New parliamentary standards chief accepts image of MPs is ‘as low as it has ever been’
But barrister, and observant member of the community Daniel Greenberg admits in first interview in new role 'vast majority' of MPs are 'strongly committed to to doing their job in accordance with high ethical standards'
Lee Harpin is the Jewish News's political editor
New Parliamentary Standards Commissioner Daniel Greenberg has said the reputation of MPs is “possibly as low as it has ever been”.
But in his first interview in the role he insisted the “vast majority of members of the House of Commons are strongly committed to to doing their job in accordance with high ethical standards.”
The barrister, and observant member of the community, told BBC2’s Newsnight said it was a “big priority” of his to support MPs and peers with high ethical standards, while “being very clear in sanctioning those members who fall away from those standards” and who “tarnish the reputations of the vast majority.”
Greenberg said that the general public were “concerned” about the money MPs were earning from outside interests.
He said:”I think that is something members need to think about in the next couple of years…. outside interests bringing damage to the House… not appearing to neglect your constituents.”
Greenberg added there was a balance that needed to be worked out on the issue “in a rule that works for every body.”
Asked by Kirsty Wark how he would avoid being targeted with the sort of personal attacks face by his predecessor Kathryn Stone from some MPs, he said:”I’ve been around for 45 years, and most of the time I’ve been a lawyer and part of being a good lawyer is being prepared to say things that people don’t necessarily want to hear.”
He said he expected members to “disagree with people professionally and with courtesy.”
Greenberg denied being around parliament for many years left him open to the charge of being a friend to MPs saying he had a “reputation for independence.”
He began a five-year term of office this month and previously served as counsel for domestic legislation. Two years ago he was made a Companion of the Order of the Bath.
As well as legal works, Greenberg has published books of Jewish interest including one on conversion and a collection of his blogs entitledWhat If God’s a Christian?.
His recent monograph,Getting A Get, called on rabbinical courts to change the way they handle Jewish divorce cases.
Thank you for helping to make Jewish News the leading source of news and opinion for the UK Jewish community. Today we're asking for your invaluable help to continue putting our community first in everything we do.
For as little as £5 a month you can help sustain the vital work we do in celebrating and standing up for Jewish life in Britain.
Jewish News holds our community together and keeps us connected. Like a synagogue, it’s where people turn to feel part of something bigger. It also proudly shows the rest of Britain the vibrancy and rich culture of modern Jewish life.
You can make a quick and easy one-off or monthly contribution of £5, £10, £20 or any other sum you’re comfortable with.
100% of your donation will help us continue celebrating our community, in all its dynamic diversity...
Engaging
Being a community platform means so much more than producing a newspaper and website. One of our proudest roles is media partnering with our invaluable charities to amplify the outstanding work they do to help us all.
Celebrating
There’s no shortage of oys in the world but Jewish News takes every opportunity to celebrate the joys too, through projects like Night of Heroes, 40 Under 40 and other compelling countdowns that make the community kvell with pride.
Pioneering
In the first collaboration between media outlets from different faiths, Jewish News worked with British Muslim TV and Church Times to produce a list of young activists leading the way on interfaith understanding.
Campaigning
Royal Mail issued a stamp honouring Holocaust hero Sir Nicholas Winton after a Jewish News campaign attracted more than 100,000 backers. Jewish Newsalso produces special editions of the paper highlighting pressing issues including mental health and Holocaust remembrance.
Easy access
In an age when news is readily accessible, Jewish News provides high-quality content free online and offline, removing any financial barriers to connecting people.
Voice of our community to wider society
The Jewish News team regularly appears on TV, radio and on the pages of the national press to comment on stories about the Jewish community. Easy access to the paper on the streets of London also means Jewish News provides an invaluable window into the community for the country at large.
We hope you agree all this is worth preserving.
