Rt Hon HARRIET HARMAN QC, MP LEADER OF THE HOUSE OF COMMONS


Parliament is faced with a big challenge. The national mood of anger, resentment and dismay at the way public money was used in allowances has sent powerful tremors across the political landscape.

As Leader of the Commons, I am convinced that it critical for all of us – across all parties - to restore the public’s trust. It is a defining moment, for people are entitled to know that their MPs are above reproach.

We have a serious responsibility to sort this out clearly and decisively to remedy the damage that has sprung from a culture of the so-called gentlemen’s club. We have announced that a new, independent Parliamentary Standards Authority will be set up to supervise all matters relating to MPs’ pay and expenses, as well as a new Code of Conduct for MPs.

The shock of events must spur everyone to support the fundamental reforms to revitalise faith in our main democratic forum.

Publication of the latest Parliamentary Yearbook, which I hope will be a valuable reference for all, coincides with the start of the final session of this Parliament. The legislative programme for the coming months reflects its priorities for tackling real issues affecting millions of people at a time when a global economic downturn continues to have a great impact.