MPs and peers should be given ethics training to help them avoid abusing their positions, according to a sleaze watchdog.

The move is among a range of changes proposed by the Committee on Standards in Public Life to address concerns around lobbying.

Chairman Lord Paul Bew said that, after a series of scandals, people needed to know vested interests were not having undue influence over decision-makers.

"We have concluded that a package of measures is urgently required to deliver a greater culture of openness and transparency around lobbying; provide greater clarity for public office holders on the standards expected of them; and to reassure the public that a more ethical approach to lobbying is being applied by all those individuals and organisations involved in lobbying," the peer said.

The report urged "more timely and detailed disclosure" about contacts with lobbyists and the hospitality they provide.

In June this year, it emerged peers had given lobbyists more than 200 Parliamentary passes despite a crackdown.