Honesty in politics to be debated by MPs
18 October 2023
On Monday 23 October MPs will debate a petition relating to honesty in politics
- Watch the debate (from 4.30pm, Monday 23 October)
- Read the debate transcript (available shortly after the conclusion of the debate).
- Follow the Committee on Twitter and join the discussion using #PetitionsDebate
Martyn Day MP, a member of the Petitions Committee, has been asked by the Committee to open the debate. MPs from all parties can take part, and the Government will send a minister to respond.
Make it a criminal offence for MPs to mislead the public
The petition, which has more than 110,000 signatures, states: “A new offence should be created and legal sanctions should be introduced to stop MPs intentionally or recklessly misleading the public. This could restore a degree of trust in the UK's political system.”
In its response to the petition, provided on 26 January 2021, the Government said: “The Government does not intend to introduce legislation. MPs must abide by the Code of Conduct and allegations of misconduct are investigated by the Parliamentary Commissioner for Standards.”
Make lying in the House of Commons a criminal offence
The petition, which has more than 133,000 signatures, states: “The Government should introduce legislation to make lying in the House of Commons a criminal offence. This would mean that all MPs, including Ministers, would face a serious penalty for knowingly making false statements in the House of Commons, as is the case in a court of law.”
In its response to the petition, provided on 12 August 2021, the Government said: “The Government does not intend to introduce legislation of this nature. MPs must abide by the Code of Conduct and conduct in the Chamber is a matter for the Speaker.”
What are petitions debates?
Petitions debates are 'general' debates which allow MPs from all parties to discuss the important issues raised by one or more petitions, and put their concerns to Government Ministers.
Petition debates don’t end with a vote to implement the request of a petition. This means MPs will not vote on the requests of the petitions at the end of the debate.
Petition debates are scheduled by the Petitions Committee. Only e-petitions started on the parliament petitions site are considered by the Petitions Committee.
Further information
Image credit: UK Parliament