SNP WESTMINSTER LEADER GIVES EVIDENCE TO KELLY COMMISSION

SNP WESTMINSTER LEADER GIVES EVIDENCE TO KELLY COMMISSION

SNP PROPOSE AMENDMENT TO PARLIAMENTARY STANDARDS BILL

SNP Westminster Leader, Angus Robertson MP, today (Monday) gave evidence to the Committee into Standards in Public Life where he advocated a system based on that currently in operation at the Scottish Parliament.

The session comes ahead of the Commons debate on the Parliamentary Standards Bill tomorrow, where the SNP Westminster group will present an amendment making it a criminal offence not to declare a relevant interest when speaking in the Parliament.

Commenting, Mr Robertson said:

"Westminster has been dragged kicking and screaming towards reform. We must not stop until we have trustworthy and transparent system in place - the Scottish Parliament sets the benchmark on how that should be done.

“Throughout the all-party talks preceding the Parliamentary Standards Bill, the SNP have consistently argued for legislation which will match that in operation at Holyrood. Tomorrow, the SNP Westminster Group will push forward an amendment which will make it a criminal offence to conceal a relevant interest when speaking in Parliament – ensuring practice in Westminster meets the Holyrood standard.”

Angus Robertson MP the only Scottish politician to give oral evidence to the Committee and – despite travelling to Belfast and other locations in London – there is no scheduled evidence session north of the Border. Mr Robertson added:

“Until Scotland secures independence, Holyrood may have fewer powers than Westminster, but it is abundantly clear that the Scottish Parliament provides the gold standard in setting new standards of democracy.

“A few years ago, when faced with its own difficulties over Members’ conduct, the Scottish Parliament took decisive action and now, Holyrood is a beacon of good practice.

“I find it incredible that, despite a first rate system operating just a few hundred miles from London, the Committee have neglected to conduct an in depth survey. Surely, the point of this exercise is to establish the best possible framework, to restore faith in the fractured UK Parliament.”