Call for Transparency: Baroness Harman Urges COBRA-Style Summit on Political Donations Amid Ongoing Freebies Controversy

Electoral Issues: Starmer Urged to Convene Emergency Meeting on Freebies Policy, Says Labour Stalwart

As the Prime Minister returns some of the gifts received this year, Baroness Harriet Harman notes that the government still has progress to make.

Political correspondent @fayebrownSky

Friday, October 4, 2024, 5:

A former Labour minister has suggested that Sir Keir Starmer convene a COBRA-style meeting with his cabinet to establish new regulations regarding donations.

Baroness Harriet Harman, who hosts Sky News' Electoral Dysfunction podcast, stated that following the controversy involving the prime minister and his senior staff receiving gifts, there must be "new rules and processes established."

Yesterday, Sir Keir returned several gifts he received this year, such as tickets to a Taylor Swift concert. A Labour peer noted that the government still has progress to make and recommended the appointment of a new ethics commissioner to consolidate these efforts.

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She suggested on the podcast: "I believe there should be a mechanism similar to COBRA where all key players are brought together in one room—this includes the top civil servants from the Cabinet Office and the relevant cabinet members. Together, they can make a decision."

She explained, "It's somewhat similar to how we reacted during the global financial crisis. We decided not to just stand by and watch for another bank to fail. Instead, we took proactive steps to stabilize the situation."

"I believe they should rise above the current situation and actively manage and resolve it, instead of reacting to every single news story as it comes, day after day."

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COBRA, an acronym for Cabinet Office Briefing Room A, is typically convened during crises, including situations like civil disturbances or flood events.

Lady Harman has earlier expressed disapproval of Sir Keir's management of the perks controversy, suggesting that he should view football matches on television to halt the media uproar, and arguing that his attempts to defend his actions are exacerbating the situation.

According to Sky News' Westminster Accounts project, since becoming the Labour leader, the Prime Minister has reported receiving over £100,000 in gifts, benefits, and hospitality, which includes tickets to concerts and football matches.

Sir Keir has faced criticism for receiving clothing valued at thousands of pounds from Labour peer Lord Waheed Alli, along with the benefit of using the businessman's apartment—a gift estimated at £20,000—for his son to use as a study space during school exams in the election season.

The leader of the party recently declared that he will stop accepting contributions for clothing expenses and has reimbursed £6,000 in gifts received since he assumed office. He stated that returning these gifts was the appropriate action as he introduces a new framework for managing donations.

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The well-known Arsenal supporter has mentioned that due to security concerns, he is unable to use his season ticket to occupy a seat in the stands during football matches.

Sir Keir has stated that Lord Alli's financial contributions to the Labour Party were driven by his desire to see the party succeed in the upcoming general election, despite Lord Alli being scrutinized by the Lords' standards watchdog for supposedly failing to register certain interests.

Further Information: Angela Rayner enjoyed an Ibiza DJ booth party, a complimentary event valued at £836. A Labour donor involved in the controversy over these freebies is being scrutinized by the Lords.

Harman supports limit on contributions

There have been no accusations of wrongdoing in the controversy over the free items, as the donations were correctly reported. However, opposition groups have criticized the Labour leadership for accepting these gifts amidst economic challenges and for undermining confidence after their election promise to "clean up politics."

Baroness Harman stated that limiting donations to parties and individuals is straightforward, emphasizing that the public disapproves of substantial financial contributions in politics.

"She expressed her firm support for the bond between the trade unions and the party, while also praising Lord Alli's dedication to the party."

"I believe the system requires reform, and it's possible to implement these changes swiftly."

She further proposed that Sir Keir should determine the repayment obligations of his cabinet ministers, instead of relying on their personal discretion.

She commented on his choice to return certain gifts, noting: "It appears as though the prime minister is treating this as a personal decision regarding what he reimburses. However, as the head of government, he should also be determining the reimbursement responsibilities for other cabinet members, rather than allowing them to handle it individually."

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