The
BBC Panorama program secretly filmed two peers and an MP agreeing to do work
for money – which is being blamed on the lobbyists. What has happened has
obviously, confirmed to the general public the current political system is both
inadequate and filled with sleaze.
However, within all of this sleaze, it is the term ‘Lobbying’ that seems to be labelled for the problem and making the headlines recently for all the wrong reasons. Although this article isn't supporting the lobbyists, it does ask some critical questions about the new lobbying bill being proposed.
However, within all of this sleaze, it is the term ‘Lobbying’ that seems to be labelled for the problem and making the headlines recently for all the wrong reasons. Although this article isn't supporting the lobbyists, it does ask some critical questions about the new lobbying bill being proposed.
The
coalition government has taken the decision to introduce new legislation by the
end of July. It is rumoured it will make it compulsory for lobbyists to
register their interests in Parliament. It will also target trade unions,
getting rid of self-certification for trade unions.
What
is frustrating in this matter, the problem is pointed towards the lobbyist who
are mere information provider to the decision-makers, instead of dealing with
the actual heart of the problem, the UK political system.
The
government’s response to this matter seems unclear. The introduction of new
legislation to resolve the most recent scandal is questionable. Any individual could in theory provide money
to peers or MPs, and they don’t necessarily have to be ‘lobbyists’. MP and
Peers are approached by the public about various issues.
How
can you differentiate between a ‘lobbyist’ and a normal person exercising their
right to contact their representative? Does this mean all these people will
have to register? Also, how can any legislation effectively be enforced, and
what’s to say someone who is willing to take a bribe, has the morals to
register their interests?
It
is necessary to take a response to this issue, however it would be better to
assess the situation more before taking the decision to introduce any new
legislation.
BBC Article Link Here: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-22749803
FT Article on Cameron's response Link: http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/318b2d0c-cb73-11e2-8ff3-00144feab7de.html
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