Transparency International UK calls for speedy inquiry into 'Peers for Sale' allegations

Monday, 26 January 2009

Commenting on claims that four members of the House of Lords were willing to use their influence to amend laws in exchange for cash,

John Drysdale, Chairman of Transparency International (UK) said:

‘If confirmed, these allegations underscore the urgent need for a tighter, more transparent system for ensuring ethical behaviour in the Palace of Westminster.

‘While the majority of peers work selflessly in the public interest, this is not the first time the standards of behaviour of some of our politicians have been called into question. The Sub-committee on Lords’ Interests must carry out an urgent investigation into these allegations and report its findings within a month. Any peers found guilty should be asked to resign.

‘Because of the obvious deficiencies in oversight of the House of Lords, there must also be an independent inquiry by the Committee on Standards in Public Life.’

Chandrashekhar Krishnan, Executive Director of TI (UK) said:

‘Such allegations undermine public confidence in UK politics. This is reflected in the UK’s recent slide down Transparency International’s Corruption Perceptions Index.’

Notes to the editor

Transparency International’s Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI)  – ranks 180 countries in terms of the degree to which corruption is perceived to exist among public officials and politicians. It defines corruption as ‘the abuse of entrusted power for private gain’. The 2008 CPI showed  that the UK’s score had dropped from 8.4 in 2007 to only 7.7 in 2008: the first time it has ever fallen from the high rating of more than 8 (10 is the highest a country can score). The UK’s ranking slipped to 16 in 2008, down 4
places since 2007.