On 18th April 2013 I was invited by another Member of Parliament to have a coffee with someone who wanted to discuss an issue involving Fiji.
I turned up and was asked what I knew about Fiji. I replied with words to the effect of "very little".
Shortly into the meeting, the person I was talking to, Mr Daniel Mann, appeared to offer me a role as a consultant. I told him I did not wish to have any such relationship with him.
We continued to discuss Fiji and its wish to be readmitted to the Commonwealth.
The conversation then moved on. I believe Mr Mann and the other MP had a discussion about the MP undertaking work.
There is no bar on MPs working for other organisations and many do so. However all outside employment must be properly registered. To the best of my recollection the conversation implied that the other MP was not currently working for Mr Mann but was hoping to do so.
I left before the meeting ended.
It is the responsibility of each individual MP to register their outside interests and declare them wherever relevant.
I emailed Mr Mann later that day to make clear that I was willing to consider with an open mind the issue of Fiji's membership of the Commonwealth but that under no circumstances did I wish to have any kind of commercial relationship with him. The email was acknowledged.
I have not attended any APPGs relating to Fiji, nor have I asked any written questions on the issue, signed any EDMs or lobbied for or raised the issue of Fiji in any way with anyone in or outside Parliament.
An investigation is underway by the Standards Commissioner into the actions of one MP. Because of this I am advised not to make any further public comment.