Peer Denies Breaking Rules Over Lobbyimg

Peer Denies Breaking Rules Over Lobbying


Lord Laird denies any wrongdoing after a newspaper sting
involving reporters who pretended to be working for a lobbying firm.


2:30am UK,
Sunday 02 June 2013



Video: Lord Laird Denies Breaking
Rules
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Ulster Unionist peer, Lord Laird, has strongly denied allegations
that he broke rules over lobbying and has referred himself to the parlimentary
watchdog.

He was one of three peers caught up in an undercover sting by The Sunday
Times reporters posing as representatives of a South Korean energy firm.

Sky's Alistair Bunkall said: "The allegations against him are that he was
offering, on behalf of a lobby company they were posing as members of, to be
able to set up an all parliamentary group to represent their interests.

"And, also the suggestion that because he would be a paid advocate of theirs,
he would ask his colleagues in the House of Lords to ask questions on his
behalf."

Lord Laid has vehemently denied the allegations in a statement, saying: "In
recent days I have been the subject of a scam operated by journalists
masquerading as communications consultants.

"This has led to allegations that I have broken the rules of the House of
Lords.

"I wish to make it clear that I did not agree to act as a paid advocate in
any proceedings of the House nor did I accept payment or other incentive or
reward in return for providing parliamentary advice or services.

"I have not broken any rules. However, I have referred myself to the
appropriate authorities and I will be making no further statement until I have
received their ruling."

The allegations also involve two Labour peers which Sky News has been unable
to contact for a right of reply.

All three of the peers decided not to accept the offer that was put to them
by the journalists operating undercover, masquerading as lobbyists. They are all
thought to have referred themselves to the watchdog.

A Labour spokesperson said: "The Labour Party expects all Peers to comply
with the Lords Code of Conduct, which is there to bring clarity to their
dealings with outside commercial interests and consultancies.

"We demand high standards of behaviour from our parliamentarians.

"Where there is genuine evidence of wrongdoing, including non-compliance with
the Code of Conduct, the Labour Party will consider appropriate disciplinary
action as and when necessary."

The claims come hot off the heels of the claims concerning Patrick Mercer,
the Conservative MP who resigned the Tory Whip on Friday because of allegations
in The Daily Telegraph that he was taking money from lobbyists in order to ask
questions on their behalf in Parliament.

He is alleged to have tabled Commons questions and offered a Westminster
security pass after signing a deal with a lobbying firm that paid him £4,000
seeking the readmission of Fiji to the Commonwealth

I think this story is going to get a lot bigger by the looks of it, Panda.
Bloody politicians again!!

What on earth is the pink object in the photo pointing at Lord Laird's tie!!!!

A FINGER?

Not Born Yesterday wrote:What on earth is the pink object in the photo pointing at Lord Laird's tie!!!!

Hi NBY, I think it is his finger, the Reporters obviously had a hidden camera.

wjk wrote:I think this story is going to get a lot bigger by the looks of it, Panda.
Bloody politicians again!!

Honestly wjk, I don't think there has ever been such corrupt Government , from all Parties, but Tony Blair started the rot.And they wonder why people don't vote!!!

If there was an election tomorrow, I wouldn't have a clue who to vote for, Panda.

I THINK I WOULD VOTE LABOUR IF THERE WAS A ELECTION TOMORROW.

TWO LABOUR PEERS ALSO INVOLVED IN OBBYING.