Rotherham MP no Champion of Lobbying Bill

ROTHERHAM MP Sarah Champion has spoken out against the Government’s Lobbying Bill, saying it would have “potentially damaging consequences” for many people in Rotherham.

Ms Champion says the “ill-conceived legislation” could make it far more difficult for small charities and local organisations by discouraging and restricting those already working hard to improve their communities.

Charities already facing huge cuts under this Government will be forced to undertake extra administration, financially burdening them even more, she said.

“Small charities in our area do so much to improve the lives of people and I believe the Government should be helping these willing people to do more, instead of trying to gag them by tying them up in inordinate amounts of red tape,” Ms Champion said.

“Whilst I am absolutely in favour of transparency with regard to lobbying, I feel that the Government needs to make a clear distinction between those lobbying for commercial gain, and those trying to engage with the democratic process of bringing about social change that aids the wider population.”