Trust and confidence in politics has never been lower. One of the central reasons for this breakdown in trust is the widespread popular belief that some politicians have made a practice of lying to the public. Research published in 2022 showed the British public overwhelmingly wanted lying politicians to face consequences. A proposal in Wales’ Senedd (Welsh parliament) is seeking to address this issue by introducing new legislation that would criminalize politicians who lie.
If passed, Wales would become the first country in the world to introduce criminal sanctions for lying politicians. The proposals are being led by the former leader of Plaid Cymru, Adam Price, who has described a “credibility gap” in UK politics as a “gaping chasm.”
Under the proposals, it would be a criminal offense for a member of the Senedd, or a candidate for election to the Senedd, to wilfully, or with intent to mislead, make or publish a statement that is known to be false or deceptive. Proceedings would have to be brought within six months from the date on which the statement was made.
It would be considered a defense if it could be “reasonably inferred” to be a statement of opinion, or if it were retracted with an apology within 14 days. Being prosecuted for such a law would disqualify a person from being a Senedd member.
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