The Association of Professional Political Consultants (APPC) has urged MSPs to ensure Holyrood preserves openness ahead of this afternoon’s debate on lobbying transparency in the main chamber of the Scottish Parliament. The debate follows a report issued by the Standards, Procedures and Public Appointments committee.
Peter Duncan, Chair of APPC Scotland and Managing Director of Message Matters, said: “There remains little evidence of a problem with lobbying activity at Holyrood, and indeed lobbying is an important part of making Parliament accessible and helping inform MSPs' work. We believe the simplest way to achieve transparency in lobbying would be to make public the official diaries of Ministers, civil servants and MSPs.
"APPC Scotland believes that - if a statutory register is to be introduced in Scotland - it should be a register of lobbying, not of lobbyists. The register should capture equally those who undertake lobbying in an in-house capacity, as much as those who lobby MSPs and Government in a consultative role. What is important is the activity, not the status of the person lobbying - a level playing field is vital.
"APPC Scotland urges MSPs to ensure any action to regulate lobbying is proportionate and ensures a level playing field – anything else will not command industry support.”