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Ministers’ Interests Transparency 2024-01-18

2024-01-18

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Response quality

Questions & Answers

Q1 Partial Answer
Nick Smith Lab
Blaenau Gwent and Rhymney
▸ Context
There is a need to ensure the transparency of declarations by ministers regarding their interests.
What recent discussions has the government had with the independent adviser on ministers' interests to ensure transparency in the declarations?
Esther McVey
There is an established process for the declaration and management of Ministers' interests as set out in the ministerial code. The independent adviser on ministers' interests publishes a twice-yearly list of Ministers' interests, with interim updates issued when necessary.
▸ Assessment & feedback
Recent discussions and specific measures taken to enhance transparency were not detailed.
Response accuracy
Q2 Partial Answer
Kirsty Blackman SNP
Aberdeen North
▸ Context
Concerns about the public's ability to trust politicians when their financial interests are not transparently declared.
How can the public trust their politicians when that money is hidden from public scrutiny, given that Prime Minister and four Ministers hold their wealth in blind trusts or managements?
Esther McVey
There are established regimes in place for the declaration and management of Ministers' interests, overseen by an independent adviser who publishes reports twice a year.
▸ Assessment & feedback
Specific measures to address hidden financial interests were not provided.
Response accuracy
Q3 Partial Answer
Kirsty Blackman SNP
Aberdeen North
▸ Context
Concerns about the disclosure requirements for UK politicians with interests from foreign states, even when held in blind trusts.
Will any new requirement be placed on UK politicians to disclose in full interests from foreign states, even when those are in blind trusts or managements?
Esther McVey
I refer the hon. Lady to the latest list of Ministers' interests published on 14 December 2023, which included relevant interests of all Ministers forming the Government as of that date, including the Foreign Secretary. Our approach with China remains unchanged and is robustly in line with our G7 and Five Eyes partners.
▸ Assessment & feedback
The questioner's specific ask about new disclosure requirements was not addressed.
Discussed An Unrelated Topic
Response accuracy