PRCA comments on Cabinet Office statement

London, 16 July 2012 – Today the PRCA welcomed the Government’s announcement to “develop revised policy proposals” for a draft lobbying Bill, following the publication of a summary of responses to the Cabinet Office’s consultation paper “Introducing a Statutory Register of Lobbyists”.

Francis Ingham, PRCA Chief Executive, said: “We infer from the language used by the Government that it has taken on board the strong and near-unanimous criticism made of its original proposals. The PRCA hopes that the Government will have listened to those comments, and will now amend its plans accordingly. If it does so, it will deliver the comprehensive and effective register that we all want.”

Emily Wallace, Operations Director at Connect Communications, said: “Clearly the Government must now come forward with plans for a wider register which both promotes transparency and encourages lobbyists to adhere to an ethical code of conduct”

The Government will now use the publications and evidence from the Political and Constitutional Reform Committee to publish a White Paper and draft Bill during this Parliamentary session.

The PRCA will continue to lobby government officials to ensure the register is as inclusive as is required.

-ENDS-

Notes to editors

For media enquires please contact Francis Ingham on 020 7233 6026

Click here to download the summary of responses

The consultation document is available to download here www.official-documents.gov.uk


About the PRCA

The PRCA has held its own Public Affairs Code of Conduct since 2000 and its own Public Affairs Register since 2005/2006. Its most recent iteration can be found at /paregister. The most recent Register covers agencies, in-house communications teams, freelancers and individuals from the period March to May 2012.

Who we are: Founded in 1969, the PRCA is the professional body that represents UK PR consultancies, in-house communications teams, PR freelancers and individuals. The PRCA promotes all aspects of public relations and internal communications work, helping teams and individuals maximise the value they deliver to clients and organisations.

What we do: The Association exists to raise standards in PR and communications, providing members with industry data, facilitating the sharing of communications best practice and creating networking opportunities.

How we do it and make a difference: All PRCA members are bound by a professional charter and codes of conduct, and benefit from exceptional training. The Association also works for the greater benefit of the industry, sharing best practice and lobbying on the industry's behalf e.g. fighting the NLA's digital licence.

Who we represent: The PRCA represents many of the major consultancies in the UK, and currently has more than 250 agency members from around the world, including the majority of the top 100 UK consultancies. We also represent over 70 in-house communications teams from multinationals, UK charities and leading UK public sector organisations.

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