PM sets out plans to restore trust in the political system
10 June 2009
The Prime Minister has today set out proposals to bring forward urgent legislation to move from the old system of self-regulation of MPs to independent, statutory regulation.
It is intended that the creation of a new Parliamentary Standards Authority to regulate the system of allowances and a code of conduct for all MPs will be put before Parliament in a short self-standing Bill before the summer recess.
The Parliamentary Standards Authority will regulate and oversee members’ expense claims and oversee the new allowance system. It will also, as was proposed by the Committee on Standards in Public Life, maintain the register of members’ interests and ensure appropriate sanctions are applied in cases of financial irregularity.
A code of conduct for all MPs will be given statutory backing and will clarify their role in relation to their constituents and Parliament. It will set out the options available to sanction failures to observe the required standards.
The government will commission the Senior Salaries Review Body to review the system of financial support in the House of Lords so that it too can increase accountability, transparency and reduce cost. We will also legislate for new disciplinary sanctions for the misconduct of peers in the House of Lords.
The Justice Secretary is currently in the process of liaising with all the political parties represented in the House of Commons on the proposed Parliamentary Standards Authority and the code of conduct.
Jack Straw, Secretary of State for Justice, said:
‘The creation of a Parliamentary Standards Authority and an MPs’ code of conduct will continue the fundamental reforms we have already delivered to increase the accountability and transparency of Parliament.
‘We are holding cross party talks on this matter, the first of which will take place today, and will we proceed urgently with legislation to restore the public’s trust in MPs, politics and Parliament.’
The government published a draft Constitutional Renewal Bill last year which includes measures aimed at surrendering prerogative powers to Parliament. This has been subject to wide consultation. We intend to introduce a final Bill to the House before the summer recess.
Notes to editors
For media enquiries, contact the Ministry of Justice News Desk on 020 3334 3536.
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