MP Mr David is due to meet the Electoral Commission on the issue.
He said: “The Government is placing massive restrictions on the campaigning ability of charitable organisations.
“This Bill will be a stranglehold on charities throughout the UK, but the impact in Wales will be particularly severe.
“It is extremely important that everyone realises that these debilitating measures will seriously damage our democratic process.
“This Bill seeks to prevent charities having their public say on a whole range of vitally important issues.”