Jon Trickett writes to Cameron calling for “immediate cross-party talks on lobbying”

The Prime Minster

10 Downing Street

London

SW1A 2AA

Dear Prime Minister,

I am sure you are as concerned as I am at the recent revelations regarding the lobbying of Parliamentarians. Such revelations serve to undermine public trust in Parliament and bring both Houses into disrepute.

As you will know, I have been calling, on behalf of the Opposition, for progress on the introduction of a statutory underpinning for a code of conduct for lobbyists since the start of this Parliament.

Such a statutory register should include all those professional lobbyists whether third party or not. It will have to have a code of conduct, the first line of which must surely be to forbid financial relations between lobbyists and Parliamentarians.

Such a code of conduct must be backed by strong sanctions in the case of any breach to the code of conduct in order for it to be effective.

Given the fact that the Government has been consulting for a period of years, there is no need for any further delay or procrastination.

I am writing to request immediate cross-party talks on lobbying and a statutory register of lobbyists in order to reach a solution.

I look forward to hearing from you.

Yours sincerely,

Jon Trickett MP

Shadow Minister for the Cabinet Office