Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Cross-departmental Working

Thursday 23 April 2026 · 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 1 Partly answered 1 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Government Departments were given more freedom and accountability to act quickly in January.
  • Project Reset was launched this month to simplify decision-making processes across the Government.
  • A 'test, learn and grow' programme has been launched to work closely with local partners to test and innovate new policies.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Richard Quigley Lab Isle of Wight West
Parliamentary Procedure
Context

The MP is asking about steps to improve collaboration between government departments. This question arises from the need for more coordinated efforts across various ministries.

Question

What steps his Department is taking to improve cross-departmental working?

Answer from Darren Jones

In January, I announced that Government Departments were given more freedom and accountability to act quickly. Project Reset was launched this month to simplify decision-making processes across the Government. Delivery taskforces will soon be introduced to break down departmental silos and accelerate delivery of Prime Minister's priorities.

Answered
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Q2 Richard Quigley Lab Isle of Wight West
Context

The MP references a Computer Weekly article suggesting that the Isle of Wight is well-suited for testing innovative public service initiatives. This question aims to highlight the island's potential as a pilot site for nationwide reforms.

Question

Does he agree that our island is uniquely well placed to test exciting new policies and initiatives across all Departments to speed up national roll-out, as evidenced in an article this week?

Answer from Darren Jones

I congratulate my hon. Friend on championing his constituency. The previous Conservative Government failed both the Isle of Wight and the country during their 14 years in office. This Administration has launched a 'test, learn and grow' programme to work closely with local partners to test and innovate public services locally. I will arrange for my hon. Friend to engage with the TLG network within my Department.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The specific request about using the Isle of Wight for testing new policies was not directly addressed; instead, focus was on past failures and a general programme description.

How: Criticised Previous Government

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