Carmichael calls for greater transparency of government lobbying

Orkney and Shetland MP, Alistair Carmichael, has today in Parliament called for greater transparency of government lobbying. Speaking during a debate on the adequacy of rules around political donations, Mr Carmichael noted that lobbying occurs with both parliamentarians and unelected government officials, and suggested that a transparent register of lobbyists would be a “big step forward”.

Speaking in the debate, Mr Carmichael said:

“It’s up to us all surely to judge the value of what we are being told by a particular lobbyist.  Constituents lobby us all the time and that is not necessarily a bad thing. 

“What is bad is the lack of transparency, not just of the lobbying of parliamentarians but people in government at an official level. Would he agree with me that a much more transparent, open registration of lobbyists would be a big step forward?”

Responding, Labour MP for Stroud, Simon Opher said:

“I thank him for bringing up that point and I think that the lack of transparency is key… We must take the right evidence and make the right responses.”

Reacting after the debate, Mr Carmichael said:

“What is going on in the United States currently is surely a lesson in the importance of strong rules around political donations and transparency in political lobbying – and the importance of enforcing those rules properly. 

“The government needs to grasp the urgency of these issues and work to close these loopholes – if they do so then they will have support from all sides of Parliament.”