Chris Grayling on the impact of a full legislative agenda for lobbyists

Grayling was addressing a busy audience at the Dods ‘New Parliament’ conference today, during a session on the priorities for the new parliament.

Running through the current programme of government,the former Justice Secretary spoke briefly on each of the Government’s key bills, grouping them into themes such as ‘constitution’ and ‘social justice’.  Particularly regarding job creation, he stressed that ministers were under a duty to report to parliament on the progress being made rather than simply be setting “arbitrary targets”.

Unprompted, he stressed to the room that the Salisbury Convention – where the House of Lords would not block the progression of bills listed in the government’s manifesto – would be upheld throughout the parliament; although Lords scrutiny was imperative, the Government had a mandate to get the legislation set in their manifesto passed through the Commons.

In terms of constitutional affairs, Grayling stressed the importance of the EU referendum, given the public appetite for it, and said the EU Referendum Bill was likely to receive Royal Assent around the turn of the year. Organisations and individuals who wanted no change at all to Britain’s relationship with the EU were “just plain wrong”, he added.

In response to critics’ concerns, the Leader of the Commons then stressed that he did not believe the next five years would be a re-run of the 1992-1997 where Europe was concerned.

Turning to constitutional matters closer to home, Grayling spoke about the importance of achieving a “fair and balanced devolution settlement” for Scotland, but also for Wales and Northern Ireland. He spoke about the Government’s Northern Powerhouse vision, describing how it would act as a “strong economic counterbalance to London”.

Numerous times during his appearance, he spoke about the need to “sort the West Lothian Question” and stressed that the proposals on English Votes for English Laws would emerge soon.

In response to a question on how to best engage with ministers, Grayling explained how tight timings were to get the legislative programme passed and how therefore lobbyists should be “measured” and realistic with what they can expect from the Government during its first year. If organisations’ asks were not already in the Queen’s Speech, there was little change they could be incorporate into legislation.

He later stressed that although a new Bill of Rights had not featured in the Queen’s Speech, the Government would definitely change the human rights framework in the UK. Michael Gove was working through proposals left for him from the previous Government and would be making informed decisions shortly.