I secured an Adjournment debate this week to focus on the importance of the Nolan Principles in public life, where holders of public office should show selflessness, integrity, objectivity, accountability, openness, honesty and leadership in their behaviour.
These principles were introduced in 1995 and are now regarded as the foundation of public life, essential to combat misconduct and to encourage duty of candour.
I brought this debate to the Chamber because time and time again this Labour Government is failing to meet the ethical standards enshrined in the Nolan Principles, particularly honesty, integrity, accountability and openness.
This is all the more egregious given Labour’s manifesto promise to restore standards after a catalogue of misdemeanours under the previous Tory governments, only to be themselves mired in scandal since day one. No wonder public trust is at an all-time low.
You don’t have to look far for examples of a lack of accountability or economy with the truth. Just last month, a member of the Cabinet and former Environment Minister was asked for an apology after erroneous comments on Scottish water quality that the UK Statistics Authority found to be potentially misleading and a possible risk to public trust. No apology has yet appeared. This very week, another cabinet minister has had to apologise for breaking rules related to donations and a public appointment of the Independent Football Regulator. And who could forget the Deputy Prime Minister’s resignation over underpaying tax on a second home purchase.
Accountability is vital and the removal of peerages from the disgrace laden Lord Mandelson and Baroness Mone would go some way to restoring public trust. In addition, the establishment of an Office for the Whistleblower would protect those who speak up when they cannot remain silent over unethical behaviour they witness in public life. Such an office would be the embodiment of the Nolan Principles and could prevent scandals and reduce harm to the public.
Finally, maintaining high standards requires vigilance and leadership, but it is essential for public confidence and to protect voters’ trust in democracy. This has never been more important in such a volatile political environment. It is this leadership and vigilance that the Labour Government must reaffirm in deed as well as word to restore faith in our public servants. Anything less will not be acceptable.
