Code of Conduct

Debate between Lord Bew and Lord Sewel

Thursday 12th June 2014 Lords Chamber

[The Chairman of Committees (Lord Sewel)]

My Lords, this Motion proposes amendments to the Code of Conduct for Members. In essence, the Motion is purely formal in that it gives effect to the decisions already made by the House in the 13th and 15th reports of the Committee for Privileges and Conduct that were agreed by the House on 6 March and 13 May this year, and in the first report of the Committee for Privileges and Conduct from the 2012-13 Session. On Monday we will publish one document containing the revised Code of Conduct, the revised guide to the code and the new code for Members’ staff. The Registrar of Lords’ Interests will write to all Members drawing attention to the most significant changes and asking Members to ensure that all their staff in possession of a parliamentary photo pass are aware of the new rules. I beg to move.

[Lord Bew (CB)]

My Lords, I welcome the announcement made today by the Chairman of Committees. The important part of the announcement covers the inclusion within the Code of Conduct of the seven Nolan principles of public life. As the current chairman of the Committee on Standards in Public Life, I recall that Lord Nolan elaborated these principles 20 years ago. They have proven their value in those 20 years and it is in a way rather good to see them come home.

House of Lords: Royal Gallery Frescos

Debate between Lord Bew and Lord Sewel

Thursday 13th June 2013 Lords Chamber

[Lord Bew]

My Lords, does the Lord Chairman realise that a very important reason for preserving the Maclise legacy is not simply the two great frescos in the Royal Gallery but the two that are in this Chamber, “The Spirit of Justice” and “The Spirit of Chivalry”? All those paintings have one major theme, which is the unity and co-operation of the nations and ethnicities of the United Kingdom in a common cause. That is a particular reason to preserve this legacy.

[The Chairman of Committees]

Speaking as someone who was born in England, did part of my education in Wales, and have lived virtually all my adult life in Scotland, I totally agree with the sentiments that the noble Lord expresses.