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This petition was submitted during the 2015 to 2017 Parliament

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Closed Ensure that MPs are factually accurate & accountable in public campaigns

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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.

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.

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  • Petition closed

  • Government responded to this petition

    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

  • Government will respond to this petition

    This petition got more than 10,000 signatures meaning that government will respond to it.

  • Petition published

    This petition can now be signed.

    If this petition gets 10,000 signatures, government will respond to it.

    If this petition gets 100,000 signatures, it will be considered for debate in Parliament.

    This petition will stay open until 15 December 2016.