Rushanara Ali, who resigned as democracy minister last August, has criticized the government's elections bill as 'timid' and 'incremental,' urging incoming prime minister Andy Burnham to pursue bolder reforms. Speaking on the draft legislation, Ali highlighted significant gaps in voting reform, cryptocurrency donations, and social media regulation.
Bill Delayed to Prioritize Hillsborough Law
The bill's next stage was postponed this week to allow parliamentary time for the Hillsborough law, giving Burnham an opportunity to reshape the legislation. Ali, one of dozens of Labour MPs pushing for amendments, called for a national commission on voting reform to propose a more representative system before the next election.
Crypto Donations and Disinformation Concerns
Ali backed a complete ban on cryptocurrency donations, arguing the government's current moratorium is insufficient. 'I cannot understand why the government is going down this moratorium route rather than a ban,' she said, warning it leaves the door open for interference in democracy. She also urged tougher regulation of disinformation on social media and stricter rules to prevent harassment of MPs and candidates during elections.
Lucy Powell, a Burnham ally, has tabled an amendment to impose restrictions on social media companies similar to those applied to broadcasters during election periods. Ali stressed the urgency: 'If we don’t act now, deepfake and disinformation, and the onslaught of major influences with hundreds of millions of followers peddling far-right hostility, will infect our politics with a kind of poison we’ve never seen before.'
Labour MPs' Frustrations with Starmer's Caution
Ali's criticisms echo frustrations among Labour MPs who believe Keir Starmer's caution contributed to the party's polling slump. Many hope Burnham will embrace radical change, though he faces similar electoral and financial constraints. Ali noted she wanted more on harassment, intimidation, and online hostility but faced challenges within the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology.
