Member

The Government thought very carefully about who the offence should apply to, but Parliament has a unique role in the system. Noble Lords and Members of Parliament are responsible for scrutinising and improving legislation and holding the Government accountable. Back-Benchers do not take decisions on behalf of the state, nor do they have access to the kind of information that would be available to Ministers. We therefore take the view that it is not appropriate to extend the offence to Back-Bench parliamentarians. I think this is the first time I have spoken from this Dispatch Box where I have enjoyed the support of the noble Baroness, Lady Fox of Buckley, so I appreciate that.