Lord McFall of Alcluith
Main Page: Lord McFall of Alcluith (Lord Speaker - Life peer)
Lord Kakkar (CB)
My Lords, there are two reports on today’s Order Paper and, while they are unconnected, in the interests of time I shall speak to both. The first report is on the conduct of the noble Lord, Lord Dannatt. This follows the publication of allegations in the Guardian newspaper in March, after which the noble Lord referred himself for investigation to the commissioner for standards.
The original allegations arose from conversations between the noble Lord, Lord Dannatt, and undercover journalists posing as potential clients. The commissioner judged that the noble Lord, Lord Dannatt, had expressed a clear willingness to provide paid parliamentary services to the journalists, thereby breaching the long-standing rule that noble Lords should act always on their personal honour. During the investigation, evidence emerged of three further cases in which the noble Lord had provided parliamentary services, such as facilitating meetings with officials or Ministers, in return for payment.
This is not the first time that cases involving the provision of parliamentary services have come before the House. I remind noble Lords that paragraph 17 of the current code states that Members must not
“accept or agree to accept payment or other incentive or reward in return for providing parliamentary advice or services”.
The noble Lord, Lord Dannatt, argued that he was acting in the national interest but, even if that were so, it provides no defence. The code is clear that accepting payment in return for offering parliamentary advice or services, which includes setting up meetings or introductions, or writing to Ministers or officials, is prohibited. This is so whatever the motivations of the Member. I urge all noble Lords to read the report and, if they have any questions, to contact the Registrar of Lords’ Interests, who is always happy to advise.
Given the number of breaches that came to light in his investigation, the commissioner concluded that a significant suspension was appropriate. I therefore invite the House to agree that the noble Lord, Lord Dannatt, be suspended for four months.
The Lord Speaker (Lord McFall of Alcluith)
My Lords, under Standing Order 68, no debate is allowed on this Motion. I must therefore now put the Questions that the Motions in the name of the noble Lord, Lord Kakkar, be agreed to.