I hope to be able to give my right hon. Friend some reassurance, but let me also say to him that, as he knows very well, the expenses scandal is not just a matter of a couple of days of headlines. It has engulfed the House and its reputation—unfairly in many respects, but because there have been some egregious abuses by a few Members and a systemic failure properly to establish a system of regulation, we face a serious problem in terms of rebuilding public confidence.
There never will be an offence of advocating a cause in the House, although there has plainly been a breach of any code, and in many respects an offence with a small "o" for centuries: that of being hired and paid to advocate a cause. However, I know from long experience of my right hon. Friend that he would never do that in any event.
Parliamentary Standards Bill
Proceeding contribution from
Jack Straw
(Labour)
in the House of Commons on Monday, 29 June 2009.
It occurred during Debate on bills on Parliamentary Standards Bill.
About this proceeding contribution
Reference
495 c57 Session
2008-09Chamber / Committee
House of Commons chamberSubjects
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