Sir Ernest Ryder Conducts Review of Commons Standards System

Master of Pembroke College, Sir Ernest Ryder, was recently asked to conduct a review of fairness and natural justice and the House of Commons Standards system.  The review was published on 4th March 2022 before Sir Ernest gave evidence to the Committee on Standards.

The Committee commissioned Sir Ernest to carry out the review following the publication of a report in November 2021 making proposals for a revised Code of Conduct.  The review asks whether the current system of investigating and deciding upon breaches of the Code of Conduct for Members of Parliament is compatible with fairness and natural justice.  He tackles issues of fairness and natural justice in the context of parliamentary privilege, the relationship between Parliament and the courts, and human rights legislation.

Sir Ernest’s proposals and recommendations have been considered by the Standards Committee and will inform a final report which will be presented to the House.

Chris Bryant MP, Chair of the Committee on Standards, said: ‘I welcome Sir Ernest Ryder’s thorough review into the Standards System and thank him for the work he has done.’

Prior to joining Pembroke as Master in July 2020, Sir Ernest has served as Senior President of Tribunals and a Lord Justice of Appeal.  We are immensely proud of his work for the Standards Committee and grateful for his ongoing service and dedication to the Pembroke community.