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UK Parliament

Standards

MPs and Members of the House of Lords are expected to adhere to high standards in their public life.

There are separate Codes of Conduct for MPs and Lords that give guidance on the way they should carry out their public duties.

Standards: House of Commons

In the House of Commons the Code of Conduct is backed up by the Parliamentary Commissioner for Standards and the Committee on Standards and Privileges. MPs are required to register a wide range of financial interests they may have which are relevant to their parliamentary work.

Code of Conduct for MPs

The Code of Conduct provides guidance to MPs on the standards of conduct expected during the course of their parliamentary duties.

Parliamentary Commissioner for Standards

The Commissioner oversees the maintenance and monitors the operation of the Register of Members' Interests. The Commissioner receives and investigates complaints about Members who are allegedly in breach of the Code of Conduct and Guide to the Rules and reports the findings to the Committee.

Committee on Standards

The work of the Commons Committee on Standards includes deciding on complaints against individual MPs reported to them by the Parliamentary Commissioner for Standards, and oversight of the work of the Commissioner.

Register of Members' Interests

The Register of Members' Interests lists financial interests which MPs are required to register. These include outside jobs or consultancy work, gifts or membership of organisations that might affect their position in Parliament.

Register of Lords' Interests

The Register of Lords' Interests is compiled by the Lords Registrar, under the authority of the Clerk of the Parliaments, and allows Members of the Lords to declare any interests that they hold outside Parliament.

Code of Conduct for the House of Lords

The Code of Conduct for Members of the Lords provides guidance on the standards of conduct expected during the course of their parliamentary and public duties.

Committee on Standards in Public Life

The Committee on Standards in Public Life (originally the Nolan Committee), is an independent committee set up in 1994. Its recommendations led the House of Commons to make a number of changes to the way MPs' conduct was to be regulated, including creating:

House of Commons Enquiry Service

The House of Commons Enquiry Service answers questions about the work, history and membership of the House.

Telephone: 0800 112 4272 (Freephone) or 020 7219 4272
Email: hcenquiries@parliament.uk
Text phone: Dial 18001 followed byour full number

Telephone enquiry service is open between 10am-12 midday and 2pm-4pm (Monday to Friday).

Find out more

Lords Enquiry Service and FAQs

House of Lords FAQs

The Lords Enquiry Service provides information on the role, work and membership of the House of Lords.

  • Telephone: 0800 223 0855 (Freephone) or 020 7219 3107
  • Email: hlinfo@parliament.uk
  • Text Relay: 18001 7219 3107

The telephone enquiry service is open from 10am - 5pm Monday to Thursday, and 10am - 4pm on Fridays. During recess, the hours are 10am - 1pm and 2pm - 4pm Monday to Friday.

Seven principles of public life

Seven principles of public life

The Committee on Standards in Public Life identified seven principles of public life:

  • Selflessness
  • Integrity
  • Objectivity
  • Accountability
  • Openness
  • Honesty
  • Leadership

Standards explained

Find out more about the separate Codes of Conduct for MPs and Lords to give guidance on the way they should carry out public duties.