Commons Sense

House of Commons · General Debate

ICGS Investigations: Commons-Lords Agreement

25 November 2020 · 3 other contributors

Opened by Bernard Jenkin Con Harwich and North Essex

Standards & Ethics

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Bernard Jenkin raised concerns about icgs investigations: commons-lords agreement in the House of Commons. Other MPs contributed to the debate.

Key points

  • The Standards Committee and the House of Lords' Conduct Committee collaborated to address a loophole in the ICGS.
  • The gap being addressed pertains to former MPs who are now peers and cannot be investigated under the ICGS for behaviour alleged during their time as MPs.
  • The report suggests reciprocal arrangements for former peers in the Commons to be investigated under similar procedures.

How the debate unfolded

MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said.

Opened the debate

Bernard Jenkin Con Harwich and North Essex

The Standards Committee has cooperated with the House of Lords' Conduct Committee to address a loophole in the Independent Complaints and Grievance Scheme (ICGS). The scheme was established rapidly due to serious allegations of bullying and harassment within Parliament, but it needed revisions. One gap addressed is that former MPs now in the House of Lords cannot be investigated under the ICGS for behaviour alleged to have occurred while they were MPs. A proposed arrangement allows ex-MPs who are now peers to be investigated under Commons procedures involving independent investigators, the Commissioner, and an expert panel. If found to breach the behaviour code, sanctions would be handled by the House of Lords. The report proposes reciprocal arrangements for former peers in the Commons.

Other contributors (3)
  • Bernard Jenkin Con Harwich and North Essex

    The arrangement involves investigations under Commons procedures but sanctions within the House of Lords, ensuring accountability while respecting each House's exclusive cognisance. The proposal aims to address gaps in the ICGS and enhance measures for tackling bullying, harassment, and sexual misconduct by Members and ex-Members.

  • Andrea Leadsom Con South Northamptonshire

    The current arrangement between Houses is due to a past investigation's difficulties in the House of Lords. There are concerns about complaints being too slow, which could affect Members under consideration for positions in the other place with pending ICGS investigations.

  • Jacob Rees-Mogg Con West Somerset

    The agreement respects each House's exclusive cognisance while ensuring the ICGS can work effectively. It allows the House where the offence occurred to investigate, and sanctions are handled by the current House of the Member.

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