As of March 2019, 295 public bodies were in operation across the UK government. Most public bodies within the United Kingdom are established and operated by the government, with varying levels of autonomy and ministerial responsibility according to their classification. Brexit means that many functions previously carried out by EU agencies will become the responsibility of existing UK bodies. A number of new public bodies are also being created to manage additional responsibilities after EU exit.
Documents to download
-
Commercial Lobbyists (Registration and Code of Conduct) Bill 2012-13 [Bill 39 2012-13] (96 KB, PDF)
The Commercial Lobbyists (Registration and Code of Conduct) Bill 2012-13 is a Private Member’s Bill promoted by Thomas Docherty. It seeks to create a statutory register for commercial lobbyists and a legally enforceable code of conduct. It was presented on 25 June 2012, and is scheduled for second reading on 1 February 2013.
There has been discussion of lobbying and possibilities for regulation for some time. The Government ran a consultation on whether and how to introduce a statutory register in 2012, which led to a commitment to publish a White Paper and draft Bill in this session of Parliament.
The background to the debate about lobbying is covered in detail in Standard Note 4633, Lobbying, some of the text of which is reproduced below. This Note concentrates on Mr Docherty’s Bill and the Government consultation.
Documents to download
-
Commercial Lobbyists (Registration and Code of Conduct) Bill 2012-13 [Bill 39 2012-13] (96 KB, PDF)
Related posts
-
-
This paper provides details and links for ministerial statements and parliamentary debates (from both Houses of Parliament) that cover international affairs and defence.
-
This list attempts to capture all instances where an apology has been made on the floor of the House of Commons since 1979
