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Code of Conduct and Modernisation Committee
25 July 2024
Lead MP
Nusrat Ghani
Debate Type
General Debate
Tags
No tags
Other Contributors: 36
At a Glance
Nusrat Ghani raised concerns about code of conduct and modernisation committee in the House of Commons. Other MPs contributed to the debate.
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
Called the Leader of the House to move the first motion on code of conduct and guide to the rules, corrected a small error in paragraph 2(a) of chapter 4 of the guide to the rules. Also introduced amendments for the Modernisation Committee motion, including changes to membership numbers, inclusion of committee chairs, and restrictions on matters falling within the House of Commons Commission's functions.
Lucy Powell
Lab Co-op
Manchester Central
Begged to move that with effect from 25 October 2024, paragraph 2 of Chapter 4 of the Guide to the Rules relating to the conduct of Members be amended.
Luke Charters
Lab
York Outer
Mr Charters supports the tightening of rules on second jobs, agreeing that being an MP should be a full-time job. He believes public policy advocacy roles should cease to ensure MPs have sufficient time for their constituents.
Ellie Chowns
Green
North Herefordshire
Ms Chowns welcomes the statement and emphasises that being an MP is an honour and a privilege, suggesting that the problem of second jobs goes beyond the issues addressed in the motion. She highlights instances where MPs might have conflicts of interest, such as managing directors of financial services companies based in tax havens.
Max Wilkinson
Lib Dem
Cheltenham
Mr Wilkinson, a new Member, expresses concern about the conduct of Members in the Chamber. He suggests that respectful listening is crucial for improving Parliament's reputation and addressing problems related to second jobs and conduct outside Parliament.
Debbie Abrahams
Lab
Oldham East and Saddleworth
Ms Abrahams asks about the relationship between the Modernisation Committee and the ethics and integrity commission being set up by the Government, seeking clarity on how they will work together.
Kirsty Blackman
SNP
Aberdeen North
Ms Blackman questions whether it is fair that only three parties are represented on the Modernisation Committee and suggests there could be flexibility to include voices from more than just these three parties.
Lee Anderson
Reform
Ashfield
Mr Anderson criticises the representation of smaller parties on Committees, noting that a party with over 4 million votes has no representation while another with fewer votes is well-represented. He calls for fairness and inclusion.
Jim Shannon
DUP
Strangford
Mr Shannon agrees with the mathematical basis of Committee representation but asks if it would be fair to include more representatives from regional areas in Committees like Northern Ireland Affairs, Scottish Affairs, and Welsh Affairs.
Richard Tice
Reform
Boston and Skegness
Mr Tice reiterates Mr Anderson's concern about fairness and calls on the Leader of the House to demonstrate good will towards smaller parties by ensuring their representation in the Modernisation Committee.
Ellie Chowns
Green
North Herefordshire
Ms Chowns suggests that the establishment of a Select Committee through a motion on modernisation could be an opportunity to demonstrate good will towards smaller parties by ensuring their representation.
Chris Philp
Con
Croydon South
Welcomed the initiative taken by the Leader of the House for improving standards in public life but emphasised the importance of cross-party consensus and time for discussion. Noted that Members will no longer be able to be paid for providing advice on public policy or current affairs, which is broadly supported but requires clarification on certain points. Asked about the implications of the proposed rule changes on individuals who might offer unpaid advice as part of their other paid activities and whether it would preclude a person being paid by a political party from offering advice on public policy matters. Mentioned that limb (c) of the rules, allowing Members to be paid for media appearances, journalism, writing books, delivering lectures, remains unchanged. Raised concerns about the Modernisation Committee potentially superseding or impeding the work of existing Committees such as Procedure, Privileges, Standards and Administration Committees. Proposed amendments to ensure these Committees are properly involved and their expertise is heard, suggesting that the Chairs of those Committees should be added to the Modernisation Committee and that the Parliamentary Commissioner for Standards should attend meetings.
Ian Lavery
Lab
Blyth and Ashington
Welcomes the Government motion which fulfils another manifesto pledge within a few days of the election. Focuses on second jobs, emphasising that being an MP is not just a part-time job but a full-time responsibility. Criticises MPs who take up other jobs and earn significant income from them while representing constituents with lower salaries. Highlights the need to restore public trust in politics by cleaning up perceptions of MPs' conduct and earnings.
Wendy Chamberlain
Lib Dem
North East Fife
Stressed the importance of restoring public trust in politics, highlighted low voter turnout and past controversies like Owen Paterson's lobbying scandal. Emphasised the need for cross-party collaboration on modernisation efforts and implementing recommendations from various commissions to ensure a safe and professional workplace environment. Also discussed the necessity of reviewing the Wright reforms and ensuring fair electoral processes.
Caroline Nokes
Con
Romsey and Southampton North
Announced Jack Abbott's maiden speech, did not contribute further to the debate topic.
Jack Abbott
Lab Co-op
Ipswich
Abbott outlines his views on various topics including the history of Ipswich, its rich heritage, the SEND crisis, and the importance of community energy projects. He also touches upon the economic benefits of the energy transition and expresses his commitment to ensuring local people benefit from the green transformation.
Lincoln Jopp
Con
Spelthorne
Welcomed the opportunity to make his maiden speech in a debate on second jobs. He praised previous speakers and the House staff for their welcome. Emphasised the unique geographical position of Spelthorne, highlighting its location south of Heathrow airport until the Thames and noted its administrative county status. Praised his predecessor Kwasi Kwarteng for his work as an advocate for small businesses. Mentioned his own background including military service and private equity experience, stressing the importance of national defence during a dangerous world period. Highlighted local attractions like BP's global technology centre and film studios, and invited Members to visit Spelthorne.
Shaun Davies
Lab
Telford
Shaun Davies, the Labour MP for Telford, delivered a heartfelt maiden speech in which he highlighted his commitment to representing his home town. He paid tribute to his predecessors and mentors, emphasising the rich history and industrial heritage of Telford. Davies discussed the economic growth and educational achievements of Telford, noting the town's contribution to housing and job growth while lamenting the lack of necessary investment to combat poverty and improve services. He also reflected on personal experiences with poverty as a child and vowed to fight for better services in his constituency.
Alberto Costa
Con
South Leicestershire
Welcomes the motions brought forward by the Leader of the House, particularly those concerning curbing second jobs related to parliamentary advice and restructuring the Standards Committee. He highlights that his proposal for banning paid parliamentary advice should align with the House of Lords code and emphasises the importance of including lay members in discussions about standards within the new committee.
Chris Murray
Lab
Edinburgh East and Musselburgh
Describes the diverse challenges and potentials of Edinburgh East and Musselburgh. He acknowledges the sacrifices made by young people during the pandemic, emphasises the need for well-paid jobs, affordable housing, and a stable climate. Also highlights the importance of modernising Parliament to foster better relationships between Westminster and Holyrood.
Blake Stephenson
Con
Mid Bedfordshire
Congratulates the Deputy Speaker and thanks the House for welcoming him. Discusses the importance of modernising Parliament, highlighting his background in compliance and conduct regulation from a career in the City. Acknowledges the work of local public servants, businesses, farmers, and investors in his constituency, Mid Bedfordshire. Pays tribute to his predecessor and outlines the rich history of political representation in the area, mentioning notable figures like Lord Boyd and Stephen Hastings. Emphasises the beauty and varied landscape of Mid Bedfordshire, including its green belt land and efforts towards environmental restoration. Expresses support for preserving local communities' heritage and natural environment while also advocating for economic opportunities through high-tech industry and defence partnerships. Concludes by referencing John Bunyan's historical significance to the area and stressing the need for thoughtful modernisation that respects experience and knowledge from various sectors, aiming to improve politics as a whole.
Cardiff West
Welcomes the opportunity to deliver his maiden speech in a debate on modernising the House. Mentions his predecessors who have represented Cardiff West, including Rhodri Morgan and Kevin Brennan, praising their contributions. Acknowledges Kevin Brennan's advice and support. Describes the constituency as diverse with historical, cultural, and sporting significance. Outlines Labour's plans for change focusing on improving public services, reducing child poverty, recruiting teachers, cutting NHS waiting times, unlocking green energy potential, making work pay, and supporting arts and culture. Emphasises the importance of working across the community to deliver these changes.
Ellie Chowns
Green
North Herefordshire
Welcomed the initiative by the Leader of the House to set up a Committee for modernisation, emphasising efficiency and effectiveness. Highlighted three areas for improvement: sitting arrangements, speaking practices, and voting systems. Critiqued the current Chamber's size and seating limitations, suggesting reforms such as time limits on speeches, more efficient allocation of speaking slots, electronic voting, and proportional representation.
Wolverhampton North East
Offers congratulations to the Deputy Speaker and thanks for the opportunity to make a maiden speech during an important debate. Pays tribute to predecessors, current MPs, and community leaders such as Ian Brookfield and Lisa Potts. Discusses her background in education and community service, emphasising the importance of breaking down barriers to opportunity with policies like free breakfast clubs and a reformed secondary curriculum.
Kirsty Blackman
SNP
Aberdeen North
Congratulates Sureena Brackenridge on her maiden speech. Expresses concerns about the motions regarding second jobs, noting that they do not address constituents' perceptions of second jobs, such as media appearances for financial gain. Supports the transparency and restrictions proposed but calls for further changes. Criticises the remit of the Modernisation Committee for lacking a clear mandate to modernize procedures effectively. Highlights issues with committee composition, particularly regarding representation from Northern Ireland and smaller parties like the SNP. Suggests that former MPs could provide valuable insights into procedural reforms.
Poole
Thanked Madam Deputy Speaker and his predecessor, Sir Robert Syms. Acknowledged support from parliamentary staff. Supported the proposal for a Modernisation Committee to review working practices in the House of Commons. Praised Poole's beauty, history, marine industry, and RNLI. Highlighted economic disparities in Poole with nearly 7,000 residents struggling to cover essential costs. Welcomed the King’s Speech commitment to make work pay through the employment rights Bill and banning zero-hour contracts, ending fire and rehire, and improving parental leave and sick pay rights.
Jim Shannon
DUP
Strangford
Discussed issues around MPs double jobbing, noting that while some MPs earn more from outside employment than their parliamentary salary, others give up other jobs to focus on their MP role. Praised the House for its traditions and argued for cautious modernisation without discarding wisdom behind traditional practices. Supported changes like financial claims overhaul and maternity system updates but warned against remote voting systems leading to absenteeism.
Gordon McKee
Lab
Glasgow South
Congratulates the Deputy Speaker and welcomes her to the Chair. Praises his predecessor Stewart McDonald for his service in Parliament and support for Ukraine, mentioning Labour predecessors Tom Harris, John Maxton, Teddy Taylor, Adam Ingram, and Anas Sarwar. Acknowledges challenges in Castlemilk but emphasises Glasgow South's renaissance with diverse communities and strong pro-European sentiment. Emphasises commitment to representing constituents and advocating for the voiceless around the world.
Lisa Smart
Lib Dem
Hazel Grove
Honoured to follow the maiden speeches and expressed her commitment to serve Hazel Grove with integrity. She detailed the geographic diversity of her constituency, highlighting its natural beauty and community spirit while raising concerns about sewage in local rivers. Emphasised the importance of empowering local communities and maintaining liberal values. Advocated for improvements at Stepping Hill hospital and a new town centre hospital. Recognised former MP Andrew Stunell’s contributions to Hazel Grove and praised his character as an inspiration. Shared her background, including work experience and local government service before joining Parliament. Suggested the publication of outside employment contracts to enhance transparency. Called for modernisation in parliamentary procedures and advocated for democratic reforms such as elected House of Lords and proportional voting systems.
Hamish Falconer
Lab
Lincoln
I pay tribute to the many maiden speeches of new Members and introduce myself as the Member for Lincoln, the oldest continuous constituency. I honour my predecessors, especially Margaret Beckett and other Labour women who have served the city with distinction. I will continue their legacy by pressing forward with local transport provision improvements, particularly focusing on upgrading the slowest train line between Lincoln to Newark. Additionally, I highlight the historical significance of my city, including its role in saving England from French forces in 1217 and its contribution to World War I through the invention of the tank and production of RAF planes. My commitment lies with public service and supporting my constituents across various sectors such as education, military bases, healthcare, cultural heritage, local businesses, sports venues, and parks.
Judith Cummins
Lab
Bradford South
Invites Patrick Spencer to make his maiden speech. No further contribution provided in the given text.
Patrick Spencer
Ind
Central Suffolk and North Ipswich
Made his maiden speech, congratulating the Deputy Speaker. He emphasised the beauty and history of his constituency, including its artistic heritage, agricultural success, and historical landmarks. He also expressed a commitment to supporting those who feel left behind in society, advocating for moral probity and public spiritedness in politics. He paid tribute to his predecessor Dr Dan Poulter and thanked his family and staff.
Stella Creasy
Lab Co-op
Walthamstow
Called for the House to rise to the occasion on the Modernisation Committee, emphasising the need for a safe and accessible workplace. She highlighted the importance of enforcing findings from previous reviews, learning from other jurisdictions, making Parliament family-friendly, and implementing gender-sensitive practices as per the Kigali accord.
Richard Foord
Lib Dem
Honiton and Sidmouth
Welcomes the debate on the code of conduct, particularly regarding second jobs. Criticises MPs who are absent from parliamentary duties due to external work commitments and earn excessive amounts for minimal contributions to debates in the House. Emphasises that MPs must prioritise their role as representatives of their constituents.
Chris Philp
Con
Croydon South
Congratulates new Members on their maiden speeches. Highlights the importance of drawing on the experience and independence of existing House Committees, such as the Standards Committee. Seeks assurances from the Leader of the House that these committees will continue to function independently and that the work of the Modernisation Committee does not conflict with other parliamentary bodies.
Chris Philp
Con
Croydon South
Asks for clarity on how the new Modernisation Committee will operate, specifically whether it will invite relevant Committees to prepare reports before considering matters.
Judith Cummins
Lab
Bradford South
Moves forward with the motion formally and addresses amendments related to the size of the Modernisation Committee based on assurances given by the Leader of the House.
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