House of Commons · Urgent Question
14 May 2025 · 16 other contributors
Opened by Kirsty Blackman SNP Aberdeen North
Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.
Kirsty Blackman raised concerns about ministerial code compliance 2025-05-14 in the House of Commons. A government minister responded. Other MPs also contributed.
Key points
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said.
Opened the debate
Will the Minister confirm that the Government adheres to the principle of making important announcements in Parliament first, as set out in paragraph 9.1 of the ministerial code? The MP is concerned about a growing trend of government announcements being made outside of Parliament, despite clear rules requiring them to be made within it.
Question
The MP raises concerns about recent trends of the Government failing to make statements to Parliament first, citing specific instances where announcements were made in the media before being relayed to the House. She is concerned that such breaches of the code suggest a lack of adherence and accountability.
Minister reply
While the Minister acknowledges these issues, she emphasises that there have also been numerous occasions when statements were made to Parliament first, ahead of other announcements. The Government are committed to making important announcements in Parliament whenever possible.
Question
The MP highlights multiple instances where the ministerial code has been breached by announcing policies before informing Parliament, questioning the adherence to Nolan principles and the Government's manifesto promise. He calls for an inquiry into these breaches.
Minister reply
The Minister reminds that the code stipulates announcements should be made when Parliament is in session, not just first in any format. She counters by highlighting that this Government has done more oral statements than previous administrations did within the same timeframe.
Question
The MP questions the irony of SNP raising concerns when similar issues have occurred in Scottish Parliament. He praises this Government for making numerous oral statements on key policies, such as the trade deal with India.
Minister reply
The Minister agrees that the trade deal is significant for the Scottish whisky sector and brings over £1 billion in additional trade, supporting her point about the importance of announcements being made within Parliament.
Question
Given the SNP’s record of waste and police investigations in Scotland, does the Leader of the House agree that they should not be seen as a model for good governance?
Minister reply
I disagree with the hon. Member’s analysis. We are committed to high standards of accountability and transparency, unlike perhaps some other parties.
Question
Does the Leader of the House agree that they are going too far in making announcements first to the media instead of Parliament?
Minister reply
I thank the right hon. Gentleman for his remarks and reassure him that I speak regularly with my Cabinet colleagues about ensuring important statements are brought to the House.
Question
Can the Leader of the House elaborate on her modernisation agenda for Parliament?
Minister reply
I am committed to ensuring that all Members, particularly from smaller parties, have ample opportunity to scrutinise Government legislation and hold it accountable.
Question
Does the Leader of the House agree that treating Members with contempt is wrong?
Minister reply
I disagree with the hon. Member’s analysis. We have made more statements than the previous Government, and I take our duty to transparency seriously.
Question
Does the Leader of the House agree that it is scandalous for the SNP to raise transparency when their former First Minister’s meetings were only revealed through FOI requests?
Minister reply
My hon. Friend makes a good point.
Question
Should the independent adviser on ministerial standards, not the Prime Minister, determine whether breaches of the ministerial code have occurred?
Minister reply
The independent adviser's powers were strengthened to initiate inquiries without needing approval from the Prime Minister.
Question
Will the Leader of the House look at ways to better scrutinise Government work without slowing down its delivery?
Minister reply
My hon. Friend raises a good point about balancing business in a day, and we are looking at this through the Modernisation Committee.
Question
Can the Leader of the House confirm there was no pressure from the Prime Minister or Donald Trump to delay a statement on Thursday?
Minister reply
The business was changed so that Members could be in the Chamber for the press conference, not due to external pressures.
Question
Is the ministerial code binding, optional or merely aspirational? Given the blatant disregard of what the code says about making statements, can the House have confidence that Ministers adhere diligently to the other requirements of the code?
Minister reply
Ministers are subject to the ministerial code. The Prime Minister judges adherence strictly. The independent adviser on the ministerial code now has new powers to initiate inquiries based on concerns related to the ministerial code.
Question
When will the investigation into the leak of tuition fees announcement report? Has it actually begun?
Minister reply
The Secretary of State for Education has spoken to Mr Speaker about that. The findings from the investigation will be reported to the hon. Lady.
Question
How can the Government relay to the Government and Prime Minister Members' severe annoyance at repeated inaction? Contrary to what is being said, there is no such duty on Scottish Government Ministers as that set out in section 9.1 of the ministerial code.
Minister reply
We take the ministerial code seriously and have driven up standards compared to previous governments. While some may criticise statements made to this House first, we strive for improvement and better practices.
Question
What reassurance will the Minister give that the Government will not deliberately or knowingly breach the ministerial code going forward?
Minister reply
We are committed to ensuring high standards and best practices. Steps have been taken to raise standards by addressing MPs’ second jobs and taking action against those who misbehave, ensuring independent Members and smaller parties can voice their concerns.
Government Response
The Government take their obligations to Parliament very seriously and have made numerous important statements in this session. Although there are instances where announcements cannot be made first in Parliament due to other demands or time constraints, the Prime Minister and the leader regularly remind Cabinet colleagues of these principles. The minister acknowledges that there is a balance to strike between making timely announcements and ensuring Members have adequate time to consider them.