House of Commons – Sept. 2, 2026 – 62

New Clause 67 - Language of campaign materials “(1) During the relevant period campaign material must not be promoted or published in a foreign language. (2) A person is guilty of an offence if the person causes campaign material to be promoted or published that falls within subsection (1). (3) For the purposes of this section— “campaign material” means imprinted election campaign material published by political parties and candidates, whether in hard copy or digital format;

“foreign language” means a native language of any foreign country outside the British Islands, other than English;

“relevant period” the period after the date on which the candidate becomes a candidate at an election. (4) A person guilty of an offence under this section is liable— (a) on summary conviction in England and Wales, to a fine;

(b) on summary conviction in Scotland or Northern Ireland to a fine not exceeding level 5 on the standard scale. (5) It is a defence for a person charged with an offence under subsection (2) to prove— (a) that the person took all reasonable steps, and exercised all due diligence, to ensure that the campaign material was not promoted or published contrary to subsection (1), and (b) that the contravention arose from circumstances beyond the person’s control.”—(Katie Lam.)