This petition was submitted during the 2015–2017 Conservative government
Petition Ensure that MPs are factually accurate & accountable in public campaigns
Throughout recent campaigns, MPs from all sides have been accused of scaremongering and falsely purveying facts. We, the British public deserve more. We hereby ask that MPs be required by law to cite their claims with reputable sources both in writing and in speech, and be held accountable to them.
More details
For too long MPs have been allowed to make unsubstantiated claims in public campaigns. These claims stagnate debate and confuse the public, as MPs argue and bicker with each other.
A student at university must fully reference all information. A consultant must back-up their claims. An engineer must cite their sources.
- Why should MPs be exempt from factual accountability? -
It is time for schoolyard politics to grow up. It isn't our job to check facts - MPs should be made to state them.
This petition is closed This petition ran for 6 months
Government responded
This response was given on 2 August 2016
Members of Parliament are expected to act in accordance with the Code of Conduct, issued by the Parliamentary Commissioner on Standards.
Read the response in full
The Code outlines the general principles of conduct, identified by the Committee on Standards in Public Life. These are the principles of selflessness, integrity, objectivity, accountability, openness, honesty and leadership.
When taking up their seats in the House of Commons, MPs swear an oath of allegiance, or make a solemn affirmation.
The Parliamentary Commissioner for Standards is responsible for ensuring adherence to the Code and investigating instances of alleged breaches. Government Ministers are also bound by the Ministerial Code.
Leader of the House