Opinion: Siobhan Kenny on the importance of representation
It is indeed shocking that lobbying firms and big corporates with deep pockets are finding ever more ingenious ways to circumvent Parliamentary rules designed to ensure transparency and openness.
The Times lifts the lid on a burgeoning industry (‘Dirty secret’ gives lobbyists access to heart of Westminster) seeking to exert influence over MPs and Parliamentarians.
And why on earth spouses of honourable members, let alone those who have long since left office, are entitled to parliamentary passes, is a source of mystery. In most other walks of life, when you leave the job, you hand in the pass. The inquiry by Chris Bryant’s Commons Standards Committee into regulation of the system of access is therefore timely.
BBC’s Line of Duty star Tommy Jessop is backing today’s launch of the new All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on Down syndrome, led by SNP MP Dr Lisa Cameron and Labour MP Matt Western. A number of Down syndrome advocacy and support groups along with a cross-party group of MPs have come together to launch the new All-Party Parliamentary Group on Down Syndrome at Westminster. The new group, which has been launched to raise issues affecting people with Down syndrome and their families and carers, is also designed to promote equality and respect at all stages of life. It will also campaign for equal access and support in all areas of life and highlight the innate worth of people with Down syndrome and the contribution they make.
History is complicated – and charities have never been an antidote to politics
Last year a National Trust report into slavery and colonialism caused a furore, and claims that charities should stay out of politics – but, as Rebecca Cooney finds out, that has never been an option
by Rebecca Cooney
Black Lives Matter protesters throw the statue of philanthropist and slave trader Edward Colston into the Avon in June 2020. Photo by Giulia Spadafora/NurPhoto via Getty Images
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