UK Parliament Committee Investigates MPs' Media Roles

A new parliamentary Modernisation Committee, led by Commons Leader Lucy Powell, has been established to address issues of trust and standards in the House of Commons. The committee's initial focus includes reviewing the rules governing MPs' paid media appearances, especially as some MPs, such as Nigel Farage and Lee Anderson, are currently hosting shows on GB News. It will assess whether these outside engagements provide public benefits or create conflicts of interest. The committee has also been tasked with tackling cultural issues like bullying and harassment within Parliament. This initiative comes amid public scrutiny regarding MPs holding lucrative second jobs, with the government already moving to restrict certain external appointments. Powell emphasized the need for MPs to embody the highest standards in their conduct as they seek to reform and modernize parliamentary procedures.