“Lying in politics works. It shouldn’t. But right now, the rewards for deception outweigh the risks. That has to change.”
— Jennifer Nadel, Co-Founder, Compassion in Politics

📣 Take Action Now

📬 Write to Your MP 📝 Sign the Petition ⚖️ Join the Legal Statement 💖 Donate

❗ The Problem: Political Lying Is Legal

In the UK, politicians and candidates can knowingly mislead the public—with zero legal consequences.

• Claim meetings that never happened
• Invent statistics to justify policies
• Make promises they never intend to keep

Even when proven false, there is no mechanism for accountability.

Only 11% of the public trust politicians to tell the truth. (IPSOS MORI)

We’ve seen this before—in the US with Trump. Lies, disinformation, and foreign influence helped extremists win power. Now, the same tactics are being used here.

🛡️ The Solution: The Truth in Politics Law

This law would make it an offence for any politician or candidate to:

Knowingly and materially mislead the public about a verifiable fact.

✅ What the Law Would Do:

• Target only deliberate factual falsehoods
• Require proof of intent and demonstrable public harm
• Allow civil or criminal enforcement
• Use proportionate penalties: public correction, fines, disqualification
• Protect free speech: excludes opinions, satire, and honest mistakes
• Include safeguards against vexatious or politically motivated complaints

For example: A candidate who falsely claims crime has doubled in their area—when official data shows a decrease—could be required to publicly correct the statement

We already have laws that stop people from lying as:

• 🛒 Consumers (Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations 2008)
• 📈 Investors (Financial Services and Markets Act 2000)
• ⚖️ Witnesses (Perjury Act 1911)

But not in politics. That must change.

📍 Where It’s Happening: Wales Leads the Way

Thanks to years of work by Compassion in Politics, this law is now on track to be introduced in Wales.

We’re proud to be working with:

• Adam Price MS – First to raise the idea in the Senedd
• Jane Dodds MS – Driving the legislation forward
• Dr Sam Fowles – Constitutional barrister and legal architect of the model

Wales is leading. Now Westminster must follow.

💥 Why This Law Matters

• 🛡️ Protects democracy: Stops those who lie to gain power
• 🤝 Restores trust: 72% of voters support this law (Opinium)
• 🎯 Defends honest politicians: Shields reputations from the dishonest few
• ⚖️ Aligns politics with other professions: You can’t lie in advertising, finance, or court—why should politics be different?

🤝 Broad Support Across Society

• ✔️ Voters: 72% support the law across all parties

• ✔️ Politicians: Backed in both Westminster and Senedd

• ✔️ Lawyers: Barristers and legal scholars helping shape the bill

• ✔️ Campaigners: From democratic reform to anti-corruption groups

📬 Write to Your MP

Ask your MP to support the Truth in Politics law before the next election.

📝 Sign the Petition

Join thousands calling for an end to political deception.

Sign the Petition

⚖️ Are You a Lawyer or Academic?

Add your name to our expert legal statement of support.

Email us

💖 Help Us Make Truth in Politics a Reality

Your donation powers this campaign for honesty and accountability in public life. Every contribution makes a difference.

💖 Donate Now