Standards in Government 2026-03-05
2026-03-05
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Direct Answer
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Context
The MP is concerned about the overall standards within the Government.
What steps is the Government taking to uphold standards, given concerns about conflicts of interest and the impact of political donations on Government contracts?
The Government have established the Ethics and Integrity Commission to strengthen standards across the public sector. The Prime Minister has also strengthened the independent adviser's ability to open investigations into ministerial misconduct. The Public Office (Accountability) Bill introduces new duties of candour for public officials with criminal and disciplinary consequences for non-compliance.
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Assessment & feedback
null
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
Concerns have been raised about companies donating to political parties being granted Government contracts.
Does the Minister agree that companies donating to political parties should be automatically disqualified from Government contracts, given the past 25 years of data showing companies donating tens of millions to political parties and receiving Government contracts worth over £60 billion?
Under this Government, political donations have no bearing on the award of Government contracts. Public procurement rules require contracts to be awarded fairly and transparently and are rigorously scrutinised to deliver the best value for the taxpayer. The Procurement Act 2023 has strengthened measures to take action against companies when there is evidence of wrongdoing.
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Assessment & feedback
The Minister did not directly address whether companies donating to political parties should be automatically disqualified from Government contracts.
Under Review
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
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Context
The hon. Member for Makerfield (Josh Simons) resigned as a Cabinet Office Minister over the weekend.
Why did the hon. Member for Makerfield resign as a Cabinet Office Minister at the weekend?
I refer the hon. Gentleman to his statement.
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Assessment & feedback
The Minister avoided providing the reason for the resignation.
Refer To Statement
Response accuracy
Q4
Partial Answer
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Context
A meeting between the Prime Minister and Peter Mandelson and Palantir in February last year, with Palantir later receiving a direct award for £240 million from the Government.
Given the apparent conflict of interests, will the Minister agree to publish full details of that meeting in February last year and explain why it was not disclosed at the time?
Since the Government have done some research, they have found that the original contract was awarded under the previous Administration and renewed subsequently. The Government will disclose information under the Humble Address.
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Assessment & feedback
The Minister did not directly address the conflict of interest or the need for transparency in the meeting.
Under Review
Response accuracy
Q5
Partial Answer
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Context
A meeting between the Prime Minister and Palantir in February last year, with Palantir receiving a direct award for £240 million from the Government.
Will the Minister publish the details of that meeting and ensure that the new Cabinet Secretary looks into what happened at that meeting and everything between that meeting and the direct award?
The Humble Address deals with the matters in question, but the meeting referred to is about the extension of a contract awarded under the previous Government. It is incorrect to suggest it was a new contract related to the meeting.
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Assessment & feedback
The Minister avoided the specific request to publish the details of the meeting and ensure an investigation.
Refer To Statement
Response accuracy
Q6
Partial Answer
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Context
The creation of the Government post of special representative for trade and investment and the appointment of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor raises questions about transparency in previous Governments.
Will the Minister set out what deadline has been set for the files to be assembled in accordance with the Humble Address, in order that they be released as soon as police investigations allow, and confirm the number of civil servants allocated to that task?
The Department for Business and Trade is managing the Humble Address. The Cabinet Office and the Cabinet Secretary are working with the Department to bring forward documents as soon as possible. The Minister does not have the number of officials working specifically on Humble Addresses at hand.
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Assessment & feedback
The Minister did not provide the specific deadline or number of officials.
Under Review
Response accuracy
Q7
Partial Answer
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Context
Government Ministers have repeatedly told the House that Lord Mandelson should lose his peerage, yet no concrete steps forward can be seen.
Does the Minister recognise how preposterous it is that Lord Mandelson, who faces appalling allegations, has still not been removed, and how impotent it makes the Government look? Does he recognise that what is needed is root and branch reform of the entire second Chamber?
The Government are constructing a Bill that will be able to deal with cases in the round, and the Minister looks forward to bringing that Bill to the House shortly.
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Assessment & feedback
The Minister did not directly address the specific concerns raised about Lord Mandelson and the current situation.
Under Review
Response accuracy