Call for Evidence

Following the House of Commons Commission's recent publication of proposals for consultation on “precautionary exclusion” –  potentially restricting MPs’ access to the Parliamentary estate and Parliamentary travel where there is an established allegation of committing a violent or sexual offence - the Committee on Standards is launching a brief inquiry into the matter as it regards the Members' Code of Conduct, the standing of the House and the safety of the public and other members of the parliamentary community.

The Committee is holding a one-off oral evidence session on Tuesday 24 January. We are inviting written submissions and comments from those inside and outside Parliament, in particular on the following questions:

(1) Is it appropriate for the House's powers to place restrictions on Members on a precautionary basis (before an allegation has been proven)? Is this compatible with a presumption of innocence until proven guilty?  At what point should this apply - at arrest, at police bail, at interview under caution, at charge or at some other point?

(2) What similar processes do regulatory bodies or comparable institutions follow?

(3) Who should make an assessment and ultimately decide the exclusion? What is the appropriate role of officials, Members, and the House?

(4) Could any precautionary exclusion process impact a related case (a) inside and (b) outside the House? If so, how could this be mitigated?