Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Allegations of Impropriety in Public Life

Wednesday 22 February 2023 · 5 questions

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

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 0 Partly answered 3 Not answered 0

Key points

  • The UK is one of the most successful political and economic unions in the world.
  • The Prime Minister appointed an independent ethics adviser and acted decisively on reports of impropriety.
  • There is a ministerial code that sets standards of behaviour for Ministers, and the Prime Minister is considered the judge.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Cat Smith Lab Lancaster and Wyre
Ukraine Democracy & Elections
Context

Allegations of impropriety in public life have raised concerns about the integrity of the government.

Question

What assessment has been made of the implications for his Department's work on strengthening the Union of allegations of impropriety in public life?

Answer from Alister Jack

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.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not address the specific implications of impropriety allegations on Union strengthening efforts.

How: General Statements About Uk Success

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Q2 Tan Dhesi Lab Slough
Democracy & Elections
Context

The former Tory party chairman was sacked over a tax settlement issue, adding to concerns about government integrity.

Question

Does the Secretary of State think that a Tory Government mired in sleaze will strengthen or weaken our Union?

Answer from Alister Jack

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.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not address how scandals impact Union strengthening efforts.

How: Focus On Prime Minister'S Actions

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Q3 Cat Smith Lab Lancaster and Wyre
Parliamentary Procedure Standards & Ethics
Context

Issues of accountability and propriety in both Westminster and Holyrood raise concerns about the current constitutional arrangements.

Question

Does the Secretary of State agree that we need a reformed and renewed constitution across the country?

Answer from Alister Jack

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.

Not addressed: Did not address the need for constitutional reform directly.

How: Refer To Previous Answer, Focus On Ministerial Code

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Q4 Chris Clarkson
Scotland
Context

The Scottish National Party government has spent £500 million on two non-functional ferries.

Question

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?

Answer from Alister Jack

Absolutely.

Not addressed: No specific commitment or explanation provided.

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Q5 Pete Wishart SNP Perth and Kinross-shire
Standards & Ethics
Context

There are multiple allegations of impropriety involving the Prime Minister.

Question

How does the Secretary of State think he is getting on with fixing Tory sleaze once and for all?

Answer from Alister Jack

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.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not evaluate progress specifically; focused on actions taken and trust.

How: Focus On Actions Of Ethics Adviser

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