Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask His Majesty's Government, further to the Written Answer by Baroness Anderson of Stoke-on-Trent on 19 January (HL13419), what the specific issue was that limited the available political activity data and prevented the inclusion of that data in the Public Appointments Data Report 2024-25, published on 2 December 2025; whether that issue has been resolved; and whether they will retrospectively publish that data.

Answered by Baroness Anderson of Stoke-on-Trent - Baroness in Waiting (HM Household) (Whip)

Political activity information is collected from candidates as part of the public appointments digital service’s online application process. Political activity data was not included in the Public Appointments Data Report 2024-25 due to a data collection issue which meant it could not be extracted in a usable format for reporting. The data collection issue has now been rectified, and political activity data will be considered for inclusion in the 2025-26 data report.

The last government did not publish a data report after 2021-22, but under this administration, the government has restarted publishing these reports in order to provide transparency.

I also refer the Noble Baroness back to PQ HL13974 and PQ HL13979:

Questions:

To ask His Majesty's Government, further to the Written Answer by Baroness Anderson of Stoke-on-Trent on 19 January (HL13419), what was the title and grade of the most senior official who approved the removal or omission of political impartiality data from the Public Appointments Data Report 2024-25, published on 2 December 2025.

To ask His Majesty's Government, further to the Written Answer by Baroness Anderson of Swansea on 19 January (HL13419), whether Ministers were informed or consulted on the decision not to include political activity data in the Cabinet Office Public Appointments Data Report 2024–25; and for what reason the headline political activity data published in the Commissioner for Public Appointment’s Annual Report of 17 December was not included in the Cabinet Office report of 2 December.

Combined answer:

As was the case under previous governments, and in accordance with the Governance Code on Public Appointments, the political activity of successful candidates is published by government departments as part of the public announcement regarding the appointment.

The last government did not publish a data report after 2021-22, but under this administration, the government has restarted publishing these reports in order to provide transparency.

Political activity data was not included in the Public Appointments Data Report 2024-25 due to a data collection issue which limited the data that was available. The data collection issue has now been rectified, and this information will be considered for inclusion in the 2025-26 data report.

The Commissioner for Public Appointments, as the independent regulator, decided to include the limited data for 2024-25 in his own reporting.

The Cabinet Office did not publish a data report in either 2022-23 or 2023-24, so political activity data was also not published in a collated form for these years.

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask His Majesty's Government, further to the Written Answer by Baroness Anderson of Stoke-on-Trent on 19 January (HL13919), whether the Cabinet Office appointments database holds information on the individual political affiliation of the public appointees who declared political activity in (1) 2024-25, and (2) 2025-26.

Answered by Baroness Anderson of Stoke-on-Trent - Baroness in Waiting (HM Household) (Whip)

Political activity information is collected from candidates as part of the public appointments digital service’s online application process. Political activity data was not included in the Public Appointments Data Report 2024-25 due to a data collection issue which meant it could not be extracted in a usable format for reporting. The data collection issue has now been rectified, and political activity data will be considered for inclusion in the 2025-26 data report.

The last government did not publish a data report after 2021-22, but under this administration, the government has restarted publishing these reports in order to provide transparency.

I also refer the Noble Baroness back to PQ HL13974 and PQ HL13979:

Questions:

To ask His Majesty's Government, further to the Written Answer by Baroness Anderson of Stoke-on-Trent on 19 January (HL13419), what was the title and grade of the most senior official who approved the removal or omission of political impartiality data from the Public Appointments Data Report 2024-25, published on 2 December 2025.

To ask His Majesty's Government, further to the Written Answer by Baroness Anderson of Swansea on 19 January (HL13419), whether Ministers were informed or consulted on the decision not to include political activity data in the Cabinet Office Public Appointments Data Report 2024–25; and for what reason the headline political activity data published in the Commissioner for Public Appointment’s Annual Report of 17 December was not included in the Cabinet Office report of 2 December.

Combined answer:

As was the case under previous governments, and in accordance with the Governance Code on Public Appointments, the political activity of successful candidates is published by government departments as part of the public announcement regarding the appointment.

The last government did not publish a data report after 2021-22, but under this administration, the government has restarted publishing these reports in order to provide transparency.

Political activity data was not included in the Public Appointments Data Report 2024-25 due to a data collection issue which limited the data that was available. The data collection issue has now been rectified, and this information will be considered for inclusion in the 2025-26 data report.

The Commissioner for Public Appointments, as the independent regulator, decided to include the limited data for 2024-25 in his own reporting.

The Cabinet Office did not publish a data report in either 2022-23 or 2023-24, so political activity data was also not published in a collated form for these years.

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask His Majesty's Government whether they plan to incorporate self-assessment income tax data into the inter-departmental business register; if so, when they expect that data to be incorporated; and what assessment they have made of the impact of including that data on the representation of sole traders and businesses operating below the VAT threshold in official economic statistics.

Answered by Baroness Anderson of Stoke-on-Trent - Baroness in Waiting (HM Household) (Whip)

The information requested falls under the remit of the UK Statistics Authority.

Please see the letter below from the Permanent Secretary at the Office for National Statistics (ONS):

Lord Freyberg

House of Lords

London

SW1A 0PW

09 February 2026

Dear Lord Freyberg,

As Permanent Secretary of the Office for National Statistics (ONS), I am responding to your Parliamentary Question asking whether there is a plan to incorporate self-assessment income tax data into the Inter-Departmental Business Register; if so, when to expect that data to be incorporated; and what assessment has been made of the impact of including that data on the representation of sole traders and businesses operating below the VAT threshold in official economic statistics (HL14179).

The ONS is currently developing a new Statistical Business Register (SBR), which will replace the Inter-Departmental Business Register. We are planning to incorporate self-assessment income tax into the new SBR and are working closely with HM Revenue and Customs with the current expectation that they will be able to share the data later this year. We will then assess the data with a plan to incorporate into the SBR and assess the impact of the self-assessment data on economic statistics of businesses operating below the VAT threshold.

Yours sincerely,

Darren Tierney

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask His Majesty's Government what training and guidance Ministers and civil servants receive to ensure that answers to written questions comply with the requirements of the Ministerial Code, particularly the requirement for answers to be "full and timely" under paragraph 9.8.

Answered by Baroness Anderson of Stoke-on-Trent - Baroness in Waiting (HM Household) (Whip)

Parliamentary Questions training is the responsibility of individual Departments. There is a published Guide to Parliamentary Work for civil servants available at: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/guide-to-parliamentary-work) which sets out expectations in managing Parliamentary Questions.

The Parliamentary Capability Team within Government Skills also offers training on Parliamentary Questions to civil servants of all departments, grades and roles.

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask His Majesty's Government whether they plan to seek a redesign of the Lesser Arms used in government communications; and if so, what discussions they plan to have with (1) the Royal Household, and (2) the College of Arms, about the matter.

Answered by Baroness Anderson of Stoke-on-Trent - Baroness in Waiting (HM Household) (Whip)

The Government Communication Service routinely reviews its branding guidance to ensure it remains effective, accessible and fit for purpose across all channels, including digital platforms.

Any costs associated with routine updates to branding guidance are covered by existing operational budgets. We continue to engage with relevant stakeholders, including the Royal Household, in accordance with standard protocols.

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask His Majesty's Government whether they plan to seek a redesign of the Lesser Arms used in government communications; and if so, what is the maximum budget they have allocated for those plans.

Answered by Baroness Anderson of Stoke-on-Trent - Baroness in Waiting (HM Household) (Whip)

The Government Communication Service routinely reviews its branding guidance to ensure it remains effective, accessible and fit for purpose across all channels, including digital platforms.

Any costs associated with routine updates to branding guidance are covered by existing operational budgets. We continue to engage with relevant stakeholders, including the Royal Household, in accordance with standard protocols.

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask His Majesty's Government whether they plan to seek a redesign of the Lesser Arms used in government communications; and if so, whether they plan to hold a public consultation about the matter.

Answered by Baroness Anderson of Stoke-on-Trent - Baroness in Waiting (HM Household) (Whip)

The Government Communication Service routinely reviews its branding guidance to ensure it remains effective, accessible and fit for purpose across all channels, including digital platforms.

Any costs associated with routine updates to branding guidance are covered by existing operational budgets. We continue to engage with relevant stakeholders, including the Royal Household, in accordance with standard protocols.

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask His Majesty's Government, further to the Written Answer by Baroness Anderson of Stoke-on-Trent on 19 January (HL13419), whether Ministers were informed or consulted on the decision not to include political activity data in the Cabinet Office Public Appointments Data Report 2024–25; and for what reason the headline political activity data published in the Commissioner for Public Appointment’s Annual Report of 17 December was not included in the Cabinet Office report of 2 December.

Answered by Baroness Anderson of Stoke-on-Trent - Baroness in Waiting (HM Household) (Whip)

As was the case under previous governments, and in accordance with the Governance Code on Public Appointments, the political activity of successful candidates is published by government departments as part of the public announcement regarding the appointment.

The last government did not publish a data report after 2021-22, but under this administration, the government has restarted publishing these reports in order to provide transparency.

Political activity data was not included in the Public Appointments Data Report 2024-25 due to a data collection issue which limited the data that was available. The data collection issue has now been rectified, and this information will be considered for inclusion in the 2025-26 data report.

The Commissioner for Public Appointments, as the independent regulator, decided to include the limited data for 2024-25 in his own reporting.

The Cabinet Office did not publish a data report in either 2022-23 or 2023-24, so political activity data was also not published in a collated form for these years.

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask His Majesty's Government, further to the Written Answer by Baroness Anderson of Stoke-on-Trent on 19 January (HL13419), what was the title and grade of the most senior official who approved the removal or omission of political impartiality data from the Public Appointments Data Report 2024-25, published on 2 December 2025.

Answered by Baroness Anderson of Stoke-on-Trent - Baroness in Waiting (HM Household) (Whip)

As was the case under previous governments, and in accordance with the Governance Code on Public Appointments, the political activity of successful candidates is published by government departments as part of the public announcement regarding the appointment.

The last government did not publish a data report after 2021-22, but under this administration, the government has restarted publishing these reports in order to provide transparency.

Political activity data was not included in the Public Appointments Data Report 2024-25 due to a data collection issue which limited the data that was available. The data collection issue has now been rectified, and this information will be considered for inclusion in the 2025-26 data report.

The Commissioner for Public Appointments, as the independent regulator, decided to include the limited data for 2024-25 in his own reporting.

The Cabinet Office did not publish a data report in either 2022-23 or 2023-24, so political activity data was also not published in a collated form for these years.

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, if he will publish Tim Allan's declaration of interests.

Answered by Anna Turley - Minister without Portfolio (Cabinet Office)

I refer the Hon. Member to the answer of 5 February 2026, Official Report, PQ 110814.

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask His Majesty's Government how they plan to apportion responsibility for the management of another global pandemic between the central and devolved governments.

Answered by Baroness Anderson of Stoke-on-Trent - Baroness in Waiting (HM Household) (Whip)

There is detailed guidance and processes in place which set out the arrangements whereby the UK Government will work with the devolved governments to plan for and manage the response to a pandemic. These are underpinned by the principles for responding to crises agreed with the devolved governments set out in the Amber Book - Managing Crisis in Central Government; and which is available for download from the gov.uk website.

Taken together, these arrangements reinforce the commitment to partnership working, recognising health is a devolved matter but seeking alignment of approaches to ensure consistent outcomes.

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, whether he has made an assessment of the risks of a) hon. Members and b) Ministers travelling in London Electric Vehicle Company taxis owned by the Zhejiang Geely Holding Group.

Answered by Dan Jarvis - Minister of State (Cabinet Office)

Whilst the Government does not comment on specific security assessments, we maintain a robust, cross-departmental approach to ensure that official travel is conducted securely.

The licensing of taxis in London is a matter for Transport for London (TfL). Any vehicle licensed to operate must meet stringent safety and regulatory requirements as set out in TfL’s Conditions of Fitness.

The security of Members is a matter for the Parliamentary Security Department. For Ministers and officials handling sensitive data, the Cabinet Office and individual departments provide comprehensive information security policies and guidance.

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, what representations the National Cyber Security Centre received from Labour Together in relation to foreign cyber-attacks on its organisation.

Answered by Dan Jarvis - Minister of State (Cabinet Office)

The NCSC does not comment on operational matters. Any reports they receive are treated in confidence.

The NCSC has published guidance on cyber security for political organisations at https://www.ncsc.gov.uk/collection/defending-democracy/political-organisations.

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, what discussions his Department has had with German counterparts concerning lessons from the January Berlin power outage for the UK's civil preparedness.

Answered by Dan Jarvis - Minister of State (Cabinet Office)

The Cabinet Office has not directly engaged with German counterparts regarding the January power outage in Berlin. The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) is the Lead Government Department for energy resilience.

DESNZ officials have closely engaged with the British Embassy Berlin regarding this incident to understand what happened and what lessons can be learnt.

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, for what policy reason the Government has decided not to use the HM Government identity; and if he will publish the revised guidance held by the Government Digital Service and Government Communications Service.

Answered by Nick Thomas-Symonds - Paymaster General and Minister for the Cabinet Office

There are no plans to discontinue the use of “HM Government”.

"UK Government" has long been the term used for the government in public-facing communications. Communications teams are advised to use "UK Government" rather than departmental names and logos for announcements, to provide clarity to the public. This does not affect the use of "His Majesty's Government", which continues on relevant official communications and records.

This guidance was developed in consultation with relevant stakeholders and in accordance with standard protocols in Summer 2025.

Please refer to https://www.communications.gov.uk/guidance/marketing/branding-guidelines/ for guidance on logo use. There are no plans to publish the revised guidance held by the Government Digital Service and the Government Communication Service.

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, further to his oral statement of 9 February 2026, on Updates on Standards in Public Life, and with reference to the Non-corporate communication channels for government business, of March 2023, in what specific respects is the 2023 Cabinet Office guidance not clear.

Answered by Nick Thomas-Symonds - Paymaster General and Minister for the Cabinet Office

The current guidance was issued under the previous government. As part of this government’s commitment to raise information security standards, we plan to review the way that non-corporate communication channels are used in Government and to update the accompanying guidance to reflect the changes in the ways we use technology.

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, whether the Prime Minister, as the King's principal adviser, (a) was consulted on and (b) approved the decision to change the HM Government identity to the UK Government; and whether the Prime Minister was advised by Tim Allan in this regard when Mr Allan was Executive Director of Communications.

Answered by Nick Thomas-Symonds - Paymaster General and Minister for the Cabinet Office

There are no plans to discontinue the use of “HM Government”.

"UK Government" has long been the term used for the government in public-facing communications. Communications teams are advised to use "UK Government" rather than departmental names and logos for announcements, to provide clarity to the public. This does not affect the use of "His Majesty's Government", which continues on relevant official communications and records.

This guidance was developed in consultation with relevant stakeholders and in accordance with standard protocols in Summer 2025.

Please refer to https://www.communications.gov.uk/guidance/marketing/branding-guidelines/ for guidance on logo use. There are no plans to publish the revised guidance held by the Government Digital Service and the Government Communication Service.

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, whether his Department has issued guidance to departments on how private corporations wholly-owned by HM Government should exercise their accountability to Parliament, including answering Parliamentary Questions.

Answered by Nick Thomas-Symonds - Paymaster General and Minister for the Cabinet Office

I refer the Hon. member to PQ 57252.

Detail on arrangements for Parliamentary accountability and governance of government companies and public corporations are set out in Annex 7.3 of Managing Public Money.

While there is no specific guidance aimed at how private corporations wholly-owned by HM Government should exercise their accountability to Parliament. The Guide to Parliamentary Work sets out the wider Government's guidance on Parliamentary Questions.

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, if he will publish a list of engagements for the UK-EU Withdrawal Agreement Protocol Specialised Committee in 2025 and 2026.

Answered by Nick Thomas-Symonds - Paymaster General and Minister for the Cabinet Office

The UK-EU Withdrawal Agreement established six Specialised Committees to supervise the implementation of distinct elements of the agreement. Each committee is co-chaired by officials from the UK Government and the European Commission.

The list of meetings, agendas and joint statements of the Specialised Committees can be found on GOV.UK at: https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/withdrawal-agreement-joint-committee#meetings-of-the-withdrawal-agreement-joint-committee.

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, whether there is a list of extant desk notes held by his Department.

Answered by Nick Thomas-Symonds - Paymaster General and Minister for the Cabinet Office

The Cabinet Office does not collect a list of extant desk notes.

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, how many directors with responsibility for human resources are employed across government departments and their executive agencies; and how many of those directors hold professional HR qualifications from the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development and equivalent professional bodies.

Answered by Satvir Kaur - Parliamentary Secretary (Cabinet Office)

We are unable to answer this question as this data is not centrally held by the Cabinet Office.

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, what comparative assessment he has made of levels of long term sickness absence in the Civil Service between (a) 2020 and (b) 2025.

Answered by Satvir Kaur - Parliamentary Secretary (Cabinet Office)

Civil Service sickness absence data was published on 16 December 2025 and includes trends in long term absences in the Civil Service between 2020 and 2025.

(Source: Civil Service sickness absence data published on 16 December 2025)

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, with reference to the Victims and Prisoners Act 2024 and the Infected Blood Compensation Scheme Regulations 2025, to what extent his Department considered the duties and rights of the (a) Administration of Estates Act 1925, (b) Fatal Accidents Act 1976, and (c) Law Reform (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1934 in the development of the infected blood compensation scheme for infected and affected people.

Answered by Nick Thomas-Symonds - Paymaster General and Minister for the Cabinet Office

Compensation tariffs for infected and affected people under the Scheme have been informed, but not limited, by current practice in UK courts and tribunals.

The Infected Blood Inquiry Response Expert Group Final Report provides detail on how the Fatal Accidents Act 1976 was considered when developing the tariffs under the Scheme. This can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/infected-blood-inquiry-response-expert-group-summary-report/infected-blood-inquiry-response-expert-group-final-report#foreword-by-the-minister-for-the-cabinet-office.

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, which Government departments, agencies, non‑departmental public bodies and other public authorities have been instructed to implement the new “UK Government” brand identity; and if he will publish any guidance issued on timelines for implementation, exemptions permitted, and arrangements for oversight or enforcement.

Answered by Nick Thomas-Symonds - Paymaster General and Minister for the Cabinet Office

For information relating to the UK Government branding update, I refer the Hon. Member to Questions HL14450, HL14451 and HL14452.

For information relating to stakeholder engagement, I refer the Hon. Member to Question 112168.

Government communications use “UK Government” as the primary identity for public-facing communications. This is not an introduction of a new UK Government brand identity. The Government Communication Service routinely reviews its branding to ensure it remains effective, accessible and fit for purpose across all channels, including digital platforms.

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, whether his Department has conducted any evaluations, stakeholder reviews or assessments of the public understanding, effectiveness or impact of the new UK Government brand identity since its introduction; and if he will publish any related correspondence or internal assessments.

Answered by Nick Thomas-Symonds - Paymaster General and Minister for the Cabinet Office

For information relating to the UK Government branding update, I refer the Hon. Member to Questions HL14450, HL14451 and HL14452.

For information relating to stakeholder engagement, I refer the Hon. Member to Question 112168.

Government communications use “UK Government” as the primary identity for public-facing communications. This is not an introduction of a new UK Government brand identity. The Government Communication Service routinely reviews its branding to ensure it remains effective, accessible and fit for purpose across all channels, including digital platforms.

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, whether No10 special advisers have auto-delete functionality turned on for (a) corporate and (b) non-corporate communication devices when discussing government business.

Answered by Nick Thomas-Symonds - Paymaster General and Minister for the Cabinet Office

Corporate communications channels have auto-delete functionality enabled. Any government business that needs to be recorded must be copied onto the official systems. The policy covering non-corporate communication channels is published on gov.uk, available here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/non-corporate-communication-channels-for-government-business/using-non-corporate-communication-channels-eg-whatsapp-private-email-sms-for-government-business-html

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, pursuant to the answer of 9 February 2026 to Question 110416 on Government Departments: Publicity, if he will publish the revised branding guidance.

Answered by Nick Thomas-Symonds - Paymaster General and Minister for the Cabinet Office

There are currently no plans to publish this guidance.

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, with reference to reported spending of £532,000 on the GOV.UK brand refresh, of which £421,750 was attributed to the Cabinet Office and £110,250 to the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology, whether any additional costs have been incurred or authorised in relation to the wider “UK Government” branding programme.

Answered by Nick Thomas-Symonds - Paymaster General and Minister for the Cabinet Office

For information relating to the UK Government branding update, I refer the Hon. Member to Questions HL14450, HL14451 and HL14452.

For information relating to stakeholder engagement, I refer the Hon. Member to Question 112168.

Government communications use “UK Government” as the primary identity for public-facing communications. This is not an introduction of a new UK Government brand identity. The Government Communication Service routinely reviews its branding to ensure it remains effective, accessible and fit for purpose across all channels, including digital platforms.

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, whether external consultants were hired as part of the process of rebranding from HM Government to UK Government.

Answered by Nick Thomas-Symonds - Paymaster General and Minister for the Cabinet Office

For information relating to the UK Government branding update, I refer the Hon. Member to Questions HL14450, HL14451 and HL14452.

For information relating to stakeholder engagement, I refer the Hon. Member to Question 112168.

Government communications use “UK Government” as the primary identity for public-facing communications. This is not an introduction of a new UK Government brand identity. The Government Communication Service routinely reviews its branding to ensure it remains effective, accessible and fit for purpose across all channels, including digital platforms.

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, what steps his Department has taken to respond to breaches of the Supplier Code of Conduct v3.0 Ethical Behaviour provisions.

Answered by Chris Ward - Parliamentary Secretary (Cabinet Office)

The Government is determined to ensure the £400 billion of public money spent on public procurement annually delivers economic growth and supports British businesses.

The Procurement Act 2023 allows contracting authorities to require that suppliers meet specific standards by, where appropriate, setting them as conditions of participation in a procurement. Contracting authorities must be satisfied that any such conditions of participation have been met before awarding a public contract, including when a supplier proposes to meet them via a subcontractor. The Procurement Specific Questionnaire template, published on the Procurement Pathway, helps contracting authorities collect relevant subcontractor information.

The Public Procurement Review Service (PPRS) also helps to protect UK subcontractors working with government suppliers by providing a free, anonymous, and confidential way to report poor public sector procurement practices, including contract management issues and unfair, late payment issues.

The UK Government Supplier Code of Conduct v3.0 (published May 2023) outlines the ethical standards expected of suppliers working with the government. Although the Code is not legally enforceable, it encourages transparent dialogue where standards are not met and, in extreme unresolved cases, escalation to the Government Chief Commercial Officer.

We will set out further reforms to procurement rules, including the response to the recent public procurement consultation, in due course.

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, how he plans to measure progress on increasing public sector insourcing.

Answered by Chris Ward - Parliamentary Secretary (Cabinet Office)

This Government is committed to delivering the largest wave of insourcing in a generation. As part of this, we will introduce a ‘Public Interest Test’. This will be a game-changer - ending the culture of ‘outsourcing by default’. This will ensure contracting authorities are undertaking a holistic assessment of their services and identifying opportunities to insource contracts as they expire.

Application of the Public Interest Test will be assessed through the usual contracting authority governance processes and, where applicable, Cabinet Office controls.

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask His Majesty's Government, further to the correction and original Written Answer by the Paymaster General and Minister for the Cabinet Office on 7 January (HC98100), and with reference to paragraph 21 of Guidance on Making Direct Ministerial Appointments, published October 2025, what is (1) the annual remuneration, and (2) the expected end dates, of each of the direct ministerial appointments in the Cabinet Office; and whether they will provide relevant hyperlinks to that information in line with paragraph 234 of the Guide to Parliamentary Work, updated November 2024.

Answered by Baroness Anderson of Stoke-on-Trent - Baroness in Waiting (HM Household) (Whip)

The Cabinet Office holds information on 21 incumbents who were appointed under a direct ministerial appointments process and are recorded on the Cabinet Office's departmental list as of the 30 January 2026. A full list of current appointments is provided below. Information relating to their terms of reference, remuneration and end dates are updated regularly on the Public Appointments webpage.

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, what steps her Department is taking to facilitate public sector access to Artificial Intelligence expertise through procurement; and how the Government Commercial Agency will (a) identify, (b) accredit and (c) engage individuals and organisations that supply Artificial Intelligence expertise.

Answered by Chris Ward - Parliamentary Secretary (Cabinet Office)

The Crown Commercial Service (CCS) facilitates public sector access to Artificial Intelligence (AI) expertise primarily through the AI Dynamic Purchasing System (DPS). This agreement provides a flexible route for the public sector to procure AI services from a range of specialist suppliers.

CCS manages flexible commercial agreements that regularly engage the market and encourage new suppliers to join. To be admitted, all providers must demonstrate that they meet the required standards and assessment criteria, ensuring high-quality expertise is available across the public sector.

Until the Government Commercial Agency is established, these functions will continue to be led by CCS.

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, how many nights were spent in hotels by Departmental staff in financial year 2024-25 by the star rating of the hotel.

Answered by Chris Ward - Parliamentary Secretary (Cabinet Office)

The Cabinet Office does not record individual hotel star ratings.

This is because the Cabinet Office’s travel policy prioritises specific amenities, like a workspace, and safety requirements within fixed nightly rate ceilings rather than subjective commercial gradings.

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, pursuant to the answer of 13 November 2025, to Question 87332, on Lord Mandelson, whether Lord Mandelson during his (a) due diligence and (b) developed vetting processes, was asked about (i) payments made by Jeffery Epstein to him and his partner and (ii) his dealings with Jeffery Epstein relating to official government business when Lord Mandelson was previously a Minister of the Crown; and what consideration was otherwise made of such matters.

Answered by Nick Thomas-Symonds - Paymaster General and Minister for the Cabinet Office

I refer you to the Government's response to the Urgent Question tabled on 12th February, and the Written Ministerial Statement, and the Oral Statement on 23 February, in the name of the Chief Secretary to the Prime Minister that same day, which set out an update on the Government's process. We will set out further details in due course. The Government wishes to ensure that Parliament’s instruction is met with the urgency and transparency that it deserves.

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, for what reason he has made it his policy to re-join the Erasmus scheme.

Answered by Nick Thomas-Symonds - Paymaster General and Minister for the Cabinet Office

The UK and European Commission have reached an agreement in principle for the UK’s association to Erasmus+ in 2027. This builds on the foundations of the UK and EU’s new strategic partnership agreed at the UK-EU Summit in May 2025.

The benefits of our association are clear. It opens up world class opportunities for students, teachers, youth workers, sport-sector professionals, and communities of all ages in our education, training, sport and youth sectors.

It is an investment in opportunity for our young people, our workforce and our future, opening doors for tens of thousands across the UK.

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, if he will publish Government Communication Service guidelines for influencer and content creator marketing.

Answered by Nick Thomas-Symonds - Paymaster General and Minister for the Cabinet Office

I refer the Hon. Member to the answer I gave to questions 103788, 103791 and 103792.

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, whether he plans to make reductions to the size of the Government Communication Service.

Answered by Nick Thomas-Symonds - Paymaster General and Minister for the Cabinet Office

To ensure we deliver value for money for the taxpayer, the Government Communication Service continuously assesses the size of its communication teams, to ensure effectiveness and efficiency.

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, pursuant to the answer of 9 February 2026 to Question 109158, if he will publish a breakdown of political activity data of public appointments made in 2024-25.

Answered by Nick Thomas-Symonds - Paymaster General and Minister for the Cabinet Office

I refer the Hon. Gentleman to PQ 103784.

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, pursuant to the answer of 26 November 2025 to Question 91382 on Prime Minister: Aviation, if he will publish those calculations for G-GBNI for 2024-25.

Answered by Chris Ward - Parliamentary Secretary (Cabinet Office)

I refer the Hon Member back to the answer given in UIN 73729.

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, what assessment he has made of the potential merits of adjusting lump-sum compensation payments under the Infected Blood Compensation Scheme to reflect inflation where payments are delayed for several years.

Answered by Nick Thomas-Symonds - Paymaster General and Minister for the Cabinet Office

Individuals applying for compensation from IBCA have the choice between receiving their award as a single lump sum payment, or as a series of periodical payments over a 5, 10, or 25 year period. The compensation scheme indexes all future periodical payments to the Consumer Price Index (CPI) to ensure that these payments hold value against inflation and provide parity between applicants that choose a lump sum or periodical payments.

The Government has consulted on proposed changes to the infected blood compensation scheme, to gather views on how the Government intends to implement the Inquiry’s recommendations. The consultation closed on 22 January. The Government is considering the responses to the consultation carefully, and we will publish our response to the consultation, which will set out our final decisions on the compensation scheme, within 12 weeks of the closing date.

The delivery of compensation is a matter for IBCA, and as of 10 February, 3,153 people have received an offer of compensation, totalling over £2.5 billion. IBCA has now opened its service to the people who are infected but not registered with an IBSS, as well as to the first claims from affected people and from estates on behalf of deceased infected people.

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, when Ministerial private office records are transferred to National Archives; and whether some files are retained by the Department.

Answered by Nick Thomas-Symonds - Paymaster General and Minister for the Cabinet Office

The Cabinet Office Records Selection Policy under the Public Records Act 1958 is available at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/cabinet-office-records-selection-policy/cabinet-office-records-selection-policy-html#:~:text=The%20Cabinet%20Office%20Records%20Selection,selection%20of%20historic%20public%20records.

At the time of transfer to The National Archives, redactions can be made by the application of FOI exemptions that persist beyond 20 years or by provision of Section 3(4) of the Public Records Act. Any closures or retentions are made clear either within the open file or on The National Archives catalogue, which is available on line.

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, what recent progress he has made on updating the Cabinet Manual.

Answered by Nick Thomas-Symonds - Paymaster General and Minister for the Cabinet Office

The Government takes the function of the Cabinet Manual seriously and we will keep it under review.

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, pursuant to the answer of 3 December 2025 to Question 94199 on Mission Boards: Cabinet Committees, whether the terms of reference for the Mission Boards have been revised.

Answered by Nick Thomas-Symonds - Paymaster General and Minister for the Cabinet Office

Missions Boards, including their terms of reference, are the responsibility of each of the lead Secretaries of State:

Kickstarting Economic Growth - Chancellor of the Exchequer

An NHS Fit for the Future - Secretary of State for Health

Safer Streets - Secretary of State for the Home Department

Break Down Barriers to Opportunity - Secretary of State for Education and Minister for Women and Equalities

Make Britain a Clean Energy Superpower - Secretary of State for Energy and Net Zero

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, what steps his Department is taking to help ensure that subcontractors supplying Government departments have high standards.

Answered by Chris Ward - Parliamentary Secretary (Cabinet Office)

The Government is determined to ensure the £400 billion of public money spent on public procurement annually delivers economic growth and supports British businesses.

The Procurement Act 2023 allows contracting authorities to require that suppliers meet specific standards by, where appropriate, setting them as conditions of participation in a procurement. Contracting authorities must be satisfied that any such conditions of participation have been met before awarding a public contract, including when a supplier proposes to meet them via a subcontractor. The Procurement Specific Questionnaire template, published on the Procurement Pathway, helps contracting authorities collect relevant subcontractor information.

The Public Procurement Review Service (PPRS) also helps to protect UK subcontractors working with government suppliers by providing a free, anonymous, and confidential way to report poor public sector procurement practices, including contract management issues and unfair, late payment issues.

The UK Government Supplier Code of Conduct v3.0 (published May 2023) outlines the ethical standards expected of suppliers working with the government. Although the Code is not legally enforceable, it encourages transparent dialogue where standards are not met and, in extreme unresolved cases, escalation to the Government Chief Commercial Officer.

We will set out further reforms to procurement rules, including the response to the recent public procurement consultation, in due course.

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, what steps his Department is taking to help protect the interests of UK subcontractors that are engaged by Government suppliers.

Answered by Chris Ward - Parliamentary Secretary (Cabinet Office)

The Government is determined to ensure the £400 billion of public money spent on public procurement annually delivers economic growth and supports British businesses.

The Procurement Act 2023 allows contracting authorities to require that suppliers meet specific standards by, where appropriate, setting them as conditions of participation in a procurement. Contracting authorities must be satisfied that any such conditions of participation have been met before awarding a public contract, including when a supplier proposes to meet them via a subcontractor. The Procurement Specific Questionnaire template, published on the Procurement Pathway, helps contracting authorities collect relevant subcontractor information.

The Public Procurement Review Service (PPRS) also helps to protect UK subcontractors working with government suppliers by providing a free, anonymous, and confidential way to report poor public sector procurement practices, including contract management issues and unfair, late payment issues.

The UK Government Supplier Code of Conduct v3.0 (published May 2023) outlines the ethical standards expected of suppliers working with the government. Although the Code is not legally enforceable, it encourages transparent dialogue where standards are not met and, in extreme unresolved cases, escalation to the Government Chief Commercial Officer.

We will set out further reforms to procurement rules, including the response to the recent public procurement consultation, in due course.

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, with reference to the policy paper entitled Explanatory Memorandum on a UK/EU Withdrawal Agreement or Trade And Cooperation Agreement Governance Document, COM(2025)804, published on 4 February 2026, for what reason the Government proposes to make payments to help reduce economic and social disparities in the EU.

Answered by Nick Thomas-Symonds - Paymaster General and Minister for the Cabinet Office

The Explanatory Memorandum considers a proposal by the European Commission to the European Council to open negotiations with the UK on an electricity agreement and on “the financial contribution of the United Kingdom towards reducing economic and social disparities between the regions of the Union”. It does not represent a proposal by the Government. In line with the outcome from exploratory talks on an electricity agreement, we are prepared to make an appropriate financial contribution to support the relevant costs associated with the European Union’s work in this policy area, for example to access EU agencies or databases. The details of any contribution are subject to negotiation.

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, what assessment has been made on whether social media influencers paid for by the government are using the “paid partnership” tag on their content; and whether they state that the partnership is with the UK Government.

Answered by Nick Thomas-Symonds - Paymaster General and Minister for the Cabinet Office

Influencers are subject to the Advertising Standards Authority.

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, pursuant to the answer of 2 December 2025, to Question 92595, on Cabinet Office: Revenue and Customs, what arrangements are in place for the sharing of HMRC information with the House of Lords Appointments Commission.

Answered by Nick Thomas-Symonds - Paymaster General and Minister for the Cabinet Office

The Government has published a Memorandum of Understanding setting out the arrangements for sharing information between HMRC and the House of Lords Appointments Commission when it considers appointments to the House of Lords. The MoU can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/sharing-hmrc-information-to-assist-in-appointments-to-the-house-of-lords/memorandum-of-understanding-accessing-hmrc-information-for-appointments-to-the-house-of-lords--3

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, pursuant to the answer of 19 January 2026 to Question 104195 on Government Communication Service: Staff, if he will break down that list by individual public bodies within the sponsor organisation.

Answered by Nick Thomas-Symonds - Paymaster General and Minister for the Cabinet Office

Publication of this information is not currently planned.

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask His Majesty's Government, further to the Written Answer by Baroness Anderson of Stoke-on-Trent on 28 January (HL14077), whether they will publish the changes they plan to make to the hiring criteria for senior civil servants, as set out in the speech by the Chief Secretary to the Prime Minister on 20 January.

Answered by Baroness Anderson of Stoke-on-Trent - Baroness in Waiting (HM Household) (Whip)

Our approach to hiring for the Senior Civil Service (SCS) is changing to place greater value on frontline delivery, innovation, and private sector experience. Departments and agencies have authority to determine their practices and procedures for the recruitment of staff to the Civil Service, including the Senior Civil Service.

In accordance with the Civil Service Recruitment Principles, departments must provide all potential applicants with information about the nature and level of each role, criteria against which they will be assessed, and details of the selection process and the total remuneration available. However, there are no plans to publish internal-facing guidance to the public domain, as it constitutes HR-to-HR guidance designed for departments to integrate into their respective policies and processes.

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask His Majesty's Government, further to the Written Answer by Baroness Anderson of Stoke-on-Trent on 28 January (HL14077) and the speech by the Chief Secretary to the Prime Minister on 20 January, whether ministers will directly set key performance indicators (KPIs) for senior civil servants; and if so, how often performance will be measured against those KPIs; and how under-performance will be managed.

Answered by Baroness Anderson of Stoke-on-Trent - Baroness in Waiting (HM Household) (Whip)

Performance arrangements for members of the Senior Civil Service stem from a centrally set performance management framework, which makes clear that the objectives should be linked directly to the objectives of the department and minister they serve.

Underperformance is managed under the same framework, and triggered when individuals fail to meet the minimum standards or receive low performance ratings, with sustained poor performance escalated to a separate formal policy aligned with ACAS best practice.

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask His Majesty's Government what proportion of the number of fines issued by the government and bodies authorised by the government to individuals were unpaid in the last full year for which they have data, broken down by economic region if that breakdown is available.

Answered by Baroness Anderson of Stoke-on-Trent - Baroness in Waiting (HM Household) (Whip)

The requested information is not centrally held, and complying with this request would incur a disproportionate cost to the department.

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, whether the GPS location of Ministerial cars maintained by the Government Car Service is accessible to the Minister’s private office.

Answered by Dan Jarvis - Minister of State (Cabinet Office)

This information is not available to any Ministerial Private Office.

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, whether any changes have been made to the rules on the use of Ministerial and official cars provided by the Government Car Service, since July 2024.

Answered by Dan Jarvis - Minister of State (Cabinet Office)

There have been no changes to rules governing the use of Ministerial Cars since July 2024.

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, if he will include AI loss-of-control scenarios will be included in the next edition of the National Risk Register.

Answered by Dan Jarvis - Minister of State (Cabinet Office)

The UK is facing an ever-changing and growing set of risks. All risks in the National Risk Register are kept under review to ensure that they are the most appropriate scenarios to inform emergency preparedness and resilience activity.

The challenges posed by artificial intelligence are referenced in the 2025 National Risk Register as a chronic risk, and incorporated in the Chronic Risks Analysis, the UK's first bespoke assessment for medium to long-term challenges facing the nation.

The Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT)’s AI risk register covers the full spectrum of AI risks that could impact the UK, spanning national security, defence, the economy and society. The AI Risk Register includes AI-loss-of control scenarios. The Government is committed to protecting UK citizens against the risks that advanced AI could bring, while ensuring we can maximise AI's potential for growth and public service delivery.

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, whether all Arm’s Length Bodies, including public corporations and private companies owned by the Government, are required to follow the Cabinet Office local and Parliamentary by-election election purdah guidance.

Answered by Anna Turley - Minister without Portfolio (Cabinet Office)

It is for individual public bodies to apply pre-election guidance within their own organisations, but in doing so they should not go beyond the principles set out in central guidance. Sponsor departments must ensure that staff and board members of their ALBs are aware of the guidance and are applying the principles appropriately. Sponsor departments should be consulted by the ALB in cases of doubt.

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, whether any Freedom of Information requests concerning Palantir Technologies have been refused since 2023.

Answered by Chris Ward - Parliamentary Secretary (Cabinet Office)

All FOI requests are handled in accordance with the legislation, including the application of relevant exemptions where applicable.

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, if the £4.85 million Integrated Security Fund Package referenced in a 2 December 2025 Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office press release refers to the £4.85 million allocation for financial year 2025-26 for the Integrated Security Fund Gender and National Security Portfolio, as outlined in Parliament on 18 November 2025 by The Minister for Security.

Answered by Dan Jarvis - Minister of State (Cabinet Office)

I confirm the £4.85 million referenced in the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office press release of 2 December 2025 refers directly to the Integrated Security Fund allocation for the Gender and National Security portfolio. This forms part of the Fund’s overall allocation of £854.82 million in 2025/26.

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, what meetings (a) the National Security Adviser and (b) his deputies have had with Inter Mediate since he took up his post.

Answered by Dan Jarvis - Minister of State (Cabinet Office)

The National Security Adviser and his deputies meet with a range of individuals and organisations as part of their roles providing advice to the Prime Minister and the Cabinet on national security matters. Such meetings are often sensitive in nature, and the Government does not routinely comment on them or their content.

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, pursuant to the Answer of 9 February 2026 to Question 110416 on Government Departments: Publicity, what the cost was of the re-branding of HM Government as UK Government.

Answered by Nick Thomas-Symonds - Paymaster General and Minister for the Cabinet Office

I refer the Hon. Member to the answer given to questions HL14450, HL14451 and HL14452.

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, what the cost to the public purse was of rebranding from HM Government to UK Government.

Answered by Nick Thomas-Symonds - Paymaster General and Minister for the Cabinet Office

I refer the Hon. Member to the answer given to questions HL14450, HL14451 and HL14452.

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, what information his Department holds on the number of times Jeffery Epstein visited (a) No10 and (b) No11 from 1997 to 2010.

Answered by Nick Thomas-Symonds - Paymaster General and Minister for the Cabinet Office

This information is not retained for the time periods specified.

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, if he will list the dates that Morgan McSweeney had a meeting with Peter Mandelson whilst he was Ambassador to the United States, according to information held in (a) Mr Sweeney’s Outlook diary in Downing Street and (b) the Visitor Notification Service.

Answered by Nick Thomas-Symonds - Paymaster General and Minister for the Cabinet Office

I refer you to the Government's response to the Urgent Question tabled on 12th February, and the Written Ministerial Statement in the name of the Chief Secretary to the Prime Minister that same day, and the Oral Statement on 23rd February, which set out an update on the Government's process. We will set out further details in due course. The Government wishes to ensure that Parliament’s instruction is met with the urgency and transparency that it deserves.

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, on which dates Peter Mandelson attended meetings at 10 Downing Street since 4 July 2024, according to records held by the Downing Street Visitor Notification Service database.

Answered by Nick Thomas-Symonds - Paymaster General and Minister for the Cabinet Office

I refer you to the Government's response to the Urgent Question tabled on 12th February, and the Written Ministerial Statement in the name of the Chief Secretary to the Prime Minister that same day, and the Oral Statement on 23rd February, which set out an update on the Government's process. We will set out further details in due course. The Government wishes to ensure that Parliament’s instruction is met with the urgency and transparency that it deserves.

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, whether the creation of a peerage can be stopped following the (a) announcement of the King signifying his intention to confer a peerage and (b) issuing of a Letters Patent under the Great Seal.

Answered by Nick Thomas-Symonds - Paymaster General and Minister for the Cabinet Office

There is no established precedent for withdrawing a peerage nomination after it has been announced.

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, what steps he is taking to (a) rationalise, (b) co-locate and (c) better utilise buildings across the wider public sector.

Answered by Anna Turley - Minister without Portfolio (Cabinet Office)

The Government Property Strategy is driving a shift towards a smaller, better, and greener public estate. Significant progress has been made in consolidating the public estate. By disposing of unneeded assets, the Government has generated over £2 billion in capital receipts since 2022.

Programmes like One Public Estate are successfully unlocking potential across England by enabling co-location, releasing land for housing, and improving local public services. Since 2013, this work has helped transform places, supporting the release of land for over 54,000 homes, the creation of over 93,000 jobs, and delivering £211 million in running cost savings. Programmes to improve estate efficiency also operate in Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland, under the direction of the devolved administrations.

Co-location is also a key feature of the Government office estate, with multi-department hubs now operating across the UK. This initiative, alongside the Places for Growth drive to move roles to cities and regions, has allowed the Government - through the Plan for London - to commit to leaving 11 expensive London locations, saving taxpayers £94 million by 2032. Beyond the office estate, OPE also facilitates co-location of services, for example the Middlesborough Live Well hub which brings together public health services with employment, education, housing and welfare support.

The Government Property Strategy also focuses on ensuring the efficient use of the wider public estate. Full details on the performance and utilisation of the estate are presented to the House annually in the State of the Estate report.

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, pursuant to the answer of 29 January 2026, to Question 107278, on Department for Transport: Official Hospitality, whether the Cabinet Office has issued any guidance on Arm's Length Bodies using public funds to hold receptions to (a) lobby or (b) influence parliamentarians.

Answered by Anna Turley - Minister without Portfolio (Cabinet Office)

The Cabinet Office issued guidance on 25/04/2024 to all Arm's Length Bodies, which outlines the rules to ensure political impartiality and the proper use of public money. This guidance can be found on gov.uk.

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, whether the number of arms-length bodies across Government departments has increased since July 2024.

Answered by Anna Turley - Minister without Portfolio (Cabinet Office)

Since July 2024, 10 Arms Length Bodies have been announced to deliver the manifesto the Government was elected on. In conjunction with this, the government is conducting a comprehensive review of the entire ALB landscape, as announced on 6 April 2025, this has already made progress with announcements of the closure of Building Digital UK and LocatED amongst others. This aims to streamline the state and increase ministerial accountability, a vital step toward creating a more productive and agile state.

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask His Majesty's Government whether they discussed the impact of the European Union's "Made in Europe" plans on UK competitiveness at the UK–EU Trade and Cooperation Agreement Partnership Council meeting on 2 February.

Answered by Baroness Anderson of Stoke-on-Trent - Baroness in Waiting (HM Household) (Whip)

Given the UK is one of Europe’s largest economies, and an integral part of existing supply chains, we have been clear with EU counterparts that the UK and EU should be working together to tackle the challenges we all face in terms of promoting economic security as well as boosting growth and productivity. At the UK-EU Trade and Cooperation Agreement Partnership Council on 2 February, the UK raised these issues and stressed the need to work together to address shared challenges. The agenda was published ahead of the meeting on GOV.UK

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask His Majesty's Government whether they have any plans to issue a civil preparedness document in case of crisis or war, equivalent to that issued by the government of Sweden.

Answered by Baroness Anderson of Stoke-on-Trent - Baroness in Waiting (HM Household) (Whip)

Advice for the general public on how to prepare for emergencies is published at GOV.UK/Prepare. The website provides simple and effective steps that individuals, households and communities can take to be more prepared for a range of emergencies.

We regularly review the website's content and continue to explore options for improving it, and for increasing public awareness of emergency preparedness advice beyond the website.

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, with reference to the answer of 3 February 2026 to Question HL13976 on Civil Servants: Media and Public Speaking, on what dates the guidance has been revised since July 2024; and what his planned timetable is for further revision and policy development.

Answered by Nick Thomas-Symonds - Paymaster General and Minister for the Cabinet Office

Guidance is regularly reviewed and updated, in accordance with best practices, to maintain its relevance, appropriateness, and effectiveness in addressing its intended topics. The timeline for this is dependent upon the area of policy development in question.

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, how much and what proportion of central Government advertising spend was spent with (a) Meta, (b) Google, (c) Twitter/X, (d) YouTube and (e) TikTok in the last (i) three, (ii) six and (iii) 12 months; and what the total spend was in each of those periods.

Answered by Nick Thomas-Symonds - Paymaster General and Minister for the Cabinet Office

As digital and social media become central to how people consume information, Government is adapting its communications approach to meet audiences where they are.

Digital and social media channels enable us to reach audiences more cost-effectively, delivering better value from communications budgets.

The table shows monthly platform expenditure for the last 12 complete months. Twitter/X is excluded due to zero expenditure. This list is not comprehensive of all social media platforms used.

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, whether Ministers and special advisers in his Department have met the Royal Household to discuss the rebranding of UK Government.

Answered by Nick Thomas-Symonds - Paymaster General and Minister for the Cabinet Office

For information relating to stakeholder engagement, I refer the Hon. Member to Question 112168.

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, pursuant to the Answer of 16 February 2026 to Question 111711 on Ministers: Public Appointments, whether this process requires (a) previous political activity to be declared prior to appointment and (b) current political activity to be declared on an ongoing basis.

Answered by Nick Thomas-Symonds - Paymaster General and Minister for the Cabinet Office

Direct Ministerial Appointments are required to adhere to the Code of Conduct for Board Members of Public Bodies. As set out in the Code, all potential conflicts of interest - including political activity where that is an actual or perceived conflict to the role - should, as a minimum, be declared publicly, usually in the sponsor body’s register of interests. It is the sponsor body’s responsibility to maintain a register of interests, which should be proactively refreshed twice yearly at the beginning of the fiscal year and at the beginning of Q3. Appointees are asked to inform their sponsor body throughout the year of any relevant additions or changes to their interests as soon as they occur.

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, whether he has had recent discussions with the European Union on payments to the EU for participation in Security Action for Europe.

Answered by Nick Thomas-Symonds - Paymaster General and Minister for the Cabinet Office

UK negotiations with the EU on a bilateral agreement to facilitate UK participation in the EU’s Security Action for Europe (SAFE) instrument concluded last year. The UK entered negotiations in good faith, recognising our mutual strategic interest and commitment to work with the EU on defence. However, this Government has always been clear that we will only sign agreements that are in the national interest - in this case we were unable to reach an agreement that passed that test. While it is disappointing that we were not able to positively conclude discussions, the UK’s defence industry continues to have access to SAFE under standard third country terms.

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, whether he plans to update the Cabinet Manual in the near future.

Answered by Nick Thomas-Symonds - Paymaster General and Minister for the Cabinet Office

The Government takes the function of the Cabinet Manual seriously and we will keep it under review.

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, whether Lord Mandelson had a No10 pass whilst he was Ambassador to the United States.

Answered by Nick Thomas-Symonds - Paymaster General and Minister for the Cabinet Office

As was the case under successive administrations, the Government does not comment on security matters.

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask His Majesty's Government whether they have declined to lay before Parliament a draft statutory code submitted by an arm's-length body between January 2015 and December 2025, where that code has not been subject to litigation.

Answered by Baroness Anderson of Stoke-on-Trent - Baroness in Waiting (HM Household) (Whip)

The information requested is not held centrally by the Cabinet Office.

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask His Majesty's Government which Government departments, Executive Agencies and Arm’s-Length Bodies operate salary sacrifice arrangements; and what categories of benefit are provided under those arrangements.

Answered by Baroness Anderson of Stoke-on-Trent - Baroness in Waiting (HM Household) (Whip)

The Cabinet Office does not hold information about what salary sacrifice schemes government departments offer.

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask His Majesty's Government why they have altered their communications guidance to use "UK Government" rather than "His Majesty's Government".

Answered by Baroness Anderson of Stoke-on-Trent - Baroness in Waiting (HM Household) (Whip)

I refer the Noble Lady to Parliamentary Question HC112174:

Question: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, for what policy reason the Government has decided not to use the HM Government identity; and if he will publish the revised guidance held by the Government Digital Service and Government Communications Service. 112174

Answer: There are no plans to discontinue the use of “HM Government”.

Please refer to https://www.communications.gov.uk/guidance/marketing/branding-guidelines/ for guidance on logo use. There are no plans to publish the revised guidance held by the Government Digital Service and the Government Communication Service.

Communications teams are advised to use "UK Government" rather than departmental names and logos for announcements, to provide clarity to the public. This does not affect the use of "His Majesty's Government", which continues on relevant official communications and records.

"UK Government" has long been the term used for the government in public-facing communications. All governments have regularly reviewed and updated government branding guidance to ensure that communications with the public are clear.

This guidance was developed in consultation with relevant stakeholders and in accordance with standard protocols in Summer 2025.

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask His Majesty's Government which Government departments, Executive Agencies and Arm’s-Length Bodies operate optional remuneration arrangements; and what categories of benefit are provided under those arrangements.

Answered by Baroness Anderson of Stoke-on-Trent - Baroness in Waiting (HM Household) (Whip)

As individual employers, decisions on remuneration are delegated to individual departments for grades below the Senior Civil Service (SCS). This information is not held centrally by the Cabinet Office.

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask His Majesty's Government, further to the Written Answer by the Minister for the Cabinet Office on 9 February (HC110416), which (1) bodies, and (2) individuals, they consulted before making the strategic decision to adopt "UK Government" as the primary identity for all public-facing communications in the place of “HM Government”.

Answered by Baroness Anderson of Stoke-on-Trent - Baroness in Waiting (HM Household) (Whip)

For information relating to stakeholder engagement, I refer the Noble Lord to Question HC112168:

Question: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, whether the Prime Minister, as the King's principal adviser, (a) was consulted on and (b) approved the decision to change the HM Government identity to the UK Government; and whether the Prime Minister was advised by Tim Allan in this regard when Mr Allan was Executive Director of Communications. 112168

Answer: There are no plans to discontinue the use of “HM Government”.

Please refer to https://www.communications.gov.uk/guidance/marketing/branding-guidelines/ for guidance on logo use. There are no plans to publish the revised guidance held by the Government Digital Service and the Government Communication Service.

Communications teams are advised to use "UK Government" rather than departmental names and logos for announcements, to provide clarity to the public. This does not affect the use of "His Majesty's Government", which continues on relevant official communications and records.

"UK Government" has long been the term used for the government in public-facing communications. All governments have regularly reviewed and updated government branding guidance to ensure that communications with the public are clear.

This guidance was developed in consultation with relevant stakeholders and in accordance with standard protocols in Summer 2025.

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask His Majesty's Government whether the Ministerial Pension Scheme or the Parliamentary Contributory Pension Fund benefit from any optional remuneration arrangements.

Answered by Baroness Anderson of Stoke-on-Trent - Baroness in Waiting (HM Household) (Whip)

The Ministerial Pension Scheme does not utilise salary sacrifice arrangements.

An active member is required to pay a member contribution rate of 11.2% of pensionable salary to participate in the scheme.

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask His Majesty's Government whether the Ministerial Pension Scheme or the Parliamentary Contributory Pension Fund benefit from any salary sacrifice arrangements.

Answered by Baroness Anderson of Stoke-on-Trent - Baroness in Waiting (HM Household) (Whip)

The Ministerial Pension Scheme does not utilise salary sacrifice arrangements.

An active member is required to pay a member contribution rate of 11.2% of pensionable salary to participate in the scheme.

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask His Majesty's Government whether they have any plans to increase the number of bomb shelters in the UK.

Answered by Baroness Anderson of Stoke-on-Trent - Baroness in Waiting (HM Household) (Whip)

The Government continues to develop a wide range of plans designed to deter potential hostile actors and mitigate the impacts of risks facing the UK.

The Government should legislate to require a by-election to be held if an MP or Local Councillor switches political party in the middle of the parliamentary term so affected constituents get the opportunity to vote in an election to decide who represents them.

The Government should advise the Monarch against facilitating a ceremonial head of state visit where a foreign state is engaged in hostile activity - whether economic, diplomatic, military or otherwise - that is directly contrary to UK interests and/or the rule of international law.

Amend the standing orders to give an automatic immediate right of reply to any MP or any party mentioned in any statement, question or answer in the House. We think this will deter MPs and Ministers from using parliamentary business to attack opponents.

Make lobbying for private gain illegal removing direct influence of private individuals, corporations, and interest groups over lawmakers. Under this approach, elected officials would be prohibited from meeting with or accepting input from any entity seeking to influence legislation for private gain

Reform MPs’ financial disclosure rules so repeated late declarations automatically trigger Standards Committee referral and suspension. We believe this would ensure patterns of non-compliance have real consequences, including recall where thresholds are met.

MPs should not have other jobs outside of Parliament unless they are qualified doctors, nurses or other healthcare professionals and actively work in the NHS

Change the General Election format so that it is fixed, with one-fifth of seats contested each year in the first week of May just like local government elections. The Government cannot choose the date, it is fixed by Parliament.

We believe a Mayor is a position of responsibility, and will have dealings with vulnerable parts of the public including children, and they will be in charge of public finances.

The European Convention on Human Rights enshrines our basic human rights, gives us the right to a fair trial, right to privacy and helps protect us from things like torture, unlawful killing, slavery but also punishment without law and freedom of speech, assembly, religion, privacy and much more.

Found: la=en&hash=9B7F4F6ABAE982AB422776A08DC73D60F869EE3A [2] Cabinet Office (2025), Our Children, Our Future

Found: la=en&hash=9B7F4F6ABAE982AB422776A08DC73D60F86 9EE3A [2] Cabinet Office (2025), Our Children, Our Future

Found: , integration and civic education should be led jointly with other departments, such as the Cabinet Office

Found: officials have worked closely with the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government, the Cabinet Office

Found: Governance Code on Public Appointments.35 As part of the appointment process and in line with Cabinet Office

Found: Yours sincerely, Dan Jarvis MBE MP Security Minister Cabinet Office and Home Office

Found: SUM(F84)=SUM(G84)=SUM(H84)=SUM(I84)Supplementary Estimates 2025-26Scottish GovernmentBCT to the Cabinet Office

Found: Budget Cover Transfers • £-0.013m – budget transfer (reduction in administration costs) to the Cabinet Office

Found: • -£0.026m - Budget transfer (decrease in administration costs) to the Cabinet Office to cover increases

Found: from different Departments on a wide range of issues including with DBT, DHSC, DSIT, DESNZ, Cabinet Office

Found: Rt Hon Bridget Phillipson MP Minister for Women and Equalities Cabinet Office

Found: Departments Transfer from DHSC for WorkWell Primary Care Innovation Fund 00.1540.1540Transfer from Cabinet Office

Found: Q7 Chair: Next up is an application from Matt Western on Cabinet Office spending.

Found: Rt Hon Nick Thomas-Symonds MP Minister for the Cabinet Office His Majesty’s Paymaster

Found: The Cabinet Office will publish the response to the consultation in the coming weeks.

Found: from the From the IOPC relating to their progress in implementing the recommendations of the Cabinet Office

Found: Lead HMICFRS in line with the Seven Principles of public life and the principles set out in the Cabinet Office

Found: [12][13] ● Cabinet Office / HM Treasury / OBR: strengthen release controls for market- sensitive publications

Found: Parliament are to develop policy and legislation to increase the UK’s productivity growth the Cabinet Office

Found: This will include: - Working with the Cabinet Office on NED recruitment, to ensure a rich skillset

Found: Supplementary Estimate Memorandum 2025-26 - Cabinet Office Estimate memoranda

Found: Supplementary Estimate Memorandum (2025-26) for the Cabinet Office: Civil Superannuation

Found: Supplementary Estimate memorandum (2025-26) for the Cabinet Office: Royal Mail Statutory

Found: The Cabinet Office Guide to Making Legislation states that new legislative proposals should be assessed

Found: Letter from the Permanent Secretary at the Cabinet Office relating to a follow-up to the Administration

Found: Letter from the Permanent Secretary at the Cabinet Office relating to the interim arrangements for the

Found: of Housing, Communities and Local Government, Ministry of Defence, H M Treasury , No 10 and Cabinet Office

Found: Letter from the Permanent Secretary at the Cabinet Office relating to a follow-up to the Administration

Found: In addition, the Cabinet Office is reviewing the guidance provided to SAGs.7 The issue is also now subject

Found: publications and the Transformed Labour Force Survey, dated 10 March 2025 Correspondence from the Cabinet Office

Found: We would recommend that the Safeguarding Minister be moved to the Cabinet Office so that they are better

Found: Department for Science, Innovation and Technology, do you not need to be rather more close to the Cabinet Office

Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology:

To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the threats to national security presented by the cutting and other interception of subsea communication cables.

Answered by Baroness Lloyd of Effra - Baroness in Waiting (HM Household) (Whip)

The Government recognises the increasing threat to the homeland from state actors and that critical national infrastructure, including subsea cables, will continue to be a target.

As the threat landscape evolves, it is essential to ensure that our risk assessments remain robust and fit for purpose. All risks in the National Risk Register, including the risk related to subsea cables, are kept under review to ensure that they are the most appropriate scenarios to inform emergency preparedness and resilience activity. We are currently reviewing and updating our assessments of risks to the UK’s subsea telecommunications cables.

While individual cables are vulnerable to damage, the UK’s international connectivity is resilient, supported by 45 international cables as well as high‑capacity fibre links running through the Channel Tunnel.

DSIT continues to work closely with the Cabinet Office, the Ministry of Defence and other government departments to ensure the security and resilience of the UK’s subsea telecommunications infrastructure.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether he discussed with HM Treasury the cost of the contract signed with Palantir on 30 December prior to its signature.

Answered by Luke Pollard - Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)

The Ministry of Defence followed all required approvals processes ahead of signing the Enterprise Agreement with Palantir on 30 December 2025. This included HM Treasury, Cabinet Office and Department for Science, Innovation and Technology.

All necessary commercial and financial scrutiny was completed before the Department entered into the agreement.

Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology:

To ask His Majesty's Government how many civil servants are employed through skilled worker visas in the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology.

Answered by Baroness Lloyd of Effra - Baroness in Waiting (HM Household) (Whip)

As of 9 February 2026, the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT), had 18 currently employed civil servants under the Skilled Worker route, as confirmed by the department Sponsor Management System and internal HR records.

Separately, seven civil servants have recently transferred to DSIT from the Cabinet Office as part of the machinery of government rules. Their visas are currently sponsored by the Cabinet Office and will be recorded under DSIT’s Sponsor Licence once the transfer is confirmed through the Sponsor Management System.

These figures cover DSIT civil servants only and excludes agency staff, secondees and contractors.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, pursuant to the answer of 2 December 2025, to Question 93748, on 10 Downing Street: Repairs and Maintenance, how much has been spent from public funds by Cabinet Office, HM Treasury or the Government Property Agency on the Chancellor’s official Ministerial residence in 10 Downing Street since 4 July 2024.

Answered by Dan Tomlinson - Exchequer Secretary (HM Treasury)

Following the departure of previous occupants, the official Ministerial residence was provided unfurnished. To address this, £19,759.61 was spent since 4 July 2024 on furnishings which remain government property and will be retained for future occupants.

Found: The party adopted the policy in its 2001 manifesto.16 Liberal Democrat Cabinet Office spokeswoman Lisa

Found: • £71.9 million increase in additional depreciation funding for the Cabinet Office, relating to the

Found: Integrated Corporate Services - ICS - Operations

Found: Net Zero 22/08/2025 Faststream - Full Cost DESNZ - Corporate Services - DESNZ - Human Resources Cabinet Office

Found: Software Licences and Software Maintenance ICS - Integrated Corporate Services - ICS - Operations Cabinet Office

Found: Corporate Services - DESNZ - Human Resources

Found: & Supply - DESNZ - Analysis Directorate

Found: Recruitment Advice and Services DESNZ - Energy Markets & Supply - DESNZ - Analysis Directorate Cabinet Office

Found: - Corporate Services - DBT - CS - Commercial

Found: Payments to Government Commercial Organisation DBT - Corporate Services - DBT - CS - Commercial Cabinet Office

Found: Growth - DBT - SG - Private Office Group (POG)

Found: Trade 11/11/2025 Other Travel DBT - Strategy and Growth - DBT - SG - Private Office Group (POG) Cabinet Office

Found: govuk-table__cell">DG Corporate Delivery Group

Found: govuk-table__cell">DG Corporate Delivery Group

Found: ="govuk-table__cell">Northern Ireland Office

Found: Ireland Office Northern Ireland Office 3/10/2025 Quarter 2 Estates Costs EH Northern Ireland Office CABINET OFFICE

Found: Northern Ireland Office Northern Ireland Office 19/9/2025 Estates costs Northern Ireland Office CABINET OFFICE

Found: ="govuk-table__cell">Northern Ireland Office

Found: The wider circulation list could include DfT and NI policy leads and lawyers, and Cabinet Office officials

Found: covered by the committee’s recommendations, including the Department for Business and Trade, Cabinet Office

Found: covered by the committee’s recommendations, including the Department for Business and Trade, Cabinet Office

Found: Business and Trade (DBT), including the Office of Product Safety and Standards • Number 10 • Cabinet Office

Found: Product Safety and Standards • Number 10 Construction Products Reform White Paper – 2026 136• Cabinet Office

Found: have been made in accordance with the Governance Code on Public Appointments published by the Cabinet Office

Found: For the Cabinet Office group (CO_GROUP) the organisations are CCS, CO and GPA.

Found: Satvir Kaur Parliamentary Secretary, Cabinet Office We’re not just catching fraudsters after they

Found: Satvir Kaur Parliamentary Secretary, Cabinet Office Public Sector Fraud Authority Annual Report 2024

Found: members of IfATE’s Senior Civil Service (SCS) aligns with the framework set centrally by the Cabinet Office

Found: class="govuk-table__cell">Change Delivery Group

Found: However, on 10 July 2025, Cabinet Office announced a pause to these investigations at the request of

Found: Cabinet Office Minister Satvir Kaur said: This government is making the biggest investment ever to tackle

Found: working group in February, which attracted attendees from a wide range of organisations including: Cabinet Office

Found: have been made in accordance with the Governance Code on Public Appointments published by the Cabinet Office

Found: Cabinet Office Minister, Anna Turley, said: This latest closure is another milestone in our commitment

Found: El MHCLG, junto con el Cabinet Office (CO), continúa desarrollando una sólida alianza estratégica con

Found: Il MHCLG, insieme al Cabinet Office (CO), continua a sviluppare una solida partnership strategica con

Found: Care Programme Team at NHS England are looking at Ear Nose & Throat services, on behalf of the Cabinet Office

Found: Yes Cabinet Office As part of the pre-employment security checks, sometimes a candidate requires an

Found: The draft was also shared with the Cabinet Office of the United Kingdom Government and the Scottish

Found: The draft was also shared with the Cabinet Office of the United Kingdom Government and the Scottish

Found: The draft was also shared with the Cabinet Office of the United Kingdom Government and the Scottish

Found: The draft was also shared with the Cabinet Office of the United Kingdom Government and the Scottish

Found: The draft was also shared with the Cabinet Office of the United Kingdom Government and the Scottish

Found: The draft was also shared with the Cabinet Office of the United Kingdom Government and the Scottish

Found: The draft was also shared with the Cabinet Office of the United Kingdom Government and the Scottish

Found: Communication with UK government:** The Private Secretary to the King and a lead Director General in the Cabinet Office

Found: (c) Cabinet Office Review of Organised Crime (SOCT 05/09 Paper 6) 13.

Found: Privy Council now via the contact that Helen identified last week in her discussion with the Cabinet Office

Found: lead government department model in favour of centralised UK Government leadership, via the Cabinet Office

Found: Satellite Applications Catapult (2013–15) ▪ GOLD Commander, National College of Policing ▪ Cabinet Office

Found: transferred from one employer to another. 4 See in particular the policies and guidance in the Cabinet Office

Found: References Cabinet Office (2013) Memorandum of understanding: UK and devolved governments.