Our latest update on what’s happening in Westminster that might impact charities. This month sees a controversial honours list, multiple resignations from parliament, and a look ahead to the general election.
Last week MPs were celebrating the work of small charities as part of Small Charity Week.
As part of my Local Charity Support Campaign, I am celebrating the work of charities that provide vital support to local communities here in South #Swindon during #SmallCharityWeek More here 👀👇https://t.co/0z8SAFsZe4 pic.twitter.com/pIfZ7sxwS8
— Rt Hon Sir Robert Buckland KBE KC MP (@RobertBuckland) June 22, 2023
This week is #SmallCharityWeek, an opportunity for me to say thank you to the small charities in Alyn and Deeside and all that they do to help our communities 👏 @WCVACymru pic.twitter.com/1WOtKLybo1
— Mark Tami MP (@MarkTamiMP) June 21, 2023
This is #SmallCharityWeek and delighted to support all the good work they do - also recognising how they fill gaps in provision of local services. On returning from Parliament, I’ll be catching up with some groups in #Dunfermline and #WestFife to say “thanks”. pic.twitter.com/xQ3r4yxe85
— Douglas Chapman MP 🏴 (@DougChapmanSNP) June 14, 2023
Small charities also came out in force to sign a letter to the prime minister. Over 1,000 organisations joined the call to recognise the work of small charities and support them through current challenges.
The procurement bill has now completed its Commons stages. It will now need to return to the House of Lords to confirm changes approved by MPs.
Once the bill has passed, we’ll work to make sure associated secondary legislation and guidance for commissioners reflect the needs of charities, and ensures that social value is a critical part of decision-making.
With an election due in the next 18 months, political parties are thinking about what to include in their manifestos.
Labour has already published some of their thinking. They’re likely to be firming up proposals over the next few months and at their party conference.
If you want to influence their thinking, the next few months will be key.
Read Labour’s draft policy platform
The Liberal Democrats and the Green Party also involve their members in decisions about the party’s policies.
So, again, look out for upcoming policy papers and the party conferences.
It’s less clear what the Conservative manifesto process will look like at this stage.
We recommend continuing to engage positively with ministers, particularly where you have existing relationships, as they may well be able to put ideas forward.
We’ll keep you updated on any formal announcements.
We’re working with our colleagues at ACEVO to create a manifesto for the charity sector.
We want to make sure the manifesto reflects the thinking of those we’re working with. We’re currently holding a series of engagement events to give you the chance to feed back.
We had an excellent start in Sheffield last week.
Really enjoyed my afternoon with the folks from @ACEVO and @NCVO to talk about the power of our sector (see @bengilchrist) in shaping future manifesto policies.
— Lucy Straker - she/her 🏳️🌈🏳️⚧️ (@LucyS_Speaks) June 22, 2023
Also fab to meet many of you irl for the first time after seeing you online for so many years! pic.twitter.com/ZJvgiJfYVM
There are more opportunities to share your views at these upcoming events.
Former prime minister Boris Johnson’s controversial resignation honours list has triggered a new round of political upset.
Nadine Dorries and Nigel Adams announced their intention to immediately resign their parliamentary seats after not featuring on the list. Mr Johnson is doing the same after receiving the report of the Privileges Committee into whether he misled parliament.
Somerton and Frome MP David Warburton also chose to resign as an MP after a lengthy investigation into sexual harassment allegations.
Three of those by-elections will take place on 20 July. The battle to replace Ms Dorries is set to take place in the autumn as she’s yet to formally resign from her seat.
A fifth by-election could also be called after Margaret Ferrier was suspended for 30 days from the House of Commons for breaking covid rules. She previously lost the SNP whip after travelling to Westminster with a positive covid diagnosis.
The suspension is enough to trigger a recall petition in her Rutherglen and Hamilton West seat. If 10% of eligible voters sign the petition, a by-election will be called.
