Commons Sense

Hansard-based summaries and metrics

Resignation Honours List Public Trust 2024-02-29

2024-02-29

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TAGS
Response quality

Questions & Answers

Q1 Partial Answer
Steven Bonnar
▸ Context
The question arises due to the publication of a resignation honours list, raising concerns about its impact on public trust in politicians and political institutions. Previous lists have been subject to scrutiny under different governments.
Whether he has had recent discussions with Cabinet colleagues on the potential impact of the publication of the resignation honours list of the right hon. Member for South West Norfolk on public trust in (a) politicians and (b) political institutions.
Esther McVey
It is a long-standing convention under successive Governments that outgoing Prime Ministers can draw up a resignation list. That has been the case under past Governments from across the political spectrum, and any names proposed are subject to the usual propriety checks.
▸ Assessment & feedback
The specific impact on public trust was not addressed with concrete measures or commitments.
Response accuracy
Q2 Partial Answer
Steven Bonnar
▸ Context
The question stems from public polling showing strong opposition across the political spectrum against an unelected House of Lords, but a lack of government action on reform.
Political polarisation is more prevalent than ever, but polling consistently shows that voters across the political spectrum are united in their opposition to an unelected House of Lords. The trouble the public face is that this place and this Government do not want to know—they merrily carry on stuffing the House of Lords full of loyal stooges. When will the Government finally take their fingers out of their ears, listen to the public and begin to consider long-required reform of the place through those doors?
Esther McVey
Many people in the other House are probably somewhat insulted by the hon. Member's words. Many of them are highly accomplished in a variety of specialisms and bring much insight as they scrutinise the legislation that comes from this House.
▸ Assessment & feedback
The question about reform was entirely avoided, focusing instead on insulting those in the other house.
Response accuracy