MPs are debating parliamentary standards and looking at how the system could be reformed

The government has come under fire for its failed attempt to change the rules on standards in parliament after MPs voted against the suspension of former Conservative MP Owen Paterson, who was found guilty of breaking lobbying rules. The House of Commons debate on Monday, will look at how the parliamentary standards system could be reformed.

“Government corruption. There is no other word for it.” Labour’s Sir Keir Starmer accuses the government of corruption as MPs debate parliamentary standards, adding its “strategy is to devalue the rules”. The PM has said the government was trying to reform the standards system.

“The prime minister gives the green light to corruption.” Keir Starmer slams the “corrupt” Boris Johnson, who couldn’t be bothered to attend a debate on parliamentary standards.

What people are saying?

Angela Rayner Boris Johnson and his Ministers want to weaken the independent standards system because it keeps investigating them and finding that they have broken the rules. There is a simple solution if they care about standards. They should change their behaviour and stop being corrupt.

Wera Hobhouse MP  We need every single MP to commit to strengthening the standards process and the rules around it. I was shocked at the complacency, arrogance and sheer contempt for the general public showed by the Govt opposite. The PM couldn’t even be bothered to show up.