Recommendations & Conclusions
29 items
1
Conclusion
4th Report - Ministerial Statements and…
Accepted
The general principle in the Ministerial Code relating to important announcements of government policy has recently been reaffirmed when the Prime Minister republished the Code in October 2025. We concur that the Ministerial Code is a suitable document to contain such a principle for ministers and the guidance associated with …
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The general principle in the Ministerial Code relating to important announcements of government policy has recently been reaffirmed when the Prime Minister republished the Code in October 2025. We concur that the Ministerial Code is a suitable document to contain such a principle for ministers and the guidance associated with it. (Conclusion, Paragraph 12)
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Government response AI summary
The government agrees the general principle in Chapter 9 of the Ministerial Code should be broadened to reflect ministerial accountability principles from Chapter 1, committing to update the language at the next available opportunity.
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2
Conclusion
4th Report - Ministerial Statements and…
Accepted
Ministerial accountability to Parliament is well established irrespective of its inclusion in the Ministerial Code. Nevertheless, it is uncertain whether there is a current appetite to replicate the principles in relation to ministerial statements in the form of a new House Protocol. We note that a proposal for such a …
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Ministerial accountability to Parliament is well established irrespective of its inclusion in the Ministerial Code. Nevertheless, it is uncertain whether there is a current appetite to replicate the principles in relation to ministerial statements in the form of a new House Protocol. We note that a proposal for such a Protocol was rejected by the House when put to it for decision in a previous Parliament. (Conclusion, Paragraph 13) Is the general principle in the Ministerial Code clear and adequate?
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Government response AI summary
The government agrees that the General Principle in Chapter 9 of the Ministerial Code should be broadened to reflect ministerial accountability principles from Chapter 1, and commits to updating the language at the next available opportunity.
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3
Conclusion
4th Report - Ministerial Statements and…
Accepted
Even though the Ministerial Code is a government document, it is in everyone’s interest for there to be general agreement of the expectations flowing from its letter and spirit. (Conclusion, Paragraph 17)
Government response AI summary
The government agrees with the committee's observation and commits to updating the language in Chapter 9 of the Ministerial Code at the next available opportunity. This update will broaden the 'General Principle' to reflect and ensure consistency with Chapter 1 on ministerial accountability.
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4
Conclusion
4th Report - Ministerial Statements and…
Accepted
We believe the current situation where the Code sets a high bar for expectations which is regularly subject to accusations of being breached is undesirable. (Conclusion, Paragraph 18)
Government response AI summary
The government acknowledges the Committee's concerns about the Ministerial Code setting an undesirable high bar for expectations and commits to updating its language.
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5
Conclusion
4th Report - Ministerial Statements and…
Accepted
We believe that as currently drafted the Ministerial Code does not encapsulate effectively the general principle governing the relationship between ministers and Parliament. The general principle would be better framed around general government and ministerial accountability to Parliament. Any direction about the making of policy announcements is simply an articulation …
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We believe that as currently drafted the Ministerial Code does not encapsulate effectively the general principle governing the relationship between ministers and Parliament. The general principle would be better framed around general government and ministerial accountability to Parliament. Any direction about the making of policy announcements is simply an articulation of how this principle should operate in practice. (Conclusion, Paragraph 19) 34
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Government response AI summary
The government agrees the Ministerial Code's "General Principle" wording should be broadened to reflect ministerial accountability to Parliament and commits to updating the language in Chapter 9 at the next available opportunity.
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6
Conclusion
4th Report - Ministerial Statements and…
Accepted in Part
We consider the House to be ‘in session’ at all times outside of recess, prorogation and dissolution, not just when it is sitting. It is accepted that the business of government continues during recess and ministers will need to respond to events. (Conclusion, Paragraph 24)
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We consider the House to be ‘in session’ at all times outside of recess, prorogation and dissolution, not just when it is sitting. It is accepted that the business of government continues during recess and ministers will need to respond to events. (Conclusion, Paragraph 24)
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Government response AI summary
The government explicitly states it "partially accepts" the recommendation and agrees with the Committee's definition of 'in session'. While committing to keep the House informed through various channels during recess, it acknowledges that notifying the House first is not always possible.
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7
Recommendation
4th Report - Ministerial Statements and…
Accepted in Part
However, major planned policy announcements when the House is not in session should be restricted to those which are time sensitive or otherwise exceptional. Where it is necessary to make a major announcement when the House is in session but not sitting then a minister should come to the House …
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However, major planned policy announcements when the House is not in session should be restricted to those which are time sensitive or otherwise exceptional. Where it is necessary to make a major announcement when the House is in session but not sitting then a minister should come to the House at the earliest opportunity to inform the House and allow for scrutiny and consideration. The content of this statement should acknowledge that the normal practice of making the announcement first to Parliament was not followed and provide an explanation. (Recommendation, Paragraph 25)
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Government response AI summary
The government partially accepts this recommendation, agreeing with the committee's definition of 'in session' and committing to ensuring announcement details are made available to the House at the earliest opportunity through statements or letters. However, they maintain it is not always possible to notify the …
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8
Recommendation
4th Report - Ministerial Statements and…
Acknowledged
The term ‘most important’ is inevitably subjective. However, it is the responsibility of ministers individually and the Government collectively to be aware of the expectations of Parliament and maintain the confidence of the House. We do not believe that it is practical to produce rigid criteria to make decision-making more …
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The term ‘most important’ is inevitably subjective. However, it is the responsibility of ministers individually and the Government collectively to be aware of the expectations of Parliament and maintain the confidence of the House. We do not believe that it is practical to produce rigid criteria to make decision-making more objective but believe the membership of the House can assess the Government’s compliance with this aspect of the principle on a case-by-case basis. Government should pay close attention to the mood of the House and, where concern is raised, give serious consideration to adjusting the thresholds they are using to evaluate the importance of policy or other announcements. (Conclusion, Paragraph 29)
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Government response AI summary
The government fully recognises the House's scrutiny role and outlines current considerations for oral statements, stating the Leader of the House will continue working with ministers to ensure timely updates. However, it does not commit to specifically adjusting thresholds for importance based on the mood …
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9
Conclusion
4th Report - Ministerial Statements and…
Acknowledged
In the context of the Code as currently drafted, making the most important statements in the first instance to Parliament means doing so before they are made to the media and not at the first available opportunity thereafter. Apart from exceptional circumstances it should be considered a breach of the …
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In the context of the Code as currently drafted, making the most important statements in the first instance to Parliament means doing so before they are made to the media and not at the first available opportunity thereafter. Apart from exceptional circumstances it should be considered a breach of the general principle, and disrespectful to the House, for an announcement considered to be one of the most important to be made to the media first, even if it is repeated to the House later that same day. (Conclusion, Paragraph 34)
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Government response AI summary
The government acknowledges the committee's concerns and the need to balance parliamentary accountability with effective public communication in a changing media environment, stating it will look to update the language of the Ministerial Code.
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10
Recommendation
4th Report - Ministerial Statements and…
Rejected
We consider the word ‘should’ in the general principle to be ambiguous without good cause. Replacing it with the word ‘must’ would send a clear signal to Ministers and others about the expectations of the House and give confidence to the electorate that Members can do their scrutiny jobs effectively. …
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We consider the word ‘should’ in the general principle to be ambiguous without good cause. Replacing it with the word ‘must’ would send a clear signal to Ministers and others about the expectations of the House and give confidence to the electorate that Members can do their scrutiny jobs effectively. (Recommendation, Paragraph 35)
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Government response AI summary
The government rejects the recommendation to change 'should' to 'must' in the Ministerial Code, arguing it is not always possible to make announcements to the House first, particularly when Parliament is not sitting.
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11
Conclusion
4th Report - Ministerial Statements and…
Acknowledged
Careful regard needs to be given by government to the balance between a legitimate trailing of a statement and the deliberate or inadvertent provision of information to the media that is so substantive that it could be considered a breach of the general principle set out in the Ministerial Code. …
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Careful regard needs to be given by government to the balance between a legitimate trailing of a statement and the deliberate or inadvertent provision of information to the media that is so substantive that it could be considered a breach of the general principle set out in the Ministerial Code. (Conclusion, Paragraph 39) 35
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Government response AI summary
The government acknowledges the committee's concerns, recognizing the need to balance parliamentary accountability with effective public communication in a changing media environment, and states it will look to update the language of the Ministerial Code.
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12
Recommendation
4th Report - Ministerial Statements and…
Accepted
However, the media environment has changed significantly in recent years, and the provisions on the need to make the most important statements of government policy to Parliament first have remained substantively the same since the Code was introduced in 1997. It may well be the case that this section of …
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However, the media environment has changed significantly in recent years, and the provisions on the need to make the most important statements of government policy to Parliament first have remained substantively the same since the Code was introduced in 1997. It may well be the case that this section of the Code needs to be modernised to reflect the ‘Parliament first’ principle while also recognising that governments must seek to communicate their policies effectively to the public they serve. (Conclusion, Paragraph 40)
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Government response AI summary
The government welcomes the committee’s recognition and acknowledges concerns about the Ministerial Code as currently drafted, committing to update its language to reflect the 'Parliament first' principle at the next available opportunity.
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13
Recommendation
4th Report - Ministerial Statements and…
Accepted in Part
The responsibility for complying with the Code rests with the Government. The Government should either make every effort to comply with the Code, or to re-write it. Although it is the Prime Minister’s document, we expect that any substantial re-writing of the Code in this area should be done in …
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The responsibility for complying with the Code rests with the Government. The Government should either make every effort to comply with the Code, or to re-write it. Although it is the Prime Minister’s document, we expect that any substantial re-writing of the Code in this area should be done in consultation with Members of the House and that the House should then be given an opportunity to consider any implications that flow from the changes for its own resolutions. (Conclusion, Paragraph 41)
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Government response AI summary
The government acknowledges concerns and commits to updating the language of the Ministerial Code, while reasserting that the Code's content is ultimately a matter for the Prime Minister, but also commits to working constructively with Members.
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14
Conclusion
4th Report - Ministerial Statements and…
Acknowledged
It is not possible to have an exhaustive list of all the circumstances which could be considered an exception to the normal principles relating to the making of major policy announcements. We accept that there are various such circumstances, including factors beyond the control of the Government, such as where …
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It is not possible to have an exhaustive list of all the circumstances which could be considered an exception to the normal principles relating to the making of major policy announcements. We accept that there are various such circumstances, including factors beyond the control of the Government, such as where announcements may be international. We expect the House to be sympathetic on those occasions when a good argument is made for an announcement being made exceptionally in breach of the general principle in the Ministerial Code. (Conclusion, Paragraph 43)
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Government response AI summary
The government partially accepts this conclusion, recognizing that it is not always possible to notify the House of major announcements first and committing to making details available at the earliest appropriate opportunity when exceptions arise.
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15
Recommendation
4th Report - Ministerial Statements and…
Accepted in Part
Where an exceptional circumstance does arise and a major policy is announced first elsewhere, a minister must, as a sign of respect towards Parliament, make a statement to the House at the earliest opportunity, which would include the reasons for breaching the general principle. (Recommendation, Paragraph 44) Practice during this …
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Where an exceptional circumstance does arise and a major policy is announced first elsewhere, a minister must, as a sign of respect towards Parliament, make a statement to the House at the earliest opportunity, which would include the reasons for breaching the general principle. (Recommendation, Paragraph 44) Practice during this Parliament
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Government response AI summary
The government partially accepts, committing to ensuring announcement details are made available to the House at the earliest appropriate opportunity when exceptions arise. However, it does not explicitly commit to including reasons for breaching the general principle in such statements.
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16
Conclusion
4th Report - Ministerial Statements and…
Acknowledged
The Speaker has represented the dissatisfaction of the House, through statements made in the Chamber and when setting out the concerns of Members across the House when he wrote to us in May 2025. We share his concerns and note this is a longstanding issue for which successive governments have …
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The Speaker has represented the dissatisfaction of the House, through statements made in the Chamber and when setting out the concerns of Members across the House when he wrote to us in May 2025. We share his concerns and note this is a longstanding issue for which successive governments have been criticised. (Conclusion, Paragraph 48)
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Government response AI summary
The government fully recognises the importance of House scrutiny and states the Leader of the House will continue to work with Ministers to ensure timely and appropriate updates. They also list various existing ways the government keeps the House informed.
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17
Conclusion
4th Report - Ministerial Statements and…
Deferred
It is our assessment that in none of these examples can we be satisfied that the general principle has been met by the publication of relevant documents associated with major policy announcements. It is not clear how Members of the House were meant to be aware that the documents were …
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It is our assessment that in none of these examples can we be satisfied that the general principle has been met by the publication of relevant documents associated with major policy announcements. It is not clear how Members of the House were meant to be aware that the documents were available, and the use of imprecise terminology further exacerbated that situation. In all cases, there were no accompanying written ministerial statements, which 36 could have been used to provide helpful information about the process around the announcement and the availability of relevant documents. Furthermore, the timing and extent of trailing and pre-briefing of the substance of statements examined by the committee, in our view, could reasonably be concluded to constitute a breach of the general principle set out in the Ministerial Code, regardless of whether the document was properly laid or not. (Conclusion, Paragraph 54)
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Government response AI summary
The government acknowledges the importance of timely publication but raises issues with current procedural requirements for written ministerial statements, inviting the Procedure Committee to review whether notice arrangements are optimal.
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18
Recommendation
4th Report - Ministerial Statements and…
Deferred
In the examples cited, we do not agree that the publication of associated documents ahead of statements met the expectations of the general principle of the Code. However, subject to the Government making proper attempts to be open and transparent with Members, preferably through the timely and proper use of …
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In the examples cited, we do not agree that the publication of associated documents ahead of statements met the expectations of the general principle of the Code. However, subject to the Government making proper attempts to be open and transparent with Members, preferably through the timely and proper use of written ministerial statements, and to refrain from substantive prior trailing of the contents of these documents in the media, we accept that the general principle could be met through this route, however we would expect an oral statement to follow within a reasonable timeframe to provide Members with an appropriate opportunity to question Ministers. At all times we would expect the Government to follow the ‘Parliament first’ principle. (Conclusion, Paragraph 56)
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Government response AI summary
The government welcomes the recognition of timely document publication but does not commit to a follow-up oral statement. Instead, it defers to the House and Procedure Committee to explore whether current notice requirements for written ministerial statements can be made more flexible.
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19
Conclusion
4th Report - Ministerial Statements and…
Acknowledged
We believe that scrutiny is improved when Members have greater access to relevant information, and we recognise that publication of significant documents in advance of statements could meet the ‘Parliament first’ principle while allowing Members time to put together more substantive questions for a later oral statement. (Conclusion, Paragraph 57)
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We believe that scrutiny is improved when Members have greater access to relevant information, and we recognise that publication of significant documents in advance of statements could meet the ‘Parliament first’ principle while allowing Members time to put together more substantive questions for a later oral statement. (Conclusion, Paragraph 57)
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Government response AI summary
The government welcomes the committee's recognition that timely document publication and written statements improve scrutiny, but highlights challenges with current procedural requirements for written ministerial statements. It seeks the views of the House and Procedure Committee on modernizing notice arrangements for written statements.
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20
Conclusion
4th Report - Ministerial Statements and…
Accepted
Sitting time is finite and there will always be a tension between the various demands of the House. Statements and urgent questions play an important role in the effective scrutiny of government, but in concentration they can significantly affect the amount of time available for the other business before the …
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Sitting time is finite and there will always be a tension between the various demands of the House. Statements and urgent questions play an important role in the effective scrutiny of government, but in concentration they can significantly affect the amount of time available for the other business before the House. (Conclusion, Paragraph 61)
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Government response AI summary
The government notes the conclusion, explaining its current practice of balancing oral statements with other parliamentary business and avoiding them on Opposition days where possible, while acknowledging that Urgent Questions are a matter for the Speaker.
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21
Conclusion
4th Report - Ministerial Statements and…
Acknowledged
The House has regularly considered issues relating to sitting times and the prioritisation of business. The Government can propose, and the House can consider, procedural options to mitigate these issues in the short term, for example, notwithstanding Standing Orders or agreeing to Business of the House motions. It is also …
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The House has regularly considered issues relating to sitting times and the prioritisation of business. The Government can propose, and the House can consider, procedural options to mitigate these issues in the short term, for example, notwithstanding Standing Orders or agreeing to Business of the House motions. It is also able to consider the findings of wider reviews, to provide sustainable long-term changes in this area. We believe this is beyond the remit of this inquiry, but it is an issue that another committee of the House may want to address. (Conclusion, Paragraph 62)
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Government response AI summary
The government notes the conclusion and states it already balances oral statements with other business, avoiding overuse of ad hoc motions to maintain certainty of sitting times.
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22
Recommendation
4th Report - Ministerial Statements and…
Rejected
We encourage the Government to always consider the potential for using Business of the House motions to protect non-government business in the House, particularly opposition business, from the impact of planned statements. (Recommendation, Paragraph 64) 37 Written ministerial statements
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We encourage the Government to always consider the potential for using Business of the House motions to protect non-government business in the House, particularly opposition business, from the impact of planned statements. (Recommendation, Paragraph 64) 37 Written ministerial statements
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Government response AI summary
The government notes the recommendation but rejects the increased use of Business of the House motions, stating they would not wish to undermine certainty of sitting times by overusing ad hoc motions. They affirm their current practice of trying to balance statements with other business …
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23
Conclusion
4th Report - Ministerial Statements and…
Deferred
The introduction of written ministerial statements in 2002 has proved to be a considerable success in increasing transparency and making government more open to Parliament and the public. It is for the Government to make a judgement about the correct form for a statement, oral or written, having regard to …
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The introduction of written ministerial statements in 2002 has proved to be a considerable success in increasing transparency and making government more open to Parliament and the public. It is for the Government to make a judgement about the correct form for a statement, oral or written, having regard to the general principle in the Ministerial Code and the wider expectations of the House, and in the knowledge that the House has a range of tools at its disposal to hold ministers to account. (Conclusion, Paragraph 71)
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Government response AI summary
The government welcomes the recognition of written ministerial statements but notes procedural challenges. They will seek views from the House and the Procedure Committee on whether current notice requirements remain optimal for timely information release.
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24
Recommendation
4th Report - Ministerial Statements and…
Accepted
We encourage the Government to make more effective use of written ministerial statements to inform Members about the publication of documents related to major government announcements, even when those announcements may themselves be the subject of an oral statement. (Recommendation, Paragraph 72) Ministerial accountability and sanctions
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We encourage the Government to make more effective use of written ministerial statements to inform Members about the publication of documents related to major government announcements, even when those announcements may themselves be the subject of an oral statement. (Recommendation, Paragraph 72) Ministerial accountability and sanctions
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Government response AI summary
The government accepts the recommendation, committing to update the House through written ministerial statements and encouraging departments to table written statements alongside oral ones.
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25
Conclusion
4th Report - Ministerial Statements and…
Accepted
For most breaches under the Ministerial Code in relation to paragraph 9.1, it is difficult to conceive of the circumstances that would result in sanctions against an individual minister, given that the Code specifies the Prime Minister as being a significant part of the decision-making process and therefore bearing at …
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For most breaches under the Ministerial Code in relation to paragraph 9.1, it is difficult to conceive of the circumstances that would result in sanctions against an individual minister, given that the Code specifies the Prime Minister as being a significant part of the decision-making process and therefore bearing at least shared responsibility. We see no easy fix for this conundrum. However, the House itself has a range of options to hold ministers to account, including its range of disciplinary powers in cases of contempt. (Conclusion, Paragraph 79)
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Government response AI summary
The government states the Prime Minister is already regularly held to account by Parliament through established mechanisms like PMQs and Liaison Committee appearances. These forums provide ample opportunity for Members to question determinations on ministerial conduct and sanctions.
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26
Recommendation
4th Report - Ministerial Statements and…
Accepted in Part
An active commitment from the Government to adhere to the Ministerial Code and the ‘Parliament first’ principle is the easiest and most optimal solution to address the dissatisfaction of Parliament and the subsequent question of what constitutes adequate sanctions for breaches. Alternatively, the Government could, in consultation with Members across …
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An active commitment from the Government to adhere to the Ministerial Code and the ‘Parliament first’ principle is the easiest and most optimal solution to address the dissatisfaction of Parliament and the subsequent question of what constitutes adequate sanctions for breaches. Alternatively, the Government could, in consultation with Members across the House, seek agreement on any changes to the Ministerial Code it feels are necessary. (Conclusion, Paragraph 80)
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Government response AI summary
The government acknowledges concerns about the Ministerial Code and commits to updating its language, while reaffirming that the Code's content remains a matter for the Prime Minister. They also express commitment to constructive work with Members to ensure changes support parliamentary scrutiny.
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27
Recommendation
4th Report - Ministerial Statements and…
Rejected
We recommend that an addition be made to Chapter 2 of the Ministerial Code to commit the Prime Minister to issuing a written statement upon reaching a final decision where he has determined a breach of the expected standards has occurred. This written statement should set out the basis for …
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We recommend that an addition be made to Chapter 2 of the Ministerial Code to commit the Prime Minister to issuing a written statement upon reaching a final decision where he has determined a breach of the expected standards has occurred. This written statement should set out the basis for the decision and the action he is taking as a result. (Recommendation, Paragraph 81)
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Government response AI summary
The government rejects the recommendation, stating the Ministerial Code is a matter for the Prime Minister, not Parliament, and existing mechanisms like PMQs provide sufficient scrutiny for ministerial conduct decisions.
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28
Conclusion
4th Report - Ministerial Statements and…
Acknowledged
Urgent questions are the most effective and timely remedy currently available to Members to hold ministers to account in the absence of an oral statement. The Speaker holds important powers to protect the interests of 38 the House and, despite the concerns expressed about the onus this puts on the …
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Urgent questions are the most effective and timely remedy currently available to Members to hold ministers to account in the absence of an oral statement. The Speaker holds important powers to protect the interests of 38 the House and, despite the concerns expressed about the onus this puts on the Speaker to ensure a reasonable level of accountability, we recognise that urgent questions are a vital mechanism to help hold the government of the day to account. (Conclusion, Paragraph 85)
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Government response AI summary
The government fully recognises the House's opportunity to scrutinize decisions and acknowledges the Speaker's role in granting Urgent Questions as a vital mechanism for accountability.
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29
Conclusion
4th Report - Ministerial Statements and…
Acknowledged
By adhering to the general principle in the Ministerial Code and making the most important announcements of government policy in the first instance in Parliament, the need for Members to seek redress through the mechanism of the urgent question will likely reduce. (Conclusion, Paragraph 86) 39
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By adhering to the general principle in the Ministerial Code and making the most important announcements of government policy in the first instance in Parliament, the need for Members to seek redress through the mechanism of the urgent question will likely reduce. (Conclusion, Paragraph 86) 39
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Government response AI summary
The government recognises the importance of House scrutiny and states the Leader of the House will continue to work with Ministers to ensure timely and appropriate updates. They also list various existing mechanisms for keeping the House informed.
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