Political lobbying: The current rules for UK MPs

There have long been calls for a tightening of the rules on lobbying of politicians but plans for a statutory register of lobbyists have yet to make it into the government's legislative agenda.

But what are the existing regulations on political lobbying?

All MPs, including ministers, are subject to a code of conduct when it comes to their outside interests and dealings.

They can:

• Be paid to act as a director, consultant, or adviser, or in any other capacity, whether or not such interests are related to membership of the Commons.

• Be sponsored by a trade union or any other organisation and receive hospitality in the course of their parliamentary duties.

They must:

• Disclose their financial interests in a Register of Members' Financial Interests

• Draw attention to any relevant interest when speaking in the Commons or corresponding with ministers, departments or executive agencies

• Live up to the general principles of public life outlined in the code

• Take decisions based on the public interest not for their own financial benefit or for that of their family or friends.

• Not place themselves under any financial obligation to outside individuals or organisations.

• Make appointments or award contracts on merit not on any other basis.

• Be accountable for their decisions to the public and submit themselves to whatever scrutiny is appropriate

• Be as open as possible about all decisions and actions they take.

• Declare any private interests relating to their public duties and to take steps to resolve any conflicts arising in a way that protects the public interest.

• Not act as a paid advocate in any parliamentary proceedings. They should not take payment to speak in Parliament, to vote a certain way, to introduce legislation, to amend legislation or to urge others to do so.

• Not lobby for "reward or consideration" on behalf of any organisation with which they have a declared financial interest.

• Be open with other MPs and officials about their dealings with any organisation with which they have a financial relationship, including activities which may not be a matter of public record such as informal meetings and functions.

• Not use information which they receive in confidence in the course of their parliamentary duties for financial gain.

In addition, ministers must comply with guidelines when they leave office:

• For two years after leaving office, they must get the approval of the Advisory Committee on Business Appointments for any appointment or employment they wish to take up.

• They are expected to accept the committee's advice.

• Former Cabinet ministers must normally wait three months after leaving office before they can accept any kind of paid employment.

• Former ministers should not lobby existing ministers on behalf of any organisation for which they are employed for two years after leaving office.