24 July 2007

Funding of Political Parties

Inter-Party Talks to continue to reach agreement

Inter-Party Talks between the three main political parties on proposals to reform political party funding have made significant progress, Sir Hayden Phillips, the Chairman of the Talks, said today.

Following a meeting with the parties, Sir Hayden said:

"Significant progress has been made in the inter-party talks, and I believe we are nearer to a comprehensive agreement on a range of measures to reform party political funding.

"Some outstanding issues, however, remain to be resolved. So, at the request of the parties, and with the support of the Government, I have agreed to continue chairing the talks. We are agreed that the talks will conclude by the middle of October.

"The parties themselves deserve credit for the way they have engaged with the talks, and I believe there is a greater understanding between them on key issues. I also welcome the fact that each has recommitted itself to working towards achieving a comprehensive agreement soon.

"I remain convinced that an agreement to reform party funding would be in the general public interest, and in the wider interests of our democratic system. The parties have a unique opportunity to make this happen."

Sir Hayden added that he would be in contact with those parties which might be affected by an agreement, but were not represented at the talks, in order to brief them on progress and ensure that their views were properly taken into consideration.

Page last updated: 30 October 2007