More Stringent Code of Ethics for MPs, Ministers Proposed
31 July 2020
George Hyzler, the Commissioner for Standards in Public Life has presented revisions to the code of ethics for MPs and ministers. These proposals are in line with recommendations by the Group of States Against Corruption (GRECO), which is a Council of Europe Body. They aim to strengthen ethical standards and reinforce the accountability framework.
Main Takeaways from the Proposals
- MPs will be required to ensure that they are not exposed to any risk of being placed under undue pressure or influence
- MPs shall be obliged not to abuse any powers or privileges
- MPs shall record all gifts, benefits and hospitality received and bestowed in an official register
- MPs shall record their financial and non-financial interests in an official register
Restrictions for former ministers and parliamentary secretaries with regards to employment
For three years after leaving office, the revised code does not allow the ministers from having a profitable relationship with any entity which they had dealt with during their term of office in the five years immediately preceding their termination of duties. They may also not lobby the government for three years after the end of their duties. An official Transparency Register shall be used for ministers to record all relevant communications.
Further guidelines on gifts
The proposed amendments also include more stringent guidelines on the acceptance of gifts and hospitality. Reference is also made to the association of ministers with persons who may influence their duties.
With every code proposed, a more detailed set of guidelines is provided in order to elaborate on more specific points.
Read the full proposal here.
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