I have concerns that the Government is giving their friends and political allies previews of their flagship legislation. Ahead of publishing its Planning and Infrastructure Bill for MPs, it became evident that a select number of friendly stakeholders were given advance sight of its contents. Indeed, in posts on social media, a former Labour candidate boosted about having seen the legislation during a meeting at 10 Downing Street.
In our parliamentary democracy, it is important that elected MPs are not overlooked by the executive. To ensure that no political allies were being given privileged access to legislation, I raised a point of order in the Chamber. I am grateful that the Deputy Prime Minister was present and assured that this was not the case, but I remain concerned about what exactly was disclosed at the meeting in Downing Street.
