Declaration of Interests - Project Open Gov

A statement by an MP about a relevant interest when taking part in parliamentary proceedings or communications.

Category: Parliament and elections Parliamentary procedure

Also used as: declarations of interest, declaration of interest, declare an interest, declared an interest, declaring an interest

Source / explainer: Read the House of Commons Code of Conduct and Guide to the Rules

Last reviewed: 22 August 2026

A declaration of interests is a statement by an MP about a relevant interest when taking part in proceedings of the House or its committees, or in certain communications with ministers, other Members, public officials or public office holders. It is separate from registration, which makes information available on an ongoing basis.

Related terms

House of Commons Code of ConductThe rules setting expected standards of conduct for MPs in their public role.Members’ Financial InterestsFinancial interests or benefits held by an MP that may need to be registered or declared.Register of Members’ Financial InterestsThe public register showing MPs’ relevant financial interests and benefits.Relevant InterestAn interest that might reasonably be thought to influence an MP’s actions or words.