Boris Johnson pulls plug on ‘woke’ rule change in MPs’ code of conduct as part of standards overhaul
PM pulls plug on ‘woke’ rule change in MPs’ code of conduct: Boris rejects bid to add ‘politically correct restrictions’ on what politicians can say over fears it will stifle free speech
Mr Johnson is expected to oppose new ‘respect’ principle in parliamentary rulesThe new rule would require MPs to promote ‘anti-racism, inclusion and diversity’It was backed unanimously by standards committee as part of a rules overhaul Critics say it is woke and unnecessary as discrimination is already against illegal
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The Prime Minister is preparing to block a move by the Commons standards committee which would require MPs to promote ‘anti-racism, inclusion and diversity’ under a controversial overhaul of parliamentary rules.
The Commons standards committee published a package of reforms to clean up Westminster in the wake of the row over second jobs and ‘sleaze’.
But the formal Government response is expected to oppose the proposal to include the new ‘respect’ principle as part of the seven principles of public life which are currently enshrined in the rules.
A Whitehall source told the Sunday Telegraph that ministers opposed its inclusion because it would impact freedom of speech.
The source said: ‘Parliament must remain a place where members can engage in free and open political discussions.
‘The introduction of such additional restrictions could impact free speech on contentious and polarised political issues, a step that could serve to preclude Parliament from robustly scrutinising and debating government policy.’
Boris Johnson is preparing to block a move by the Commons standards committee which would require MPs to promote ‘anti-racism, inclusion and diversity’ under a rules overhaul
The Standards Committee is chaired by Labour MP Chris Bryant and the overhaul was backed unanimously by the committee when the changes were first published back in November
The changes were backed unanimously by members of the cross-party committee which is chaired by Labour MP Chris Bryant.
The proposals included a ban on MPs having paid roles on the side advising firms on how to lobby or influence Parliament.
But the sleaze watchdog also suggested adding a new principle of ‘respect’ to the code of conduct, which governs behaviour in the Commons.
Under the proposals, MPs would be told they ‘should demonstrate anti-discriminatory attitudes and behaviours through the promotion of anti-racism, inclusion and diversity’.
The move was described as ‘woke’ by some when it was first published in November.
Critics said it was unnecessary since ‘discrimination is already against the law’ and that they did ‘not see why we need to state the obvious when it comes to decency’.
Critics said it was unnecessary since ‘discrimination is already against the law’ and that they did ‘not see why we need to state the obvious when it comes to decency’. Pictured: Parliament
Despite unanimous support from the committee, an anonymous survey of backbenchers conducted as part of the review, found opposition to the new ‘respect’ principle, with 11 MPs objecting to its inclusion.
‘I don’t think it’s a good idea or necessary,’ said one.
‘It’s a load of rubbish. If you start trying to police that, you’ll get away from your core. This organisation is just trying to be woke.’
Another said: ‘No, it’s nonsense. You’re leaving yourself way open all the time to interpretation.’
A further MP said: ‘You wouldn’t want to flatten out the cut and thrust of parliamentary debate.’
The report stated MPs who backed the move believed it would help ‘to counter unconscious bias and/or underlying racism’.
The Telegraph’s Whitehall source accused Labour of attempting to ‘slip in politically correct restrictions on what elected representatives can say’.
Other recommendations included banning MPs from subjecting anyone to ‘unreasonable and excessive personal attack’ both in the Commons and on social media.
On their rationale for adding the new ‘respect’ principle, the committee said: ‘We note that the current code already includes a statement that members are also expected to observe the principles set out in the Parliamentary Behaviour Code, of respect, professionalism, understanding others’ perspectives, courtesy, and acceptance of responsibility.
‘We consider that formalising this expectation as a separate principle will underline the House’s commitment to the Behaviour Code and the Independent Complaints and Grievance Scheme.
‘We also consider that it is important that the code makes explicit reference to anti-racism, inclusion and diversity.’
The report stated MPs who backed the move believed it would help ‘to counter unconscious bias and/or underlying racism’.
Alongside the principles, the code also sets out rules on their behaviour. MPs can only be investigated for alleged breaches of the rules rather than the principles.
In the Government’s current behaviour code, under respect, it states: ‘Member must treat their staff and all those visiting or working for or with Parliament with dignity, courtesy and respect.’
It is understood that Downing Street believes this rule strikes the right balance between ensuring a positive and safe environment and the need for freedom in policy and political debate.
