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John,

It has been a busy week at Open Britain.

We have been briefing members of the House of Lords ahead of Monday’s Second Reading of the Representation of the People Bill. We have also been preparing the second of our first three In a Nutshell reports - this time, on money in politics.

At the same time the news has been moving rather fast. Reports of £36 million in political donations became reports of £72 million, while Parliament prepares to consider a Bill that could finally tackle the role of big money in our politics.

That is why this week’s roundup is arriving a little later than usual - and why we will publish Money in Politics: In a Nutshell tomorrow.

If you have seen the headlines and wondered why the law allows donations on this scale, look out for our new guide. It puts the rules, the loopholes and the choices facing Parliament into plain English.


** Two men, 48 hours, £72m - What’s the Problem?
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£72 million is more than every UK political party combined accepted in donations and public funds throughout the whole of 2025. It is more than twice what a party contesting every seat may spend nationally in the year before a general election.

Our latest Ugly Politix piece looks beyond the staggering headline figure at what it reveals about power, influence and the rules governing political money. With the Representation of the People Bill now before Parliament, the Government has an opportunity to act. Leaving a universal cap on donations for “later” is no longer a credible response.
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** Heatwaves and Net Zero: Who sets the climate agenda?
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This week’s Media Storm asks who is funding fossil-fuel interests, why climate denial has taken root on the political right and who gets to shape the climate stories the public sees. Helena and Mathilda are joined by DeSmog investigative journalist Sam Bright and climate journalist Diyora Shadijanova.

We also want to send huge congratulations to Mathilda on her wonderful news. We could not be more excited that a Media Storm baby is on the way!
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Will you help us keep up the pressure?

The past few days have shown just how quickly the scale of money in politics can change - and how badly the law has failed to keep pace.

We are working to make sure Parliament does not waste the opportunity now in front of it. We are briefing decision-makers, exposing what the current rules permit and giving people the information they need to demand better.

That work takes research, persistence and the support of people who believe politics should serve everyone, not just the rich and powerful. If you can, please donate today ([link removed]) and help us keep up the pressure for a fairer, more accountable democracy.

Have a great weekend,

Cathy Monaghan

Head of Strategy & Campaigns, Open Britain
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