Meeting of the Parliament 22 April 2015
I am sure that they would hold that view, because the committee has managed to ensure that the founding principle of treating all MSPs equally is fully reflected in the new guidance. It is very much indicative of the committee’s approach that the convener had those discussions with independent members, and the committee must also have worked very closely with the Electoral Commission in pulling together and developing these plans. That, too, should be welcomed, because we must ensure that, as well as sounding good here in the chamber, these proposals are robust and work in the real world. The committee has, without doubt, managed to achieve that in its deliberations.
The Government also welcomes the committee’s other reform proposals, namely reducing the financial threshold for registering gifts to what we and, obviously, the committee feel is a more appropriate level; giving the Parliament full flexibility over the imposition of sanctions in respect of any breach of the framework, together with the ability to agree a motion of censure; and extending the period of retention of old register entries from five to 10 years. These are all sensible proposals that the Government agrees with.
The Government recognises the amount of work that the committee has invested in the proposals in its report. That work is essential in ensuring that the members’ interests framework remains fit for purpose now and in future—and, indeed, that framework will become increasingly important as the Parliament’s competence evolves. The Government will also maintain its opposition to any moves to remove criminal offences from the 2006 act and indeed to any provision that suggests that minor indiscretions are acceptable under the framework. I am pleased that such proposals do not exist, and I hope that no one tries to introduce them at the amendment stage.
In conclusion, I reiterate that the Government welcomes the committee’s report, recognises the effort that has been involved and looks forward to the introduction of a bill that implements its recommendations.
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