The 7 principles of public life – trashed by this government at our expense

The excellent West Country Bylines has put out an article detailing the principles by which public servants should operate, and explains why our current government does not live us to them. Here is the opening:

The Seven Principles of Public Life (also known as the Nolan Principles) apply to anyone who works as a public office-holder. This includes all those who are elected or appointed to public office, nationally and locally. Has this government adhered to these standards? Hell, no. Not at all. They break the principles at every turn, day in, day out.

But, you know what? They’re getting away with it. Normalising it. Numbing us to it. It’s high time we held them – and the right wing press – to account.

Find the article below, well worth a read!

The article is really worth reading, but the principles are below, and it’s easy to see how our government, and their approach to Brexit, is far from inline with them!

1. Selflessness

Holders of public office should act solely in terms of the public interest.

2 Integrity

Holders of public office must avoid placing themselves under any obligation to people or organisations that might try inappropriately to influence them in their work. They should not act or take decisions in order to gain financial or other material benefits for themselves, their family, or their friends. They must declare and resolve any interests and relationships.

3. Objectivity

Holders of public office must act and take decisions impartially, fairly and on merit, using the best evidence and without discrimination or bias.

4. Accountability

Holders of public office are accountable to the public for their decisions and actions and must submit themselves to the scrutiny necessary to ensure this.

5. Openness

Holders of public office should act and take decisions in an open and transparent manner. Information should not be withheld from the public unless there are clear and lawful reasons for so doing.

6. Honesty

Holders of public office should be truthful.

7. Leadership

Holders of public office should exhibit these principles in their own behaviour. They should actively promote and robustly support the principles and be willing to challenge poor behaviour wherever it occurs.