Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Ministerial Code: Civil Service

Thursday 11 May 2023 · 2 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 1 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Ministerial Code expectations for Ministers include maintaining the highest standards of behaviour and professionalism with civil servants.
  • Prime Minister reaffirmed the importance of professional and appropriate working relationships between Ministers and civil servants.
  • Disputing the use of terms like "activist blob" or "blizzard of snowflakes" as they may undermine civil service professionalism and integrity.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Munira Wilson Lib Dem Twickenham
Standards & Ethics
Context

The Liberal Democrats are concerned about the adherence to the ministerial code regarding interactions with civil servants. This question follows recent statements and actions that have raised questions about professional standards.

Question

Whether he has held recent discussions with the Prime Minister on the observance of the ministerial code as it relates to the civil service. The context is a concern over recent behaviour towards civil servants and adherence to professional standards.

Answer from Jeremy Quin

The Prime Minister has made it absolutely clear that Ministers are expected to maintain the highest standards of behaviour at all times in accordance with the ministerial code. Working relationships, including with civil servants, should be professional and appropriate.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The question specifically asked about recent discussions but no specifics on such meetings were provided.

How: General Principles Stated Without Concrete Details

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Q2 Munira Wilson Lib Dem Twickenham
Standards & Ethics
Context

Civil servants have felt undermined by statements from serving and former Ministers. There is a concern about the impact of such rhetoric on professional relationships.

Question

Does he agree that phrases like “activist blob” or a “blizzard of snowflakes” undermine civil service professionalism, integrity, and impartiality? What will he do about it?

Answer from Jeremy Quin

I rather dispute the premise of the hon. Lady's question. There is and always should be a professional relationship between civil servants and the Government. We should all ensure that we maintain the impartiality, objectivity and integrity of the civil service.

Not addressed: The specific ask about the language used was not directly addressed; instead, the answer defended the premise of the question.

How: Disputing The Premise Without Addressing The Substance

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