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Question
The MP questions whether the Home Secretary has asked civil servants for help to organise a private speeding course and presses for an immediate investigation. She also raises concerns about the Prime Minister's decision-making process regarding this matter.
Minister reply
The minister declines to speculate on the specific events but confirms that the Prime Minister is gathering necessary information before taking any action, ensuring that decisions are made properly and professionally.
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Question
This MP suggests that an independent adviser should be able to initiate their own inquiries into breaches of the ministerial code without interference from Government, citing potential benefits in terms of impartiality and fewer urgent questions.
Minister reply
The minister affirms that the Prime Minister is ultimately responsible for upholding the ministerial code but acknowledges the importance of an independent advisory role.
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Question
This MP criticises the Government's lack of professionalism and accountability, highlighting multiple alleged breaches of the ministerial code by senior ministers. She calls for a full investigation into all allegations.
Minister reply
The minister reiterates that information is being gathered to determine appropriate next steps but questions the SNP’s focus on ethical standards.
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Question
This MP asks whether there is a difference between asking civil servants for advice on potential breaches of conduct and directly requesting them to act in ways that may be wrong.
Minister reply
The minister agrees that there is a distinction but avoids commenting further on the specifics of the current situation.
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Question
This MP queries why an investigation cannot proceed through established channels rather than gathering additional information.
Minister reply
The minister asserts that the process is being handled professionally, with decisions based on gathered evidence and subsequent steps.
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Question
This MP expresses disbelief at media coverage focusing on a speeding course during important international discussions such as G7 summits.
Minister reply
The minister acknowledges the independence of the BBC but understands the concerns raised about the focus of media inquiries.
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Question
When the Home Secretary was the Attorney General, she tweeted her support for Dominic Cummings driving to Barnard Castle to test his eyesight. When she was Home Secretary under Elizabeth Truss, she was sacked for sending sensitive Government information from a personal email address. As Home Secretary under Rishi Sunak, she faces allegations of instructing civil servants to arrange a private speed awareness course. What will it take to get an investigation?
Minister reply
An investigation will be dependent on the information gathered. The Prime Minister will gather that information and take a decision based on the facts.
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Question
Does my right hon. Friend agree with me that this leak is an attempt to play the woman, not the ball, undermining our democracy and distracting from delivering ordinary people’s priorities?
Minister reply
The Home Secretary has a crucial job to do. She is committed to it despite any noise.
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Question
Is there a problem with the Prime Minister having sole discretion over ethics inquiries and actions taken on their outcomes?
Minister reply
An independent adviser can recommend action, but ultimately the ministerial code is for the Prime Minister to determine.
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Question
Is this moral outrage about a Minister who asked her private office about something and took their advice ludicrous? Is it an attack on a good Home Secretary trying to tackle mass immigration?
Minister reply
The information will be gathered by the Prime Minister, and the Home Secretary is deeply committed to continuing her work for the British people.
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Question
Has integrity and professionalism been shot long ago? The real accountability now lies with the British people at the next general election.
Minister reply
The Prime Minister will act professionally. The Labour party also has issues it needs to address.
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Question
Do constituents think their representatives are wasting time debating this issue?
Minister reply
Previously, the Labour party wasted time on similar issues. It is pertinent to note that.
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Question
Does it look like weak leadership to delay a decision about the Home Secretary’s actions?
Minister reply
The Prime Minister does things properly and professionally. He gathers information before making decisions.
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Question
Should we ask why, when, and how this was leaked, as it is a matter of civil service code adherence?
Minister reply
The focus now is on gathering the necessary information for the Prime Minister to make a decision.
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Question
Did the Cabinet Office inform the Prime Minister about emails sent regarding a request for a private speeding course?
Minister reply
The Prime Minister is gathering pertinent information and will make decisions based on it.
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Question
How can we ensure that the Home Secretary addresses issues like emptying hotels used for migrants, using new police officers to tackle crime, and allocating Safer Streets funding?
Minister reply
The Home Office has an important job to do. The Home Secretary is determined to produce answers for the British people.
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Question
Why did the Home Secretary not avail herself of a well-taught, early-hour speed awareness course available to all equally?
Minister reply
The Prime Minister is gathering information and will make decisions based on that.
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Question
Can the Minister confirm civil servants contacted the Cabinet Office’s propriety and ethics team about the Home Secretary’s request?
Minister reply
The Prime Minister is gathering information to ascertain facts.
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Question
Does the Home Secretary's undisclosed links to the Rwandan Government have anything to do with her rosy-eyed view of Rwanda’s human rights record?
Minister reply
The Home Secretary engaged in a charitable endeavour before entering Parliament. I cannot comment further.
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Question
Asked about concerns raised regarding activities at Teesworks, the MP inquired whether there was any untoward activity.
Minister reply
The Minister responded that he is not in a position to comment on specific allegations or provide detailed comments.
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Question
Asked for an update on the status of the special advisers’ code, given recent events involving a Home Secretary's special adviser.
Minister reply
The Minister stated that the special advisers’ code outlines how advisers should act but declined to comment specifically on this case.
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Question
Asked if the Prime Minister acted entirely within the ministerial code while in office.
Minister reply
The Minister noted that the Prime Minister is the arbiter of the ministerial code and it is for individual Ministers to adhere to it.
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Question
Asked why the Prime Minister cannot refer his Home Secretary to an independent ethics adviser.
Minister reply
The Minister defended the Prime Minister’s actions, highlighting achievements from a recent G7 summit and asserting that the PM is focused on delivering for Britain.
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Question
Inquired whether the Minister was frustrated with the Home Secretary given another scandal.
Minister reply
The Minister stated that it would be up to the Prime Minister to determine if an independent adviser should conduct inquiries or if other actions are necessary.
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Question
Asked for reflection on lessons learned and biblical wisdom regarding judgment.
Minister reply
The Minister concluded by agreeing that the hon. Gentleman's point was a good one to end on.