Should state funding be the only funding allowed for political parties?

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  • Created by: CJCregg
  • Created on: 29-01-24 19:15

Should state funding be the only funding allowed for political parties?

Advantages

  • State funding would reduce donations made by private donors who may be rying to influence. The conservatives in particular recieve many private donations.
  • Modern elections are more expensive than ever and there are way more of them.
  • In 2012, the Sunday Times secretly filmed the Conservative Co-treasurer offering access to the PM for large party donations.
  • During the covid pandemic, the conservative government awarded many PPE contracts to individuals who had previously made generous donations.
  • In 2005, the Labour Party received £14 million from 12 individuals, they were later given peerages. 'cash for peerages'
  • One of the biggest donars to the conservative party was Lubov Chernukhin, the wife of a Russian with close links to the cremlin.

Disadvantages

  • Many people dislike the idea of their cash going to political parties rather than more important thing like the NHS.
  • State funds could go to extremist parties if they appaeled to enough voters.
  • Parties will always have unequal resources, even if state funding was introduced- mainly because there will always be differences in membership and support.
  • The UK is a free society and individuals should be free to give moeny to any party they wish.

Evaluation

On one hand the UK is a free society and some people who don't get involved in politics shouldn't be forced to give money to political parties. However, state funding would significantly reduce donations from private donors who only want to gain influence within the party. Private donors influence is harmful to democracy as it stops the party acting for the best interests of the public. Funding for political parties should be of majority state funding as it stops elite individuals having influence over possible governments. 

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