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Ministerial Code
29 November 2022
Lead MP
Chris Bryant
Rhondda and Ogmore
Lab
Responding Minister
Alex Burghart
Tags
Women & EqualitiesStandards & Ethics
Word Count: 3653
Other Contributors: 1
At a Glance
Chris Bryant raised concerns about ministerial code in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.
Key Requests to Government:
Chris Bryant asks for alignment between the ministerial code and the House of Commons' code of conduct to eliminate exemptions for Ministers regarding interest registration and disciplinary actions. He also requests that the independent adviser be appointed by Parliament or the Parliamentary Commissioner for Standards.
How the Debate Unfolded
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:
Lead Contributor
The ministerial code is broken as there is no adviser to oversee it, investigations cannot proceed without an adviser, and the publication of ministerial interests is delayed. The system lacks transparency with outdated registers and inconsistent reporting on financial interests, leading to discrepancies between declarations made in different roles.
Wendy Chamberlain
Lib Dem
North East Fife
The hon. Member is making a powerful point. Does he agree that it is simply wrong that there is a difference between what we register as MPs and what Ministers register, particularly given that the point of registration is to ensure transparency over how decisions are made? That is even more important for Ministers, arguably, than it is for MPs.
Government Response
Alex Burghart
Government Response
The Minister acknowledged the hon. Member for Rhondda's points regarding transparency, timeliness of ministerial declarations, and consistency in the system. He confirmed that revised guidance on ministerial transparency data would be published soon to reflect modern practices. The Government reaffirmed their commitment to publishing transparency data within 90 days from each quarter's end, with strengthened advice for Departments to ensure accessibility. Regarding the independent adviser role, the Minister clarified that there is no information suggesting it has been declined multiple times and assured that the appointment remains a priority.
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About Westminster Hall Debates
Westminster Hall debates are a chance for MPs to raise important issues affecting their constituents and get a response from a government minister. Unlike Prime Minister's Questions, these debates are more in-depth and collaborative. The MP who secured the debate speaks first, other MPs can contribute, and a minister responds with the government's position.