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Parliamentary Standards Bill

The Bill should sweep away the old system of MPs' self-regulation in which people no longer have any confidence, and it will pave the way for a new system of independent and transparent regulation. As my right hon. Friend the Justice Secretary said earlier, the Bill is a result of some early constructive discussion, and I hope that, over the next couple of days, we can return to the very constructive discussions that we had with Opposition Members. Until today, there was constructive discussion, and there was agreement and consensus. There has been further consideration of amendments, and we can look at all such issues. Today, we have indicated that we will accept the amendment to clause 6, so we can and should move forward on that basis. We can return to the issue of the Parliamentary Reform Committee, and I commend the Bill to the House. Question put, That the Bill be now read a Second time. The House divided: Ayes 291, Noes 1.