Plaid Westminster leader calls for full legislative scrutiny of new Parliamentary Standards Bill

Plaid Cymru’s Westminster Leader, Elfyn Llwyd MP, has today warned that rushing through a new Parliamentary Standards Bill will mean that the legislation will not stand the test of time.

Mr Llwyd also gave evidence to the Committee into Standards in Public Life today which is looking into the review of MPs expenses system, and at which he stressed these concerns.

Mr Llwyd also raised concerns once again that establishing a ministerial statutory code of conduct could impinge on Members’ right of privilege and freedom of speech.

Mr Llwyd has also advocated a new system which would abolish the controversial Additional Costs Allowance and also the Communications Allowance.

Elfyn Llwyd MP, also a member of the Committee for Standards and Privileges, said:

“This new Bill is being rushed through for political reasons. It needs to be submitted to full pre-legislative scrutiny. My concern is that rushed bills historically have proved ineffective in the long-term.

“A draft bill should be introduced in the autumn and a full debate needs to held in the House when that time comes. The Christopher Kelly commission is already well under way and carrying out some fantastic work.

“We need to fully accept these recommendations rather than hurrying through a Bill just so that the Government can say that it has sorted the issue.

“The issue of transparency is already being addressed to a meritable standard at local government and at the Welsh Assembly. We can take many leads from them in the interim period.

“In terms of a statutory code of conduct, we are in danger of impinging on Article nine of the Bill of Rights. There will be constitutional implications from the creation of one which will need careful consideration.

“We need a robust new system there is no doubt about that, but high-handed gestures from the Government just to prove that they are reacting rapidly to these issues - is not the answer.”