Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Honours Nominations

Thursday 22 June 2023 · 3 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 2 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Recent assessment of the Department's processes for scrutinising nominations for honours was reported last month.
  • No change to the honours selection system has been adopted despite consideration of a merit-based points system.
  • The convention from 1895 for outgoing Prime Ministers to release a resignation honours list remains in place.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Kerry McCarthy Lab Bristol East
Standards & Ethics
Context

The adequacy of the Department's processes for scrutinising nominations is under scrutiny due to recent controversies. The question addresses concerns about merit-based assessments and transparency.

Question

What recent assessment has been made of the adequacy of the Department's processes for scrutinising nominations for honours? Have there been any controversies or incidents that prompted this inquiry?

Answer from Alex Burghart

Nominations are taken on merit, and the criteria used are regularly reported to Government. The most recent report on the operation of the honours system was published last month. The process for honours selection includes adequate probity and propriety checks and is proportionate and robust.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Does not directly address whether a thorough review has been made or if any recent assessment exists

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Q2 John Penrose Con
Standards & Ethics
Context

Recent controversies have raised questions about the transparency and meritocracy of the honours system. A points-based immigration system has been introduced to select the best candidates from around the world.

Question

Does the Minister agree that the recent controversies show the need for a transparently meritocratic honours system? Should we consider introducing a similar points-based system to choose recipients based on their achievements?

Answer from Alex Burghart

My hon. Friend's idea has been considered but not adopted at this moment. The process remains transparent, with reports published regularly. While we want to ensure the system represents people from across the country, we do not believe it necessary to uproot the entire system.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Does not commit to introducing a points-based system or provide details on future plans

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Q3 Kerry McCarthy Lab Bristol East
Parliamentary Procedure
Context

Recent controversies involve former Prime Minister Boris Johnson and the process of awarding honours. Questions arise about whether established conventions should be revisited.

Question

The Prime Minister followed convention when allowing Boris Johnson to release his resignation honours list despite controversial actions. Would a stronger, more principled PM recognise that some conventions might need change?

Answer from Alex Burghart

There is a long-standing convention from 1895 that outgoing Prime Ministers have a resignation honours list. This gentleman's actions do not affect the merit of those put forward in his resignation honours list.

Not addressed: Does not address whether conventions might need reconsideration or recognition of recent controversies

How: Changing Subject

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