PM outlines vision for reforming Parliament

The Prime Minister has told Parliament that each MP has a part to play in “regaining the country’s trust” as he outlined proposals for reform.

In a statement to the House of Commons, Gordon Brown put forward changes on a range of subjects including MPs’ expenses, freedom of information and the modernisation of House of Commons procedures.

The PM said the Government plans to introduce legislation that could see a shift from self-regulation of the House of Commons - and subsequently the House of Lords - to independent, statutory regulation. A new Parliamentary Standards Authority would be given the power to regulate MPs’ allowances and the Commons would be asked to agree a code of conduct for MPs in order to increase accountability.

“There will be consultation with all sides of the House to come forward with new proposals for dealing effectively with inappropriate behaviour, including potentially the options of effective exclusion and recall for gross financial misconduct identified by the new independent regulator and the House itself.”

The PM’s proposals on MPs’ expenses were in addition to those already with cross-party agreement, such as the requirement for all spending to be receipted and incomes from second jobs to be fully accounted for. All parties have also pledged to accept recommendations from an independent committee due to report later this year, Mr Brown said.

The PM said the Government will also set out proposals for public debate on five major issues in the coming months: reform of the House of Lords to an elected House; introduction of a written constitution; devolution of power away from Westminster; reform of the electoral system; and increased public participation through electoral registration and greater engagement of young people, including a potential lowering of the voting age.

The PM said:

“As we come forward with proposals, in each case the Government will look to consult widely. And all proposed reforms will be underpinned by cross-party discussions.

“Our proposals will also be informed by leading external figures, including academics and others who command public respect and have a recognised interest or expertise in the difference elements of democratic reform.”

Today’s statement also contained proposals to progressively reduce the time taken to release official documents from 30 to 20 years and to broaden the terms of application of the Freedom of Information Act to include a wider range of organisations.

Mr Brown said all proposals would be brought before the House for debate in a standalone Bill ahead of this year’s summer recess.