(APG0017)

Written evidence submitted by Public Relations and Communications Association (PRCA

 

Who we are:

Executive summary:

We are clear that All-Party Parliamentary Groups play an important role in our democracy. They offer Parliamentarians access to expert insight. They ensure policymakers are properly informed about public policy matters.

 

 

 

Detailed Commentary:

The PRCA’s response addresses the following issues:

The value and benefits of APPGs to the House

Transparency and appropriateness of funding of APPG activities and secretarial support

The role of external secretariats to APPGs

The risk of APPGs being used for access by lobbyists, other organisations or by foreign Governments, and how any conflicts of interests arising can be managed

Use of Parliamentary passes by staff exclusively supporting APPGs

Who should be accountable for ensuring an APPG complies with the rules

 

Conclusion:

In our view, current levels of transparency and disclosure are appropriate, and we do not believe that the Committee should impose any further measures on APPGs and the industry. We have continuously shown that the industry's self-regulatory mechanisms work, and that the industry is committed to the utmost level of transparency.

 

20 November 2020