Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Topical Questions

Thursday 24 February 2022 · 13 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 2 Partly answered 10 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Ministerial responsibility for cyber-security was highlighted in discussions about resilience and threats from Russia.
  • Employment opportunities for veterans were discussed, with 83% of veterans employed full-time six months after leaving service.
  • Concerns about procurement processes and cleaning them up were raised, with mention of the high priority lane used during the pandemic for PPE procurement.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Alistair Carmichael Lib Dem Orkney and Shetland
Defence Foreign Affairs
Context

The MP expressed concern about Russian cyber-aggression and requested assurance on Government protection measures.

Question

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?

Answer from Steve Barclay

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.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not provide specific steps or timeline for urgent protection measures

How: Working Closely Across The House

Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)

Q2 Marco Longhi
Veterans
Context

The MP thanked the Minister for his commitment to improve veteran employment in the UK and asked about specific actions.

Question

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?

Answer from Leo Docherty

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.

Answered
Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)

Q3 Angela Rayner Lab Ashton-under-Lyne
Crime & Law Enforcement Community Security
Context

The MP urged the Minister to provide more detail on civil resilience, especially regarding cyber-threats from Russia.

Question

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?

Answer from Steve Barclay

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.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not provide specifics on civil resilience or business support measures

How: Working Closely Across The House

Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)

Q4 Angela Rayner Lab Ashton-under-Lyne
Ukraine Foreign Affairs Standards & Ethics
Context

The MP expressed concern over Russian lobbying efforts in the UK and asked if any Conservative colleagues have accepted Kremlin-linked donations.

Question

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?

Answer from Steve Barclay

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.

Not addressed: Did not confirm if any donations were accepted, instead focusing on donation principles and citizenship status

How: Long-Standing Principle, Citizenship Reminder

Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)

Q5 Felicity Buchan
Context

The MP was shocked by revelations from the Grenfell inquiry regarding building product manufacturers and asked for reassurance on Government contract processes.

Question

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?

Answer from Heather Wheeler

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.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not confirm exclusion of manufacturers from future contracts

Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)

Q6 Ruth Jones Lab Newport West and Islwyn
Community Security
Context

The Cabinet Office is responsible for important projects including national security, which is a concern in Newport West.

Question

How will the Minister reassure my constituents that their concerns about national security will be listened to and acted on without delay?

Answer from Steve Barclay

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.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not specifically address how national security concerns in Newport West will be addressed without delay.

How: Changed Subject To Cyber-Corridor Development

Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)

Q7 Duncan Baker
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.

Question

What plans does the Government have for celebrating Her Majesty the Queen's Platinum Jubilee?

Answer from Nigel Adams

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.

Answered

Not addressed: null

Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)

Q8 Taiwo Owatemi Lab Coventry North West
Business Compliance
Context

There has been controversy regarding cronyism and contracts being awarded to Government friends during the pandemic.

Question

What steps is the Cabinet Office taking to clean up procurement processes going forward?

Answer from Steve Barclay

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.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not provide specific steps being taken to clean up procurement processes or ensure transparency going forward.

How: Repeatedly Referenced Previous Actions

Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)

Q9 Selaine Saxby
Economy Transport
Context

North Devon faces regional variation and hidden opportunities within larger counties like Devon.

Question

Will the Minister commit to ensuring No. 10 drives forward levelling up places such as North Devon?

Answer from Steve Barclay

Levelling up is a UK-wide endeavour with pockets of variance within regions. Skills, health, and transport infrastructure impact differently within different regions.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not commit to specific actions for North Devon or provide details on how levelling up will be driven forward there.

How: Highlighted Regional Variance But Did Not Commit

Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)

Q10 Chris Law SNP Dundee Central
Ukraine
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.

Question

Will the Minister commit to meeting Bond to create an ambitious target to ensure we remain a world leader in aid budget transparency?

Answer from Steve Barclay

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.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not provide commitment to meet Bond or create an ambitious target for aid budget transparency.

How: Highlighted Concerns But Did Not Commit

Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)

Q11 Scott Benton
Immigration Migrants & Borders
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.

Question

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?

Answer from Steve Barclay

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.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not provide specific plans for an offshore detention center or detailed cross-departmental work on illegal immigration.

How: Referenced Ongoing Work But Did Not Provide Specifics

Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)

Q12 Patrick Grady SNP
Parliamentary Procedure
Context

The Minister is the Downing Street chief of staff and there are questions about staffing levels, composition, and accountability.

Question

How many staff does the Downing Street chief of staff have? How many are civil servants, political appointees, or Conservative party employees?

Answer from Steve Barclay

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.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not provide detailed breakdown of staff composition or employment status, only a general statement about accountability.

How: Referenced Overall Numbers But Did Not Break Down Specific Roles

Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)

Q13 Margaret Ferrier SNP
Employment Standards & Ethics
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.

Question

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?

Answer from Steve Barclay

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.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The specific steps being taken to address racism within the Cabinet Office were not detailed.

How: Employment Law, Not Appropriate For Ministers To Comment On Individual Cases

Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)