Allegations of Impropriety in Public Life 2023-02-22
2023-02-22
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
Allegations of impropriety in public life have raised concerns about the integrity of the government.
What assessment has been made of the implications for his Department's work on strengthening the Union of allegations of impropriety in public life?
The UK is one of the most successful political and economic unions in the world. Our collective strength means that we are better able to tackle big problems such as the cost of living, lead the international response against Russia's invasion of Ukraine, grow our economy and deliver freeports in Scotland.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not address the specific implications of impropriety allegations on Union strengthening efforts.
General Statements About Uk Success
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
The former Tory party chairman was sacked over a tax settlement issue, adding to concerns about government integrity.
Does the Secretary of State think that a Tory Government mired in sleaze will strengthen or weaken our Union?
The Prime Minister put integrity at every level in this Government when he came in, and he acted decisively in appointing an independent ethics adviser. When he received the report on the incident the hon. Gentleman refers to, he acted immediately.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not address how scandals impact Union strengthening efforts.
Focus On Prime Minister'S Actions
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
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Context
Issues of accountability and propriety in both Westminster and Holyrood raise concerns about the current constitutional arrangements.
Does the Secretary of State agree that we need a reformed and renewed constitution across the country?
I did not catch all of that, but I refer the hon. Lady to the answer I gave earlier. There is a ministerial code that sets standards of behaviour for Ministers, and Ministers are personally responsible for how they conduct themselves. Ultimately, the Prime Minister is the judge and I think he is a man of integrity.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not address the need for constitutional reform directly.
Refer To Previous Answer
Focus On Ministerial Code
Response accuracy
Q4
Partial Answer
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Context
The Scottish National Party government has spent £500 million on two non-functional ferries.
Does my right hon. Friend agree there should be an urgent inquiry so that Scottish voters can have faith in the way that Holyrood uses their money?
Absolutely.
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Assessment & feedback
No specific commitment or explanation provided.
Response accuracy
Q5
Partial Answer
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Context
There are multiple allegations of impropriety involving the Prime Minister.
How does the Secretary of State think he is getting on with fixing Tory sleaze once and for all?
As I said, the Prime Minister appointed an ethics adviser, and he has acted decisively on everything brought forward to him to date. I have full confidence in the Prime Minister, in his integrity and in the decisions he will make.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not evaluate progress specifically; focused on actions taken and trust.
Focus On Actions Of Ethics Adviser
Response accuracy