In a statement to the House of Commons yesterday, U.K. Prime Minister Gordon Brown outlined his plan for “regaining the country’s trust”. He put on the table a range of subjects including MPs’ expenses, freedom of information and the modernisation of House of Commons procedures.
Brown 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.”
Brown’s proposals on MPs’ expenses come in addition to those already having 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.
Brown said the Government will also delineate proposals for public debate on: 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.