Politicians are lawmakers and should be held to the highest standards of integrity. Yet MPs are currently allowed to accept gifts, hospitality, and donations from businesses and individuals. We think that even when declared, this can create a clear conflict of interest and undermine public trust.

Other public servants — such as police officers, doctors, or members of the armed forces — are not permitted to accept gifts which may be perceived to influence their professional decisions. We think the same standard must apply to politicians. We think that declaring a gift doesn’t make it ethical, and that it’s still a form of influence. We call for a complete ban on MPs accepting any gifts, payments, or hospitality from private individuals, companies, or lobbyists