BURT CALLS FOR MEASURES TO RESTORE PUBLIC TRUST IN PARLIAMENT AND POLITICIANS

2.28.03pm GMT Tue 3rd Feb 2009

Solihull's MP Lorely Burt has proposed a motion tabled in the House of Commons to help restore public trust in parliament following recent scandals over alleged abuse of parliamentary rules.

Mrs Burt joined her party Leader, Nick Clegg in calling for tough new sanctions to ensure that Peers found guilty of breaking rules can be sanctioned and expelled from the House if they are found guilty of serious offences.

She has also backed calls for Peers to declare any interest in all legislation and to bring Peers under the remit of the Parliamentary Standards Commissioner.

Commenting, Lorely said:

"At a time of real hardship during the recession, it is particularly galling to the public to hear of allegations that Peers have been prepared to break the rules for personal financial gain. Another Peer, a large donor to the Conservative Party, continues to sit in the Lords in defiance of his undertaking to register in the United Kingdom for tax purposes, and there seems to be precious little that can be done to bring sanctions to bear in either case.

"Of course Peers accused of wrongdoing must be given the opportunity to defend themselves, but this latest episode just serves to underline the lack of effective sanctions and undermines public respect and credibility in both houses. When people see one set of rules for parliamentarians and another set of rules for themselves, it is not surprising they lack trust.

"Without proper regulation and effective sanctions, politicians and parliament will continue to be held in low esteem."

All four Peers accused being prepared to accept money for influencing legislation deny wrongdoing.