70% of CIPR members want universal statutory register for lobbyists
CIPR Public Affairs (CIPR PA) yesterday debated the Government’s consultation on a statutory register of lobbyists with Cabinet Office Minister Mark Harper MP, where he was presented with the results of a recent survey showing that 70% of respondents support a universal register.
The universal register would embrace everyone engaged in professional lobbying, including in-house public affairs practitioners, a group which the consultation suggests could be exempted.
More than 80% of those surveyed felt that lobbyists not on a statutory register should not have access to lobby government.
Iain Anderson, chair of CIPR PA, said: “The Minister is obviously keen to hear the views of the industry and CIPR PA welcomes the opportunity to be a sounding board as the consultation process continues. CIPR PA welcomes a policy consultation which makes it clear that it values lobbying and does not want to overburden the industry with excessive regulation.
“Transparency is the CIPR's guiding principle in professional conduct and we have long held the view that the public affairs profession has nothing to fear from a statutory register. It is the view of our members that universality is key.”