MPs will debate the seven Nolan principles of public life in the House of Commons on Thursday, in a general debate on the standards expected of everyone who holds public office. The debate was sought by Liberal Democrat MP Susan Murray, who put her application to the Backbench Business Committee in March.

What are the Nolan principles?

The seven principles — selflessness, integrity, objectivity, accountability, openness, honesty and leadership — were set out by Lord Nolan in 1995, after a series of scandals in the early 1990s. They were designed to set high ethical standards for public life, and were intended to apply to everyone who serves in public life, not just politicians. More than 30 years on, they remain the foundation of the standards expected of ministers, MPs, councillors and public officials across the United Kingdom.

A busy day in the Commons

Thursday’s sitting begins at 9.30am with questions to the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, followed by business questions to the Leader of the House. The Nolan debate is one of two general debates scheduled under the Backbench Business programme; the other marks the 110th anniversary of the Battle of the Somme. An adjournment debate led by Sir John Hayes MP on animal cruelty and domestic abuse will close the day.