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Nolan Principles 2025-11-12
12 November 2025
Lead MP
Seamus Logan
Debate Type
Adjournment Debate
Tags
Northern IrelandDemocracy & Elections
Other Contributors: 11
At a Glance
Seamus Logan raised concerns about nolan principles 2025-11-12 in the House of Commons. A government minister responded. Other MPs also contributed.
How the Debate Unfolded
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:
Lead Contributor
Opened the debate
I rise to address the Nolan principles, highlighting that despite their importance, they have not been adequately upheld by this Labour Government. The seven Nolan principles are fundamental to public life but there has been a failure to meet standards of honesty, integrity, accountability and openness. Recent examples include misleading statements about water quality in Scotland from a former Secretary of State. The Committee on Standards in Public Life found that regulators need more independence, business appointment rules should be expanded and enforced legally, and transparency around lobbying is poor. In Scotland, additional principles have been adopted focusing on public service and respect. John Major has also recently intervened suggesting reforms to prevent foreign interests from influencing politics and returning the Electoral Commission to its independent status. Labour's Ethics and Integrity Commission may contribute but scandals continue with expensive gifts accepted by Ministers, improper access, conflicts of interest and forced resignations. Trust in politics is at an all-time low, yet duties like candour are not supported by protections for whistleblowers.
Jim Shannon
DUP
Strangford
Commends the hon. Member for bringing this debate and notes that the Nolan principles were welcomed when introduced in 1995, highlighting their importance today given low public trust.
Scott Arthur
Lab
Edinburgh South West
Intervenes to point out that a Scottish Government Cabinet Secretary used a limousine for football matches and asks if the hon. Member will condemn actions like text message deletion in Holyrood related to the covid inquiry.
Glasgow West
Asks whether the hon. Member would support a Sewel motion seeking cross-UK initiative on whistleblower proposals rather than just focusing on Westminster.
Honiton and Sidmouth
The hon. Gentleman talks about voting for parties on the far right; former leader of Reform UK in Wales pleaded guilty to eight counts of bribery, highlighting Lord Nolan's need for openness.
Euan Stainbank
Lab
Falkirk
Does the Minister share my concern that Scottish Government has yet to confirm whether they will match non-means-tested legal aid in UK?
Iqbal Mohamed
Ind
Dewsbury and Batley
The public does not see accountability for breaches of Nolan principles, and the new Government can do more to hold Members accountable.
Tessa Munt
LD
Wells and Mendip Hills
Public Office (Accountability) Bill will create pressure on bodies like employment tribunal; people need someone independent to go to for whistleblowing.
Lee Pitcher
Lab
Doncaster East and the Isle of Axholme
Standards should be applied at parish and town council level too.
James Naish
Lab
Rushcliffe
Asked about the Government’s stance on bolstering local journalism to ensure better local accountability as highlighted by recent events in Nottinghamshire where the county council leader banned media interaction.
Reiterated that the Housing, Communities and Local Government Secretary has provided important powers to improve standards and hold public servants accountable.
Asked for advice on what actions can be taken by the Government regarding peers in the House of Lords who do not meet expected standards.
Government Response
Northern IrelandDemocracy & Elections
Government Response
I thank Seamus Logan for raising this important matter and acknowledge that upholding standards in public life is vital. The Government has taken steps to address the Committee's recommendations including reforming the business appointments code, strengthening the Commissioner for Public Appointments' powers, and improving transparency around lobbying through mandatory reporting. We have also established an Ethics and Integrity Commission as committed to in our manifesto. Regarding concerns about conflicts of interest and improper conduct, we will continue to ensure robust enforcement of rules with full investigations into any allegations. As highlighted by Dr Arthur's intervention, it is important that all public servants adhere to these principles across the UK. We recognise the need for whistleblower protections and are exploring options including a confidential reporting platform as suggested by Seamus Logan. I thank the hon. Member for Aberdeenshire North and Moray East (Seamus Logan) for securing the debate and acknowledge the importance of the Nolan principles in upholding public trust and integrity. I emphasise the Government's commitment to strengthening these principles across all public sectors, including local government and parish councils. The Hillsborough law will ensure a legal requirement for codes of ethical conduct based on the Nolan principles, promoting candour, justice, accountability, and safety for whistleblowers. Although no independent office for whistleblowing is recommended due to potential duplication risks, I invite collaboration during the Bill's passage. Additionally, measures such as establishing the Ethics and Integrity Commission, reforming business appointments systems, and enhancing ministerial severance rules are in place to improve standards. We remain vigilant against racism and discrimination across public services. The Minister acknowledged the concerns raised about public servants failing to uphold high standards and noted that while progress has been made, there is still work to be done. He referred to recent powers provided by the Housing, Communities and Local Government Secretary aimed at improving accountability in local government. Regarding the House of Lords, he stated it is a matter for individual parties and the Lords themselves but mentioned ongoing efforts such as the House of Lords (Hereditary Peers) Bill to modernize and improve trust and accountability in the upper chamber.
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