The investigation has to be independent, a point accepted, I believe, by all party leaders in this Chamber. The process has to be independent. The person conducting the investigation and reporting has to be qualified to carry out such an investigation and robustly independent if the outcome is to be respected and carry public confidence.

We are establishing principles and a precedent in this motion, which will be required to withstand the test of time for the future. Consequently, the proposal for this matter to be referred to an independent adviser under the ministerial code is by far the best and the most appropriate course of action.