Government Transparency and Co-ordination 2023-03-16
2023-03-16
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP is concerned about the lack of transparency in government decision-making following several scandals involving abuse of power.
What steps he is taking to improve the transparency of decision making across Government. From partygate to VIP fast lanes, the level of sleaze we have seen under this Government amounts to a grotesque abuse of power, so transparency is surely necessary to restore public confidence. Does the Secretary of State agree with me about the need for a truly independent ethics commission?
We have very high levels of transparency. The hon. Gentleman should release the details of meetings between Labour and Sue Gray if they want to restore public confidence through transparency.
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Assessment & feedback
The need for an independent ethics commission
Redirecting Blame
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
Sir Peter Hendy's Union connectivity review highlighted the need for upgrading the east coast main line and the A1, but there has been no progress due to ongoing obfuscation from both the UK and Scottish Governments.
Can the Government provide clarity on their intentions regarding the upgrade of the east coast main line and the A1? We have had regular meetings with the Scottish Government, and sadly, we seem to have made no progress since Sir Peter Hendy's review.
My right hon. Friend will be happy to provide that, and he can report record levels of investment across our whole United Kingdom under this Government.
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Assessment & feedback
Intention for upgrades on the east coast main line and A1
Changing Subject
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP is concerned about the lack of transparency in government decision-making following several scandals involving abuse of power.
From partygate to VIP fast lanes, the level of sleaze we have seen under this Government amounts to a grotesque abuse of power. Does the Secretary of State agree with me that an independent ethics commission is needed?
We have very high levels of transparency, and Labour Members like to talk the talk but do not walk the walk. They should release details of meetings between the Labour party and Sue Gray.
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Assessment & feedback
The need for an independent ethics commission
Redirecting Blame
Response accuracy
Q4
Partial Answer
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Context
The Fair Tax Foundation revealed that one in six public contracts were won by businesses connected to tax havens between 2014 and 2019. This means billions of pounds are going towards tax avoidance.
Does the Secretary of State support Labour's measures to increase tax transparency in our procurement system? The Fair Tax Foundation revealed that one in six public contracts were won by businesses connected to tax havens, and it is fair that taxpayers know how their money is spent.
We already have high levels of transparency. The Procurement Bill is going through Parliament, and we are addressing issues like the double Irish issue to crack down on tax avoidance.
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Assessment & feedback
Support for Labour's measures specifically
Stating Existing Measures
Response accuracy
Q5
Partial Answer
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Context
The Committee on Standards in Public Life is concerned that 18 months have been lost due to the Government's failure to respond to their report recommending stronger rules and a better compliance culture.
When can we expect a formal response from the Government? The Committee on Standards in Public Life said it was concerned about 18 months of lost time because of the Government's lack of response to its report, which recommended stronger rules.
We are working through responses. A new Administration came in in November, and we will shortly publish all the responses to the report after discussing it with the Prime Minister.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific timeline for formal response
Delaying
Response accuracy
Q6
Partial Answer
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Context
There has not been a published register of Ministers' interests in the past 10 months, which raises concerns about transparency and integrity in decision making.
How can we be assured of transparency and integrity if there is no published register of Ministers' interests? The lack of publication for 10 months undermines trust.
The Government will publish the latest version shortly. We are moving to a situation where transparency returns will be produced more rapidly and aligned with the parliamentary register once systems are in place.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific timeline for publication of new register
Delaying
Response accuracy