The British Government’s refusal to backdate new laws on political donations is aimed at covering-up so-called Brexit ‘dark money’ that was paid to the DUP, Sinn Féin MP Elisha McCallion has said.
The Foyle MP was speaking after the British Government today introduced an order to lift the ban on naming political donors here, but did not backdate it.
“The British Government is only now bringing forward this Order after it was severely criticised by the Electoral Commission,” Elisha McCallion commented.
“However, they are still refusing to make it retrospective and that is the crucial point because it means there will be no transparency around the vast sums that were paid to the DUP during the Brexit referendum.
“Thanks mainly to the work of investigative journalists, we know that the DUP received £425,000 but they and the pro-Brexit campaign are still refusing to provide full details about the shadowy group of British corporate business interests who paid the money.
“Today’s announcement will do nothing to shine any light on this ‘dark money’ because the law will only apply to donations from July of this year forward.
“If the DUP and the British Government were serious about transparency in government then they would support the retrospective publication from January 2014 of all donations over the reportable threshold. That is the position adopted by Sinn Féin and all the Executive parties except the DUP.
“However, rather than compelling them to come clean, the British Government have today confirmed their intention to assist the ongoing cover-up of the DUP’s dark money.”
If you have a story or want to send a photo or video to us please contact the Derry Now editorial team on 028 7129 6600 for Derry City stories Or 028 7774 3970 for County Derry stories. Or you can email gareth@derrynews.net at any time.