Commons Sense

House of Commons · General Debate

Committee on Standards

04 November 2021 · 5 other contributors

Opened by Wendy Chamberlain Lib Dem North East Fife

Standards & Ethics

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

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Wendy Chamberlain raised concerns about committee on standards in the House of Commons. A government minister responded. Other MPs also contributed.

Key points

  • Concerns raised about the Government's interference in an independent process and whipping of Conservative Members.
  • The debate highlighted a potential overreach of Executive power in the House's history.
  • Calls for a fair and robust system through an open debate on the matter.

How the debate unfolded

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

Opened the debate

Wendy Chamberlain Lib Dem North East Fife

The consequences of yesterday's vote are clearly far reaching. The Government's decision not just to meddle in an independent process, but then to whip Conservative Members to get what they wanted is one of the worst overreaches of Executive power that this House has seen in its history. We have seen a Government Minister questioning the future of the current independent Commissioner for Standards and a need for further attacks on this independent process. The system will only be fair and robust when this debate has taken place.

Other contributors (5)
  • Lindsay Hoyle Speaker Chorley

    The hon. Member has obtained the leave of the House. The debate will be held on Monday 8 November, as the first item of public business. It is vital that staff members of this House should not be named without their right to reply or defend themselves.

  • Wendy Morton Con Aldridge-Brownhills

    I beg to move, That the Republic of Belarus (Sanctions) (EU Exit) (Amendment) (No. 2) Regulations 2021 be approved. These regulations correct an error that had deleted a prohibition on the transfer of restrictive technology to Belarus and introduce new measures in financial, trade, and aviation sectors to build pressure on Lukashenko, state institutions, and those around him.

  • Catherine West Lab Hornsey and Friern Barnet

    Welcomes the amended sanctions, emphasises cross-party support for standing against the Lukashenko regime, supports tougher sanctions on financial services and potash exports, raises questions about measuring effectiveness with a reduced budget, international co-operation, and Russian support.

  • John Howell

    Supports the sanctions, mentions strong position taken by UK delegation at Council of Europe, highlights personal connection to Belarusian political prisoners, expresses concern over crisis on border between Belarus and neighbouring countries, calls for quick action.

  • Stewart McDonald

    Briefly states that there are no objections from his side and does not want to detain the House longer than necessary.

Government Response

Government Minister

Grateful for support across the House, assures continuous monitoring of sanctions' effectiveness, emphasises co-ordination with international partners to ensure maximum impact on targeted sectors of Belarusian economy and key figures in its regime.

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