Campaign reply - Please attend the debate on lying in politics

Thank you for contacting me about honesty in politics.

Unfortunately, due to urgent parliamentary business, I was unable to attend this event. However, I appreciate your concern regarding this matter and completely agree that politicians should uphold strong values.

 

In carrying out their parliamentary and public duties, Members of Parliament and Government Ministers are expected to observe the Nolan principles which are the basis of the ethical standards expected of public office holders. These include: selflessness; integrity; objectivity; honesty; accountability; openness and leadership. Members of Parliament are also expected to observe the principles set out in the Parliamentary Behaviour Code of respect, professionalism, courtesy, and understanding of other people’s perspectives.

 

I do not believe it would be right to introduce regulations regarding the content of political material as it may restrain freedom of political speech around democratic elections and referendums. This concern has previously been raised when the Electoral Commission has consulted on this issue, and it was raised in the Human Rights Act 1998.

 

Moreover, I am glad that in the recent Elections Act the Government took steps to increase transparency in digital campaigning. A new digital imprints regime will require political campaigners to show exactly who they are and on whose behalf they are promoting digital campaigning material. All paid-for political digital material will require an imprint, regardless of who it is promoted by, to show who produced and paid for the material. These measures will help bring digital campaigning in line with the requirements already placed on physical campaigning material.

 

Once again, thank you for taking the time to write. If you require any further assistance, then please do not hesitate to get in touch.