Topical Questions 2022-02-24
2022-02-24
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP expressed concern about Russian cyber-aggression and requested assurance on Government protection measures.
I am sure the Minister will have been as appalled as I was to see the scenes of Russian aggression on our televisions. We should be equally concerned, however, about the Russian aggression that we cannot see. The Minister has responsibility for cyber-security. Can he give the House some assurance that his Department is now taking urgent steps to ensure that Government and commerce in this country will be protected against what we should reasonably expect to be coming from that direction?
The right hon. Gentleman raises an extremely important point. It is one that I touched on in my opening remarks about Cabinet Office plans for domestic resilience. Through the excellent work of the National Cyber Security Centre, we are ensuring that the new national strategy that I launched before Christmas and the Government strategy on cyber that we launched shortly after Christmas are taken forward.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not provide specific steps or timeline for urgent protection measures
Working Closely Across The House
Response accuracy
Q2
Direct Answer
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Context
The MP thanked the Minister for his commitment to improve veteran employment in the UK and asked about specific actions.
I thank my hon. Friend for his commitment to making the United Kingdom the best country in the world in which to be a veteran by 2028. Will the Minister outline for me what he and his Department are doing to improve employment opportunities for veterans in my constituency of Dudley North and across the United Kingdom?
We know that veterans make brilliant employees, and the picture on veteran employment is good, with 83% of veterans employed full time six months after leaving service. However, we are not complacent; we are putting in place further practical support, such as tax breaks for those employing veterans, guaranteed job interviews for those seeking to join the civil service, and brilliant armed forces champions in jobcentres across the country, including in my hon. Friend's constituency.
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Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP urged the Minister to provide more detail on civil resilience, especially regarding cyber-threats from Russia.
Further to the question from the right hon. Member for Orkney and Shetland (Mr Carmichael), may I urge the Minister to give more detail on civil resilience, especially in light of what is happening with cyber-attacks and threats emanating from Russia. What extra support is being offered to businesses? I know national infrastructure is important, but many businesses across the UK are concerned about this. Has the national security cell done an assessment, and will that assessment be published?
This is an area of common ground across the House. I know the National Security Adviser has shared briefings with Opposition leaders, as referred to earlier in the week, and we continue to work closely across the House. On the specific question of cyber, we will set out further details of the work that the Cabinet Office is doing.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not provide specifics on civil resilience or business support measures
Working Closely Across The House
Response accuracy
Q4
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP expressed concern over Russian lobbying efforts in the UK and asked if any Conservative colleagues have accepted Kremlin-linked donations.
I thank the Minister for that response. My heartfelt sympathies go out to Ukraine and my support is there with its people. The tragic events of this morning show that there is no space, excuse or justification when it comes to Putin's continued influence in the UK's democracy and national infrastructure. We have seen this week that Russian oligarchs and Kremlin-linked organisations have begun intense lobbying of Government Ministers in an attempt to avoid sanctions if Moscow invades Ukraine. Will the Minister confirm that none of his Conservative colleagues have accepted donations from anyone with links to the Kremlin currently lobbying the Foreign Office?
Again, the right hon. Lady raises an important point. She will well know that there is a long-standing principle that permissible donors are those who are on the UK electoral register: in essence, if people can vote in the UK for a party, they are able to donate to it. It is important in our discussions in this House that we remember—although I do not think that is what she was saying—that people in this country of Russian origin are often British citizens.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not confirm if any donations were accepted, instead focusing on donation principles and citizenship status
Long-Standing Principle
Citizenship Reminder
Response accuracy
Q5
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP was shocked by revelations from the Grenfell inquiry regarding building product manufacturers and asked for reassurance on Government contract processes.
My constituents and I were shocked by some of the revelations that came out of the Grenfell inquiry on building products manufacturers. Can my right hon. Friend reassure me that none of those manufacturers will be used for Government contracts and that we have robust processes in place to ensure that Government contracts only go to honourable companies?
My hon. Friend is a champion for everything that has gone on since the Grenfell fire tragedy, and I completely understand and share her concerns about the information that has come to light through the Grenfell public inquiry. Current Government policy is to take into account suppliers' past performance when awarding contracts.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not confirm exclusion of manufacturers from future contracts
Response accuracy
Q6
Partial Answer
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Context
The Cabinet Office is responsible for important projects including national security, which is a concern in Newport West.
How will the Minister reassure my constituents that their concerns about national security will be listened to and acted on without delay?
By physically going to areas such as the north-west, working on a cross-party basis to look at creating a cyber-corridor across the north-west, bringing talent and skills through schools into universities like the University of Central Lancashire, and ensuring better pipelines of apprentices into businesses and government.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not specifically address how national security concerns in Newport West will be addressed without delay.
Changed Subject To Cyber-Corridor Development
Response accuracy
Q7
Direct Answer
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Context
Her Majesty the Queen's 70th jubilee this year marks her unwavering devotion to the country and service. People across the UK are keen to celebrate this historic milestone.
What plans does the Government have for celebrating Her Majesty the Queen's Platinum Jubilee?
A four-day UK bank holiday weekend is planned with the platinum jubilee pageant. The Cabinet Office will lead a competition for prestigious civic honours including city status, which will be announced later this year. Tickets to a platinum jubilee party at Buckingham Palace have opened.
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Assessment & feedback
null
Response accuracy
Q8
Partial Answer
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Context
There has been controversy regarding cronyism and contracts being awarded to Government friends during the pandemic.
What steps is the Cabinet Office taking to clean up procurement processes going forward?
The high priority lane was used to efficiently prioritize credible offers of PPE, ensuring frontline services had what they needed. That is what we invested in and secured during the pandemic.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not provide specific steps being taken to clean up procurement processes or ensure transparency going forward.
Repeatedly Referenced Previous Actions
Response accuracy
Q9
Partial Answer
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Context
North Devon faces regional variation and hidden opportunities within larger counties like Devon.
Will the Minister commit to ensuring No. 10 drives forward levelling up places such as North Devon?
Levelling up is a UK-wide endeavour with pockets of variance within regions. Skills, health, and transport infrastructure impact differently within different regions.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not commit to specific actions for North Devon or provide details on how levelling up will be driven forward there.
Highlighted Regional Variance But Did Not Commit
Response accuracy
Q10
Partial Answer
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Context
The national action plan does not include a commitment on aid transparency, which is critical for ensuring taxpayer money goes to those who need it most.
Will the Minister commit to meeting Bond to create an ambitious target to ensure we remain a world leader in aid budget transparency?
First, I welcome the hon. Gentleman's opening remarks on Ukraine and am happy to highlight his concerns about aid transparency to the Secretary of State for a potential meeting.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not provide commitment to meet Bond or create an ambitious target for aid budget transparency.
Highlighted Concerns But Did Not Commit
Response accuracy
Q11
Partial Answer
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Context
The Minister will update the House on cross-departmental work to tackle illegal immigration across the English channel, including plans for an offshore detention center.
Will my right hon. Friend update the House on the cross-departmental work to tackle illegal migration and plans for an offshore detention and processing centre?
Through my role in the Cabinet Office, I have been working closely with the Home Secretary and other colleagues. The Home Secretary has set out areas of work, with more details to be provided in the weeks ahead.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not provide specific plans for an offshore detention center or detailed cross-departmental work on illegal immigration.
Referenced Ongoing Work But Did Not Provide Specifics
Response accuracy
Q12
Partial Answer
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Context
The Minister is the Downing Street chief of staff and there are questions about staffing levels, composition, and accountability.
How many staff does the Downing Street chief of staff have? How many are civil servants, political appointees, or Conservative party employees?
Slightly over 400 people work at Downing Street. Data for wider Cabinet Office varies depending on how it is analyzed. Clear lines of accountability are maintained to address issues raised by the House and empower Cabinet Government.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not provide detailed breakdown of staff composition or employment status, only a general statement about accountability.
Referenced Overall Numbers But Did Not Break Down Specific Roles
Response accuracy
Q13
Partial Answer
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Context
A former civil servant was awarded a large payout following racial abuse, indicating systemic issues within the Department. This prompted concerns about tackling racism.
Earlier this month, a former civil servant received a significant pay-out after enduring racial abuse over an extended period, suggesting a systemic issue in the Cabinet Office and its agencies. What steps is the Minister taking to address racism in his Department?
There are two issues here. First, regarding pay-offs when people leave roles, we have a manifesto commitment to cap payouts at £95,000. The issue raised pertains to employment law, and it is not appropriate for Ministers to comment on individual cases. However, the civil service should be an exemplar in supporting colleagues and championing diversity.
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Assessment & feedback
The specific steps being taken to address racism within the Cabinet Office were not detailed.
Employment Law
Not Appropriate For Ministers To Comment On Individual Cases
Response accuracy