Contributions
1,763 recent contributions in Hansard
HANSARDTopical QuestionsI was talking to a group of students and explaining the complexities of making choices in my then role at the Treasury. As the Chancellor set out yesterday, although the…23 Nov 2023HANSARDInfected Blood InquiryWhat I can say to the hon. Lady is that I am familiar with the range of activities that need to take place. I am getting into the detail of every single one of them, but I have to…23 Nov 2023HANSARDForeign Secretary: Declarations of InterestI do not recognise the hon. Lady’s characterisation of the Foreign Secretary’s employment history. What I would say is that there is a thorough process in place through the…23 Nov 2023HANSARDForeign Secretary: Declarations of InterestThe Foreign Secretary has accounted for his conduct in relation to Greensill Capital, and independent reviews by the Registrar of Consultant Lobbyists and the Advisory Committee…23 Nov 2023HANSARDForeign Secretary: Declarations of InterestI thank the right hon. Gentleman for his kind words—it is indeed good to follow him to the Cabinet Office brief. I will not comment on media speculation, but I acknowledge and…23 Nov 2023HANSARDTopical QuestionsI am looking carefully at where we are with the plans for this year—obviously, there is a half-way point in that cycle—and at what policies we can put in place. At the beginning…23 Nov 2023HANSARDMinisterial Code: ComplianceI 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. There…23 Nov 2023HANSARDCivil Service Staff TurnoverMy hon. Friend obviously knows a great deal about this as a result of his distinguished 31 years of experience in the House, but pivotal role allowances have been in place for 10…23 Nov 2023HANSARDTopical QuestionsI cannot comment on a specific case on the Floor of the House, but I am happy to engage with my hon. Friend on the matter he raises. Frameworks are in place, but without knowing…23 Nov 2023HANSARDTopical QuestionsI understand that and, through the hon. Gentleman, I say to Mr Bates that I am doing everything I can to update the House as quickly as possible. There are a range of activities…23 Nov 2023HANSARDCivil Service Staff TurnoverIn July 2022 we launched a policy setting the expected assignment durations for the senior civil service—the SCS1 and SCS2 roles—at a default minimum of three years, to support…23 Nov 2023HANSARDMinisterial Code: ComplianceThe Prime Minister made it clear upon his appointment that he will lead a Government of integrity, professionalism and accountability at every level, and he is delivering on that…23 Nov 2023HANSARDMinisterial Code: ComplianceWith 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…23 Nov 2023HANSARDTopical QuestionsYes, I acknowledge that the Maude report had some very useful contributions. I am reflecting on that and will give a more substantial response and comment in due course.23 Nov 2023HANSARDTopical QuestionsNo, I cannot guarantee that, because I do not yet have collective agreement, but I am working towards that ambition and that is what I want to achieve.23 Nov 2023HANSARDTopical QuestionsIt is because I have not yet secured collective agreement to do so. The funds are available, and it is absolutely right that we bring that forward as soon as possible. Again, that…23 Nov 2023HANSARDTopical QuestionsI do not have that number for the hon. Gentleman, but the point he makes illustrates the urgency of the work in which I am engaged and the need to ensure that over the next 10 to…23 Nov 2023HANSARDInfected Blood InquiryThe best answer I can give the hon. Lady is that it will be “as quickly as reasonable thoroughness permits”, as the inquiry chair said in his response. I am totally aware and…23 Nov 2023HANSARDInfected Blood InquiryI cannot tell the right hon. Lady that today, but in the seven days that I have been in this post I have recognised this to be my highest priority in the role. There are a number…23 Nov 2023HANSARDForeign Secretary: Declarations of InterestThere is an established regime in place for the declaration and management of private interests held by Ministers, as is set out in the ministerial code. Preliminary discussions…23 Nov 2023