Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Ministerial Code: Compliance

Thursday 23 November 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 3 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Michael Shanks raised concerns about transparency regarding investigations and referrals to the independent adviser on Ministers' interests.
  • Michael Shanks inquired about the publication date for the list of ministerial relevant interests, noting it should include all new Ministers.
  • Kirsty Blackman requested the list be published before Christmas, emphasizing the importance of Section 7.25 of the ministerial code which restricts lobbying by former Ministers.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Michael Shanks Lab Rutherglen
Standards & Ethics
Context

The question arises from concerns about public confidence in the compliance with and transparency of the ministerial code. There are issues surrounding the publication of correspondence related to investigations and referrals.

Question

I am concerned that there is very little transparency around investigations and referrals to the independent adviser on Ministers' interests. With particular reference to Lord Cameron's appointment, will the Minister commit to publishing all the correspondence with the ministerial adviser on the code, and any correspondence around the list he had to give to the permanent secretary on his interests prior to appointment?

Answer from John Glen

With the greatest respect, I do not think the hon. Gentleman understands that the independent adviser on Ministers' interests has wide-ranging powers. Within two weeks of appointment, a Minister will have to fill in a form which was recently changed—two months ago—and has over 30 pages covering a wide range of aspects of their interests. There is then a process where the permanent secretary of the relevant Department comments on that and the independent adviser will then publish an update of relevant interests.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Commitment to publishing all correspondence related to Lord Cameron's appointment

How: Hon. Gentleman Does Not Understand, Thorough Process

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Q2 Michael Shanks Lab Rutherglen
Standards & Ethics
Context

There is a need for transparency in the publication of ministerial interests, especially with regard to new Ministers joining the government. The list of relevant interests needs to be published soon.

Question

When will the list of ministerial relevant interests next be published and will the interests of all the new Ministers be included in it?

Answer from John Glen

I am not certain, but work is under way. There are, I think, 18 new Ministers. I think it will be a matter of weeks, but I will keep an eye on that. The independent adviser did not give me a date yesterday, but I will continue to work closely with him where I can.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Providing a specific date for the publication

How: Not Certain, Work Is Under Way

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Q3 Kirsty Blackman SNP Aberdeen North
Standards & Ethics
Context

Trust in politicians is at an all-time low and there are concerns about the transparency of the ministerial code, particularly regarding the appointment of Lord Cameron. The perception that he was lobbying on behalf of hostile foreign interests raises questions about trustworthiness.

Question

We would appreciate it if that list could be published before Christmas at the latest, because it is incredibly important. Section 7.25 of the ministerial code prohibits Ministers from lobbying Government for a two-year period after they leave office. It does not, unfortunately, say anything about interests before they are put into office.

Answer from John Glen

I just do not accept the hon. Lady's view. I have set out in previous answers this morning that there is an established, thorough process that is constantly being updated. The Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster and Secretary of State in the Cabinet Office, my right hon. Friend the Member for Hertsmere (Oliver Dowden), assures me that that update will be out before the end of this calendar year.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Commitment to publishing the list before Christmas

How: Do Not Accept Hon. Lady'S View, Thorough Process

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