Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Ministerial Code: Compliance

Thursday 29 February 2024 · 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 2 Not answered 0

Key points

  • The Prime Minister has met with Sir Laurie Magnus, the independent adviser on Ministers' interests, in November.
  • The Prime Minister is committed to leading a Government of integrity, professionalism, and accountability.
  • The Committee on Standards in Public Life did not recommend enshrining the ministerial code into law in 2021.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Munira Wilson Lib Dem Twickenham
Standards & Ethics
Context

No specific background is provided, but the question pertains to compliance with the ministerial code and discussions with an advisor.

Question

What recent discussions has he had with the independent adviser on Ministers' interests on trends in the level of compliance with the ministerial code?

Answer from John Glen

The Prime Minister has been clear that he will lead a Government of integrity, professionalism and accountability at every level. He is delivering on that promise. I met Sir Laurie Magnus, the independent adviser on Ministers' interests, in November.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific trends in compliance with the ministerial code were not addressed.

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Q2 Munira Wilson Lib Dem Twickenham
Standards & Ethics
Context

A recent survey by the Institute for Government revealed that two-thirds of the public do not believe the Government behaves according to high ethical standards. Questions have been raised about potential breaches of the ministerial code.

Question

Given a survey revealing low public trust in government ethics, and with ongoing concerns over compliance with the ministerial code, will he finally fully enshrine the ministerial code into law?

Answer from John Glen

That matter has been discussed. The Committee on Standards in Public Life did not recommend that in 2021, because it would afford significant authority to a body that is outwith accountability to the House.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Commitment to enshrining the ministerial code into law was not provided.

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