Propriety in Public Life 2024-07-25
2024-07-25
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP is concerned about the erosion of trust in politics due to previous government's lack of integrity. The question aims to prompt action towards high ethical standards.
What steps he is taking to help ensure high standards of propriety in public life. Polling before the last general election found that two thirds of the British public did not think that the then Government had observed high ethical standards, which probably accounted for the disillusionment with politics that we saw on the doorsteps.
The Cabinet Office will support the development of a new ethics and integrity commission to deliver a much-needed reset on standards in public life. The Government will review and update post-Government employment rules. We are committed to ensuring high standards, including by establishing an ethics and integrity commission, reforming the business appointment rules and appropriately empowering the independent adviser on Ministers' interests.
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Assessment & feedback
The answer does not specify how the Independent Adviser will have powers to initiate investigations of misconduct or access necessary evidence.
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP notes that voter turnout was low in her constituency due to public distrust caused by previous government scandals. She seeks actions from the new Labour Government to rebuild trust and improve political engagement.
What steps are the new Labour Government taking to restore trust and ensure that politics can once again be a force for good? Just 49% of people in my constituency voted in the recent election, due to lost trust in politicians because of previous government rule breaking and scandals.
The Government will restore trust by delivering for the public. The Cabinet Office will support the development of a new ethics and integrity commission to deliver a reset on standards in public life, review post-Government employment rules and empower the independent adviser with necessary powers.
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Assessment & feedback
The answer does not specify concrete actions beyond general commitments to restore trust through unspecified deliveries for the public.
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
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Context
Polling shows low public trust in ethical standards observed by previous governments, leading to disillusionment. The MP seeks specific measures for the new Government to uphold ministerial standards and empower an independent adviser.
How will the Minister ensure that ministerial standards are upheld and how will he ensure that the Independent Adviser on Ministers' Interests has the powers to crack down on misconduct? Previous polling indicates two thirds of British public did not think then Government observed high ethical standards, indicating a need for immediate action.
The Labour party manifesto committed to giving the Independent Adviser on Ministers' Interests the powers to initiate investigations of misconduct, ensuring the adviser has access to needed evidence. These changes will be introduced in due course.
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Assessment & feedback
The answer does not specify a timeline or concrete steps for empowering the Independent Adviser with investigative and evidence access powers.
Response accuracy