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    Buy British buses to save 400 Scottish jobs at Alexander Dennis, says MP

    Buy British buses to save 400 Scottish jobs at Alexander Dennis, says MP

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    Scots fear crime is rising in their local area as SNP Government accused of ‘hollowing out’ police

    Senior member of Anas Sarwar’s shadow cabinet ‘opposed’ to Labour welfare cuts bill

    Senior member of Anas Sarwar’s shadow cabinet ‘opposed’ to Labour welfare cuts bill

    How the Scottish MPs voted in the assisted dying debate

    How the Scottish MPs voted in the assisted dying debate

    Former Labour MP calls for party to ditch ‘rigged’ voting system

    Former Labour MP calls for party to ditch ‘rigged’ voting system

    Labour’s £14bn ‘fixation’ with new nuclear power ‘won’t cut bills or help climate’

    Labour’s £14bn ‘fixation’ with new nuclear power ‘won’t cut bills or help climate’

    SNP rebels plot to oust John Swinney as party leader after Hamilton by-election loss

    SNP rebels plot to oust John Swinney as party leader after Hamilton by-election loss

    Anas Sarwar should not expect to oust John Swinney yet, says polling guru

    Anas Sarwar should not expect to oust John Swinney yet, says polling guru

    Keir Starmer says he will not support a second independence referendum as Prime Minister

    Keir Starmer says he will not support a second independence referendum as Prime Minister

    Angela Rayner accuses Reform of ‘politics of hatred’ as she insists Labour can win bitter Holyrood by-election

    Angela Rayner accuses Reform of ‘politics of hatred’ as she insists Labour can win bitter Holyrood by-election

    SNP complain about Reform’s ‘race-baiting’ advert on Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar

    SNP complain about Reform’s ‘race-baiting’ advert on Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar

    Two Israeli embassy staff shot dead in Washington DC, sparking massive anti-terror response

    Two Israeli embassy staff shot dead in Washington DC, sparking massive anti-terror response

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      What is a virtual office and why you need one in Central London – Your Company Formations Ltd

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      Inflation rises again to new 40-year high

      Bank of England hikes interest rates to 1.25%

      Bank of England hikes interest rates to 1.25%

      Hiring activity in Scotland slows amid steep decline in staff availability

      Hiring activity in Scotland slows amid steep decline in staff availability

      Scottish retail footfall growth ‘worst in UK compared to pre-pandemic’

      Scottish retail footfall growth ‘worst in UK compared to pre-pandemic’

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      Conor Coady in Diogo Jota tribute as old Wolves pal celebrates an ‘incredible person’

      Brendan Rodgers described me as huge Celtic coup after 24 clubs wanted me – now I have retired aged just 28

      Brendan Rodgers described me as huge Celtic coup after 24 clubs wanted me – now I have retired aged just 28

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      Ange Postecoglou to LAFC has direct Celtic link as MLS heavy hitters plot ambitious manager move

      The Rangers transfers Russell Martin needs revealed as AEK set Dessers deadline and Shankland a no-brainer

      The Rangers transfers Russell Martin needs revealed as AEK set Dessers deadline and Shankland a no-brainer

      Celtic on brink of four new signings as Benjamin Nygren lands staggering transfer claim and Balikwisha stays cool

      Celtic on brink of four new signings as Benjamin Nygren lands staggering transfer claim and Balikwisha stays cool

      I see cracks in Celtic with transfer fears over four starters so maybe this Rangers claim is a myth – Hugh Keevins

      I see cracks in Celtic with transfer fears over four starters so maybe this Rangers claim is a myth – Hugh Keevins

      Punters dramatically lose faith in Rory McIlroy in wake of his astonishingly honest US Open confession

      Punters dramatically lose faith in Rory McIlroy in wake of his astonishingly honest US Open confession

      ‘I still always visit Sir Alex Ferguson’s house – even though he branded me a Big Time Charlie’

      ‘I still always visit Sir Alex Ferguson’s house – even though he branded me a Big Time Charlie’

      The £17m reason Celtic won’t sit still this transfer window as Brendan Rodgers learns painful lesson

      The £17m reason Celtic won’t sit still this transfer window as Brendan Rodgers learns painful lesson

      Rangers placed on Vaclav Cerny red alert over Wolfsburg ‘fire sale’ as Cyriel Dessers makes transfer stance clear

      Rangers placed on Vaclav Cerny red alert over Wolfsburg ‘fire sale’ as Cyriel Dessers makes transfer stance clear

      Mathias Kvistgaarden waves Brondby farewell but Celtic hit with transfer blow as boss throws spanner in works

      Mathias Kvistgaarden waves Brondby farewell but Celtic hit with transfer blow as boss throws spanner in works

      World A-listers go nuts for Ange as Roy Keane drops the mic, McCoist breaks down barriers and Salah keeps receipts

      World A-listers go nuts for Ange as Roy Keane drops the mic, McCoist breaks down barriers and Salah keeps receipts

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        Argos offers free QLED TVs with one simple deal – how to get yours today

        Argos offers free QLED TVs with one simple deal – how to get yours today

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        Everyone to get mobile phone alert as sirens sound for 10 seconds

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        EE unveils huge new discount on JBL Flip 7 Wireless Bluetooth Speaker but you must act quick

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        Elon Musk to halt SpaceX’s NASA astronaut missions after Trump’s contract threat

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        Scientists just found a sugar switch that ‘protects your brain from Alzheimer’s’

        Brain dead pregnant woman’s family issue update after baby cut from her body

        Brain dead pregnant woman’s family issue update after baby cut from her body

        French chef shares ‘simplest ever’ one pot cake recipe ready in under an hour

        French chef shares ‘simplest ever’ one pot cake recipe ready in under an hour

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        Home Bargains’ ‘soft’ £30 coat looks ‘just like’ £175 Dryrobe version

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        Amazon’s most wished for sun lounger drops below £90 ahead of Prime Day

        Former DWP employee warns of two-tier State Pension payments for older people

        Former DWP employee warns of two-tier State Pension payments for older people

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        Dozens of UK holidaymakers fall ill after five-star ‘holiday from hell’

        Full list of people on PIP most at risk of payment cut under new DWP welfare reforms

        Full list of people on PIP most at risk of payment cut under new DWP welfare reforms

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        Teacher who drank alcohol in ‘mini-rave’ lesson and swore at pupils is struck off

        Teacher who drank alcohol in ‘mini-rave’ lesson and swore at pupils is struck off

        Pupil referral unit that takes children kicked out of school gets flawless Estyn report

        Pupil referral unit that takes children kicked out of school gets flawless Estyn report

        Exam bosses accused of ‘patronising’ Wales and students in Welsh GCSE paper

        Exam bosses accused of ‘patronising’ Wales and students in Welsh GCSE paper

        Cardiff University ‘has no God given right to exist’ bosses say

        Cardiff University ‘has no God given right to exist’ bosses say

        Cardiff University cracks down on students protesting on its campus

        Cardiff University cracks down on students protesting on its campus

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        Buy British buses to save 400 Scottish jobs at Alexander Dennis, says MP

        Buy British buses to save 400 Scottish jobs at Alexander Dennis, says MP

        Scots fear crime is rising in their local area as SNP Government accused of ‘hollowing out’ police

        Scots fear crime is rising in their local area as SNP Government accused of ‘hollowing out’ police

        Senior member of Anas Sarwar’s shadow cabinet ‘opposed’ to Labour welfare cuts bill

        Senior member of Anas Sarwar’s shadow cabinet ‘opposed’ to Labour welfare cuts bill

        How the Scottish MPs voted in the assisted dying debate

        How the Scottish MPs voted in the assisted dying debate

        Former Labour MP calls for party to ditch ‘rigged’ voting system

        Former Labour MP calls for party to ditch ‘rigged’ voting system

        Labour’s £14bn ‘fixation’ with new nuclear power ‘won’t cut bills or help climate’

        Labour’s £14bn ‘fixation’ with new nuclear power ‘won’t cut bills or help climate’

        SNP rebels plot to oust John Swinney as party leader after Hamilton by-election loss

        SNP rebels plot to oust John Swinney as party leader after Hamilton by-election loss

        Anas Sarwar should not expect to oust John Swinney yet, says polling guru

        Anas Sarwar should not expect to oust John Swinney yet, says polling guru

        Keir Starmer says he will not support a second independence referendum as Prime Minister

        Keir Starmer says he will not support a second independence referendum as Prime Minister

        Angela Rayner accuses Reform of ‘politics of hatred’ as she insists Labour can win bitter Holyrood by-election

        Angela Rayner accuses Reform of ‘politics of hatred’ as she insists Labour can win bitter Holyrood by-election

        SNP complain about Reform’s ‘race-baiting’ advert on Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar

        SNP complain about Reform’s ‘race-baiting’ advert on Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar

        Two Israeli embassy staff shot dead in Washington DC, sparking massive anti-terror response

        Two Israeli embassy staff shot dead in Washington DC, sparking massive anti-terror response

        Trending Tags

        • Business

          Salesforce boss Marc Benioff joins Weev.

          What is a virtual office and why you need one in Central London – Your Company Formations Ltd

          What is a virtual office and why you need one in Central London – Your Company Formations Ltd

          Inflation rises again to new 40-year high

          Inflation rises again to new 40-year high

          Bank of England hikes interest rates to 1.25%

          Bank of England hikes interest rates to 1.25%

          Hiring activity in Scotland slows amid steep decline in staff availability

          Hiring activity in Scotland slows amid steep decline in staff availability

          Scottish retail footfall growth ‘worst in UK compared to pre-pandemic’

          Scottish retail footfall growth ‘worst in UK compared to pre-pandemic’

        • Sports
          Conor Coady in Diogo Jota tribute as old Wolves pal celebrates an ‘incredible person’

          Conor Coady in Diogo Jota tribute as old Wolves pal celebrates an ‘incredible person’

          Brendan Rodgers described me as huge Celtic coup after 24 clubs wanted me – now I have retired aged just 28

          Brendan Rodgers described me as huge Celtic coup after 24 clubs wanted me – now I have retired aged just 28

          Ange Postecoglou to LAFC has direct Celtic link as MLS heavy hitters plot ambitious manager move

          Ange Postecoglou to LAFC has direct Celtic link as MLS heavy hitters plot ambitious manager move

          The Rangers transfers Russell Martin needs revealed as AEK set Dessers deadline and Shankland a no-brainer

          The Rangers transfers Russell Martin needs revealed as AEK set Dessers deadline and Shankland a no-brainer

          Celtic on brink of four new signings as Benjamin Nygren lands staggering transfer claim and Balikwisha stays cool

          Celtic on brink of four new signings as Benjamin Nygren lands staggering transfer claim and Balikwisha stays cool

          I see cracks in Celtic with transfer fears over four starters so maybe this Rangers claim is a myth – Hugh Keevins

          I see cracks in Celtic with transfer fears over four starters so maybe this Rangers claim is a myth – Hugh Keevins

          Punters dramatically lose faith in Rory McIlroy in wake of his astonishingly honest US Open confession

          Punters dramatically lose faith in Rory McIlroy in wake of his astonishingly honest US Open confession

          ‘I still always visit Sir Alex Ferguson’s house – even though he branded me a Big Time Charlie’

          ‘I still always visit Sir Alex Ferguson’s house – even though he branded me a Big Time Charlie’

          The £17m reason Celtic won’t sit still this transfer window as Brendan Rodgers learns painful lesson

          The £17m reason Celtic won’t sit still this transfer window as Brendan Rodgers learns painful lesson

          Rangers placed on Vaclav Cerny red alert over Wolfsburg ‘fire sale’ as Cyriel Dessers makes transfer stance clear

          Rangers placed on Vaclav Cerny red alert over Wolfsburg ‘fire sale’ as Cyriel Dessers makes transfer stance clear

          Mathias Kvistgaarden waves Brondby farewell but Celtic hit with transfer blow as boss throws spanner in works

          Mathias Kvistgaarden waves Brondby farewell but Celtic hit with transfer blow as boss throws spanner in works

          World A-listers go nuts for Ange as Roy Keane drops the mic, McCoist breaks down barriers and Salah keeps receipts

          World A-listers go nuts for Ange as Roy Keane drops the mic, McCoist breaks down barriers and Salah keeps receipts

          Trending Tags

          • Technology
            Argos offers free QLED TVs with one simple deal – how to get yours today

            Argos offers free QLED TVs with one simple deal – how to get yours today

            Everyone to get mobile phone alert as sirens sound for 10 seconds

            Everyone to get mobile phone alert as sirens sound for 10 seconds

            Lenovo IdeaPad laptop praised for everyday use and affordable price

            Lenovo IdeaPad laptop praised for everyday use and affordable price

            EE unveils huge new discount on JBL Flip 7 Wireless Bluetooth Speaker but you must act quick

            EE unveils huge new discount on JBL Flip 7 Wireless Bluetooth Speaker but you must act quick

            Elon Musk to halt SpaceX’s NASA astronaut missions after Trump’s contract threat

            Elon Musk to halt SpaceX’s NASA astronaut missions after Trump’s contract threat

          • Health
            Scientists just found a sugar switch that ‘protects your brain from Alzheimer’s’

            Scientists just found a sugar switch that ‘protects your brain from Alzheimer’s’

            Brain dead pregnant woman’s family issue update after baby cut from her body

            Brain dead pregnant woman’s family issue update after baby cut from her body

            French chef shares ‘simplest ever’ one pot cake recipe ready in under an hour

            French chef shares ‘simplest ever’ one pot cake recipe ready in under an hour

            TikTok skin care routines ‘harmful’ and ‘problematic’ scientists discover in new study

            TikTok skin care routines ‘harmful’ and ‘problematic’ scientists discover in new study

            10 early signs of Parkinson’s as Ah-ha star Morten Harket announces diagnosis

            10 early signs of Parkinson’s as Ah-ha star Morten Harket announces diagnosis

          • Entertainment
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            Home Bargains’ ‘soft’ £30 coat looks ‘just like’ £175 Dryrobe version

            Amazon’s most wished for sun lounger drops below £90 ahead of Prime Day

            Amazon’s most wished for sun lounger drops below £90 ahead of Prime Day

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            Former DWP employee warns of two-tier State Pension payments for older people

            Dozens of UK holidaymakers fall ill after five-star ‘holiday from hell’

            Dozens of UK holidaymakers fall ill after five-star ‘holiday from hell’

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            Full list of people on PIP most at risk of payment cut under new DWP welfare reforms

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            Teacher who drank alcohol in ‘mini-rave’ lesson and swore at pupils is struck off

            Teacher who drank alcohol in ‘mini-rave’ lesson and swore at pupils is struck off

            Pupil referral unit that takes children kicked out of school gets flawless Estyn report

            Pupil referral unit that takes children kicked out of school gets flawless Estyn report

            Exam bosses accused of ‘patronising’ Wales and students in Welsh GCSE paper

            Exam bosses accused of ‘patronising’ Wales and students in Welsh GCSE paper

            Cardiff University ‘has no God given right to exist’ bosses say

            Cardiff University ‘has no God given right to exist’ bosses say

            Cardiff University cracks down on students protesting on its campus

            Cardiff University cracks down on students protesting on its campus

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          As another lobbying scandal erupts in the Conservative party, are tougher rules finally on the horizon?

          by BP Author
          December 17, 2023
          in World
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          Conservative MP Scott Benton has become the latest British politician to face suspension for breaking lobbying rules in what is becoming a regular cycle of scandals. Parliament’s committee on standards has recommended a 35-day suspension for Benton after he was alleged to have lobbied for the gambling industry and given company access to confidential government documents.

          Benton is accused of leaking the government’s gambling white paper ahead of publication, thereby handing over information about plans to bring in tighter regulations for the industry. Benton has said the parliamentary committee’s report into his behaviour contains “factually inaccurate” statements. He has said he will appeal his proposed suspension and will make a formal complaint, accusing the committee of leaking the report to a journalist.

          Meanwhile, newly appointed foreign secretary and former prime minister David Cameron carried out an array of activities during his stint out of office that are potentially now contentious.

          The UK lobbying industry is the third largest in the world, with more than 4,000 lobbyists in and around Westminster and Whitehall. But it has some of the weakest regulation. Major scandals have regularly punctuated British politics since the 1990s and lobbying has turned into a continual, rolling controversy.

          Despite the many democratic benefits it brings, the word “lobbying” has come to represent, as political scientist Wyn Grant put it, the “dark side of politics” in Britain.

          Attempts at reform

          In our latest research, we document calls for more stringent rules in the past two decades, both from within and outside parliament. And while there have been gradual moves towards tighter regulation and more openness about lobbying activity, many complain these haven’t gone far enough.

          The problem is that the principle of self-regulation – the idea that politicians can “look after themselves” – has continually won out. Promises of radical change are almost always watered down and diluted.

          Scott Benton giving a TV interview.
          Scott Benton faces suspension for lobbying.
          Alamy/PA/Beresford Hodge

          Cameron symbolises the problem that politicians who try to change the system are also the ones who stand to benefit from not changing it at all. He came into power in 2010 promising to clean up the “too cosy” and “secret” links between money and politics, and then passed a series of reforms that were criticised for being insufficient.

          These reforms provided a rather weak register of consultant lobbyists, which only captures, by some estimates, around 1% of those involved. This sits alongside a gradually strengthening register of financial interests, which has existed since the 1970s.

          Once out of office, Cameron then turned lobbyist, chasing ministers on behalf of supply chain finance company Greensill amid the most intense period of the pandemic emergency. The Treasury select committee argued that Cameron’s texts to ministers for Greensill displayed a “significant lack of judgement”. The committee found he did not break lobbying rules, but that this reflected on the “insufficient strength of the rules”.

          Cameron then spent several years working the speaking circuit in China before returning to be foreign secretary.

          A new approach

          In the wake of the lobbying perma-crisis that was Boris Johnson’s government, lobbying rules for MPs have been tightened. In the summer of 2023, after much delay, the government promised a new “single platform” for data, new monthly publications and more detail on “hidden” or “anonymous” lobbying. While these were welcomed, many concerns remained, as with past reforms, over the scope and strength of the changes.

          Ideally, lobbying regulation works in two ways: through anticipation, by making politicians feel watched, thereby deterring poor behaviour, or by accountability, by catching them out if they do cross a line. A good lobbying system should be part of an ever-expanding ecosystem, working alongside other tools to “clean up politics”, such as freedom of information laws, open data initiatives or whistleblowing regulations.

          Despite continual pressure for reform, the UK is far from this ideal. Waves of half-finished change mean the present system is too narrow in scope, lacks transparency and has weak accountability and sanctioning powers.

          If elected, Labour has promised a new ethics and integrity commission, which would draw together the diverse instruments and bodies that already exist, with stronger powers. Not all the details are clear but this would involve creating an independent body on a statutory footing, a five-year ban on former ministers lobbying, and stronger sanctions when rules are broken.

          Many bodies involved will be put on a statutory basis, giving them stronger sanctioning and investigative powers. Taken together, Labour argues the new system would “clean up politics” and “create robust protections”.

          We’ll be able to see that this reform is finally working if we start to see proper sanctions of sufficient strength being meted out – and with enough publicity to send a clear signal to anyone involved in lobbying and pushing the limits of acceptability.

          Lobbying also needs better, joined up, easier-to-access data. Both the Conservatives and Labour have committed to this – but promises aren’t data. At present, lobbying data is scattered across more than 20 websites, and is used only by a few specialist journalists and NGOs. It could be useful to many more people if it were better organised, making monitoring easier, and potentially empowering more groups to become involved, with greater continuous effect. It could look something like the mapping tool created by Sky News and Tortoise Media to help people understand how politics is funded.

          The public supports stronger regulation, as do the lobbyists themselves. But – crucially – politicians need to support, champion and enthuse about lobbying laws rather than be dragged towards compliance or complain when they are caught out.



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