Lobbying (Scotland) Bill: Stage 1

Part of the debate – in the Scottish Parliament at on 7 January 2016.

Alert me about debates like this

Photo of Joe FitzPatrick Joe FitzPatrick Scottish National Party

It is not the case that the Government does not recognise those other forms of lobbying. Indeed, the bill allows for the Parliament to put in place guidance for them. What we are saying is that, in relation to regulated lobbying, a line needs to be drawn between what is a criminal offence and other lobbying, for which there is guidance. Nobody is suggesting that those other forms of lobbying do not exist or that we do not have email or telephones. It is just about where we draw the line in relation to regulation.