Transparency International UK says: Hold your MP to account!
Wednesday, 21 April 2010
As prospective parliamentary candidates (PPC’s) pound the streets and the electorate is making up its mind as to who to vote for on May 6th, Transparency International UK, the UK’s leading anti-corruption organisation urges voters to ask for honest answers, to ask PPC’s how serious they are about tackling corruption and being transparent when in public office.
‘The Transparency and Integrity Test’ - You could ask:
Q Would you stand down as an MP if you were found to be in breach of the ‘Nolan’ principles of selflessness, integrity, objectivity, accountability, openness, honesty and leadership?
Q Would your party commit to a ‘zero tolerance policy on corruption?
Q Now we have new Bribery Act in the UK would you support a sustained increase in law enforcement against bribery? Should local forces publicly report on how they tackle bribery?
Q In a time of economic uncertainty for many citizens, how would your party ensure the taxpayer sees value for money by increasing transparency and accountability for foreign Aid given to other countries?
Further information
The Nolan Committee, established in 1994 (now the Committee on Standards in Public Life) made a number of changes to the way MPs conduct was regulated. Under the Chairmanship of Lord Nolan it created the ‘Seven Principles of Public Life’ which are known as the ‘Nolan principles’. They are upheld today in the MPs Code of Conduct:
- Selflessness – Holders of public office should act solely in terms of the public interest. They should not do so in order to gain financial or other benefits for themselves, their family or their friends.
- Integrity – Holders of public office should not place themselves under any financial or other obligation to outside individuals or organisations that might seek to influence them in the performance of their official duties.
- Objectivity – In carrying out public business, including making public appointments, awarding contracts, or recommending individuals for rewards and benefits, holders of public office should make choices on merit.
- Accountability – Holders of public office are accountable for their decisions and actions to the public and must submit themselves to whatever scrutiny is appropriate to their office.
- Openness – Holders of public office should be as open as possible about all the decisions and actions they take. They should give reasons for their decisions and restrict information only when the wider public interest clearly demands.
- Honesty – Holders of public office have a duty to declare any private interests relating to their public duties and to take steps to resolve any conflicts arising in a way that protects the public interest.
- Leadership - Holders of public office should promote and support these principles by leadership and example.