Commons Modernisation Committee publishes key strategic aims for reform
12 September 2024
The Commons Modernisation Committee today publishes a memorandum from the Leader of the House setting out its three key aims as it looks to reform the Commons.
The Committee has endorsed the key aims of driving up standards, improving culture and working practices and reforming procedures to make the Commons more effective.
Over the coming months, the Committee will explore ways to drive up standards, examining whether paid outside engagements such as MP media appearances, journalism and speeches provide a benefit to the public or present a conflict of interest.
The Committee will work with stakeholders to support the implementation of the review of the Independent Complaints and Grievance Scheme (ICGS) and consider what gaps remain. Joining up relevant actors, including political parties, to ensure everyone in the Parliamentary community feels safe and supported will be a key initial priority.
MPs will work to ensure the Commons is open and accessible to people from all walks of life, building on recent reforms.
The Committee will also work across the House to consider how time and resources in the Commons are best utilised, ensuring all MPs have the best opportunity to scrutinise Government legislation, consider issues of national importance and of concern to their constituents.
Commenting on the Committee’s key priorities, Rt Hon Lucy Powell MP, Leader of the House of Commons and Chair of the Modernisation Committee, said:
“It is a great privilege to serve constituents as a Member of Parliament, but this privilege requires us to embody the very highest standards. As we turn the page in this Parliament following the events of the last, the Modernisation Committee will find ways to do things better.
“Building consensus for reforms, we’ll set out to drive up standards, improve the culture and working practices and reform procedures to make the House of Commons more open and accessible to people from all walks of life.
“We’re committed to working with the other committees with an interest in this area and to seeking views from MPs from all parties and none, their staff, House staff, and wider stakeholders. Old and new Members have expressed enthusiasm about the Committee’s work and there is some consensus emerging already about the path forward.
“There’s much to do, and we’re looking forward to getting started.”
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Further information
Image credit: House of Commons