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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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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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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