Commenting on today's Westminster Hall debate on Parliamentary Lobbying, Iain Anderson, Chairman of the CIPR PA Group today said:
This was a balanced debate. There were some excellent contributions from all sides and Paul Flynn is to be praised for his dogged pursuit of this issue. It is good to see that MPs recognise the complexity of the issues around lobbying and a statutory register.
Lobbying gives voice to a whole range of groups and interests within our democracy by cutting through the massive amount of information and communication that flows into our political system and in so doing helps to produce better policy and legislation. I am pleased this was acknowledged in the debate.
I believe that as a profession, we should embrace any steps that will increase the professionalism of public affairs, that tackle those who seek influence without full disclosure and without dealing openly and honestly with the public and government in all matters at all times.
It is important that MPs develop a consensus approach to the registration of lobbying and that the public now has a say on the Government's proposals. The consultation, which the Minister confirmed would be published this month, is our opportunity as a profession to continue to shape this debate in favour of transparency.
ENDS
For further information or for comment from Iain Anderson, contact Phil Morgan, CIPR Director of Policy and Communication on 020 7631 6926/07794 265678 or email philm@cipr.co.uk.
About the CIPR
The CIPR is the professional body for PR practitioners in the UK. With 9,500 members involved in all aspects of PR, it is the largest body of its type in Europe. The CIPR advances the PR profession in the UK by making its members accountable through a code of conduct, developing policies, representing its members and raising standards through education and training.
About CIPR PA
The CIPR Public Affairs Group is a specialist sectoral group of the CIPR consisting of around 700 members. It aims to represent the membership of the group, to facilitate networking and to provide a forum for the exchange of information, ideas and best practice.
Iain Anderson's blog post
Yesterday, Iain published a blog post 'Protect democracy from greed, not lobbying' on the CIPR Conversation, ahead of today's debate.
About the Westminster Hall Debate
The Westminster Hall debate was held today, Wednesday 2 November at 9.30am, discussing parliamentary lobbying with Paul Flynn MP.
