A cross party group of MPs have signed on to a new Early Day Motion (EDM) calling for rules to be introduced to open up the world of lobbying to greater public scrutiny.

Former Environment Minister, Michael Meacher MP tabled the EDM (22 May 2008) with cross-party support from among others Conservative MP Peter Bottomley, Liberal Democrat Shadow Secretary of State for Transport, Norman Baker and Plaid Cymru MP, Adam Price.

EDM (1637) calling for lobbying transparency
That this House notes the strong public cynicism about the influence of corporate lobbyists on British politics; that individuals and organisations which engage in lobbying activities are able to do so effectively hidden from public scrutiny; remains concerned that lobbyists are not subject to similar levels of transparency that political parties and politicians have been since 2000; that to help restore trust in MPs and the Parliament therefore calls for a mandatory register of individuals and organisations that are involved in lobbying MPs and the civil service and the introduction of an enforceable code of ethics for lobbying activities to ensure transparency of lobbying activities.

Write to your MP and urge them to sign EDM 1637.

Go to the Parliament website to view the EDM and list of signatories.