The Committee on Standards today published a major new report
with recommendations to improve the regulation of All Party Parliamentary
Groups (APPGs) and safeguard Parliament from improper
lobbying and hostile state actors.
The detailed report comes following a long-running investigation
into the activities of APPGs and their governance. The report
includes a range of potential proposals to tighten the rules for
the informal groups, and stop them being used as a vehicle for
improper access or influence by lobbyists and hostile foreign
states.
The report notes “the expert evidence we have received to our
inquiry shows that the risk of improper access and influence by
hostile foreign actors through APPGs is real, though difficult to
measure.” The Committee also warns that “there is also evidence
that this risk has already materialised.”
The report also reflects on the dramatic increase in the number
of APPGs in recent years, noting that this has made it more
difficult to monitor adherence to the rules, and “created the
conditions for inappropriate influence and access”. The report
goes on to warn that “if left unchecked, APPGs could represent
the next great parliamentary scandal, with commercial entities
effectively buying access to and influence of parliamentarians
and decision-makers.”
The Committee proposes four approaches to address the current
threats posed by APPGs, as well as a range of potential measures
to tackle the issue head on:
- Reduce the number of APPGs. Now at 744, the sheer number of
Groups makes improper access and influence more likely and makes
monitoring compliance with the rules more challenging.
- Further enhance transparency. Particularly of funding sources
and the provision of external staff or secretariats.
- Stricter restrictions on secretariats/APPG staff. For
example, potentially banning secretariats funded or provided by
foreign governments.
- Bring in reforms to make enforcing the rules easier. This
could include creating a more rigorous statement of an APPG
chair’s responsibilities.
The Committee outlines a range of potential measures for the
House to consider that, if implemented, would greatly reduce the
risks posed by APPGs. The measures are set out in full in the
Committee’s report.
, Chair of the Committee on
Standards, said:
“All Party Parliamentary Groups are really useful, but they must
never be a backdoor means of peddling influence around the
corridors of power or pursuing a commercial interest.
“Today’s report represents a wake-up call for us all. The
evidence we have gathered is chilling and points towards an
urgent need for the House to take action.
“We have set out four ways to address the risks posed by APPGs,
as well as a range of possible measures to regulate them, and
ensure they continue to enhance – rather than endanger – the
integrity of Parliament.
“Parliament always has, and always will, be a target for hostile
foreign states. But with better regulation and transparency
around these informal groups, we can ensure they continue to make
a positive contribution to our democracy.
“We want to hear from individuals and groups both inside and
outside the House on the options we set out before we make final
recommendations.”
The Committee will now consult on the proposals ahead of
preparing a final report with recommendations for the House.
The Committee’s report “All-Party Parliamentary Groups:
improving governance and regulation”, is attached to this email,
and can be read in full on the Committee on
Standards website here once the embargo
lifts from 22:30 Friday
29th April. The Committee
will consult on the proposals until
17th June.
[read full report here once
embargo lifts]
