LYING to Parliament and to people across the country should be a sackable offence, according to Debbie Abrahams.

The MP for Oldham East and Saddleworth made the assertion in a debate on the Queen's Speech, which was delivered to the House of Lords by Prince Charles on May 10 and discussed in the House of Commons the same afternoon.

The speech, which was written by the Government, included a total of 38 bills to address a range of different issues.

But Ms Abrahams labelled the omission of legislation to tackle the issue of lying to Parliament a missed opportunity.

She also criticised the Government for what she described as a failure to address the cost of living crisis and other inequalities.

The MP, who is chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group for Compassion in Politics, said: "Where is the legislation that will build back trust and confidence in our politics and politicians? The legislation that reinforces politics is about public service, about serving our communities and our country, not ourselves or our mates? That addresses, not just the inequality in income and wealth but in power too, including in political power?

"Where is the legislation that would put the Ministerial Code on a statutory footing, as it is in the devolved nations, that would make lying to [the House of Commons] and to the people of this country a sackable offence?"

Ms Abrahams added: "We have to change the culture of our politics. Being an honourable member, whether a member of this chamber or of a local authority, should mean something. 

"Our constituents must know we will act with integrity and decency, that we will be on their side."