vigorous enforcement of ethical standards. it would be reassuring if the appointment of the guardians of ethics was fully independent and where appropriate, with new powers to initiate, investigate and report, that should be put on a statutory basis. in a foreword to this report, i endorse to the committee's recommendations in full and i hope the prime minister will accept them without delay. if he were to agree to this, it would make a start, it would help to regain the uk's reputation with the standard for democracy, fairness, honesty and pragmatic common sense in protecting our national interests. that reputation, built up by our predecessors, is invaluable to our national interests. it should be protected, not demolished. the style