PMQ: Lobbying Scandal

The United Kingdom Parliament met together for the weekly Prime Minister’s Questions Time. Labor Party and Opposition Leader Sir Keir Starmer asked multiple questions to Prime Minister and Conservative Party Leader Boris Johnson the recent lobbying scandal in the UK government.

Starmer began by asking if the current lobbying rules serve their purpose well.

Johnson responded by making clear that he does share their concerns. He will be appointing an independent review done that will report to him in June.

However, Starmer has pointed out that the independent review is not looking into the inquiry. “Everyday, there’s further evidence of the sleaze that’s now at the heart of this conservative government.”

Starmer shared his concern of different types of Conservative lobbyists who not only have held power in government, but continue to lobby in it after government.

Johnson responded by making clear that the government is hard on lobbyists. They have introduced legislature that will allow for no taxed supported lobbying. He pointed out that it was the Labor Party who repealed that legislative.

Starmer responded by saying that the reason why it was appealed is because the law was introduced by lobbyists. He also pointed out that Johnson has the ability to follow the Shoplifter’s Defense. In other words, people are shoplifting from a store, so it makes it okay to shoplift from it.

Johnson responded to Starmer’s claims of lobbying by saying that the Shadow Defense Secretary that was in contact with lobbyist organizations.

Starmer proceeded to laugh at Johnson’s remarks, and called it ridiculous. He claimed that Johnson’s point was not good at all, and he has problems if he thinks it is a good point.

He said that the Shadow Defense Secretary is not a paid lobbyist. Furthermore, he said that Johnson’s inquiry is linked to a lobbyist firm who will loosen rules on lobbyists.

He asked Johnson to join Parliament for a vote on a transparent and independent inquiry into the scandal.

Johnson said that Starmer’s proposal simply would not work.

“His own proposal is simply to have, yet again, to have politicians marking their own homework.” This is the reason why he would like to have an independent investigation into the scandal.

Other questions by members of Parliament were asked in the remaining PMQ session.