CIPR welcomes government proposals to strengthen lobbying rules
The Chartered Institute of Public Relations (CIPR) has welcomed the UK government's proposals to strengthen rules around MPs taking on lobbying roles but urged them to go further by reforming lobbying transparency laws.
Outlined in the Labour Party's election manifesto, the new Modernisation Committee - under a motion tabled by the Leader of the House of Commons, Lucy Powell MP, and backed by MPs with no objections - will be "tasked with reforming House of Commons procedures, driving up standards, and improving working practices”. It includes plans to update the rules relating to the conduct of members and specifically the rules on outside interests that currently allows MPs to provide advice on public policy and current affairs and advice in general terms about how Parliament works.
The CIPR, which represents lobbyists, is campaigning for an overhaul of lobbying laws to reform the Lobbying Act and widen those required to register their lobbying activity. Before coming into government, the Labour Party had committed to these reforms.
The CIPR supports a ban on serving parliamentarians working as paid political consultants and these reforms and the clarity they provide are much needed and very welcome. They recognise the importance of addressing the conduct of MPs as a first step in improving standards. As a next step, we urge the government to review its commitment to reform lobbying laws and restore public trust in the vital relationship between businesses and parliamentarians. We need a new Lobbying Act that offers real transparency and accountability and that captures lobbying activity, not just a small group of lobbyists.
- Find out more about our Lobbying for Good Lobbying campaign.
About the Chartered Institute of Public Relations
Founded in 1948, the Chartered Institute of Public Relations (CIPR) is the world's only Royal Chartered professional body for public relations practitioners with over 11,000 members.
The CIPR advances professionalism in public relations by making its members accountable to their employers and the public through a code of conduct and searchable public register, setting standards through training, qualifications, awards and the production of best practice and skills guidance, facilitating Continuing Professional Development (CPD), and awarding Chartered Public Relations Practitioner status (Chart.PR).