Recommendations & Conclusions
5 items
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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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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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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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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