PETITION THE GOVERNMENT TO PUT AN END TO SECRECY IN LOBBYING

Transparency and accountability seem to be the words on every politician's lips. But still we wait for the government to put an end to secrecy in lobbying.

Whether it's the financial sector trying to water down regulation, private healthcare companies lobbying for NHS contracts, or the aviation lobby gunning for airport expansion, companies spend a lot of money trying to influence government. Currently we've no right to know what these lobbyists are up to.

Now is the time to bring lobbying out into the open with a compulsory, public register.

In January, the influential Public Administration Committee of MPs recommended that the government introduce a statutory register of lobbyists. The government has promised a decision on it before the summer break. The minister in charge, Angela E. Smith, says she hasn't made her mind up yet. That means we've got a chance in the next two weeks to persuade the government to put a stop to secret lobbying.

ALT has teamed up with new activist network, 38 Degrees, which last month polled its 10,000 members on how to tackle the current crisis in politics. Over 80% of them said tackling lobbyists should be a priority. 200 MPs are also calling on the government to act.

 Join them in pushing for an end secrecy in lobbying. Sign the petition here.

We'll be delivering our petition to the minister as she starts her last week at work before her summer break. Let's make sure there's a powerful public demand for change.