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House Standards System: Confidentiality and Sanctions
21 April 2021
Lead MP
Jacob Rees-Mogg
Debate Type
General Debate
Tags
Parliamentary ProcedureStandards & Ethics
Other Contributors: 5
At a Glance
Jacob Rees-Mogg raised concerns about house standards system: confidentiality and sanctions 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
Moves motion to reaffirm commitment to ICGS, tackle bullying, harassment and sexual misconduct, emphasises importance of confidentiality within the scheme and agrees to recommendations by the Committee on Standards. Additionally proposes amendments to Standing Order No. 150 and other related documents.
Notices that amendment to motion 7 in the name of Andrea Leadsom has not been selected.
Valerie Vaz
Lab
Walsall and Bloxwich
Expresses concern over the consultation process, noting that she was only informed days before publication. She thanks the Leader of the House for his statement but criticises the lack of transparency in the communication leading up to the debate.
Andrea Leadsom
Con
South Northamptonshire
Welcomes the report from the Standards Committee on the Independent Complaints and Grievance Scheme, stating it has provided a clear route to justice for everyone who visits or works in Parliament. Emphasises the importance of ongoing reviews and timely processes. Supports the establishment of an independent expert panel but raises concerns about constituents' representation if an MP is expelled.
Chris Bryant
Lab
Rhondda and Ogmore
Discusses the importance of a clear code of conduct, confidentiality in investigations, ending the anomaly of non-confirmation by the commissioner, proposing more effective sanctions, clarifying mitigating and aggravating factors for sanctions, urging Members to seek advice from the Commissioner and Registrar, stressing that Officers are there to help Members.
Bernard Jenkin
Con
Harwich and North Essex
Questions Chris Bryant about confidentiality arrangements in relation to Whips; discusses Members' wariness of approaching the commissioner for advice due to fear of judgment or repercussions, asks how to break down barriers between the commissioner and MPs.
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Assessment & feedback
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