Ethics and Integrity Commission

Debbie Abrahams, the Labour MP for Oldham East and Saddleworth, asked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, Pat McFadden, about the progress the Government has made on establishing an ethics and integrity commission. In his response, McFadden acknowledged the importance of restoring confidence in government and public life, and ensuring the highest possible standards. He stated that this was an important manifesto commitment, and that the government will establish a new independent ethics and integrity commission, with its own independent chair, to ensure the highest possible standards. He informed the House that work has begun on this, and that he will keep the House updated as it develops. Abrahams welcomed the response and asked McFadden to expand on the potential terms of reference for the commission, specifically whether it would include participative and deliberative democracy methods to help restore trust in politics, which she noted is at an all-time low. McFadden thanked Abrahams for her question and stated that the focus will be on "show, not tell". He explained that the government is taking immediate action to tighten the existing prohibition on MPs providing paid parliamentary advice, and that they are also setting up a modernisation committee to ensure the right systems are in place. He emphasised that it is ultimately a matter of demonstrating the effectiveness of the new commission, rather than just talking about it.