Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, how long it took for the National Security Advisor to be vetted after his appointment.

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

Individuals appointed as National Security Adviser go through an extensive process which includes National Security Vetting (NSV). National Security Vetting for the current National Security Adviser was conducted to the usual standard set for Developed Vetting.

It is long-standing practice that the government does not comment on individual vetting cases.

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, what guidance the (a) Cabinet Office and (b) the Government Car Service have issued to Ministers on the provision of official cars for travel inside London.

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

The arrangements relating to the usage of vehicles in the Government Car Service are set out in the Civil Service Management Code and the Ministerial Code.

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, whether Government contracts were discussed with Palantir at the Prime Minister's meeting at Palantir's offices in Washington on 27 February 2025.

Answered by Chris Ward - Parliamentary Secretary (Cabinet Office)

The visit was part of the Prime Minister's trip to Washington. During this visit the Prime Minister listened to a short presentation about Palantir’s work, followed by a tour of the premises and an introduction to members of staff.

In December 2025, the MOD signed an extension to the Enterprise Agreement with Palantir that had been initially awarded in November 2022, by the previous Government, and via a direct award. This extension covered existing services and ensured there was no drop-off in MOD capability in critical areas.

This contract - and all other contracts for any firm - go through the usual rigorous departmental processes and their decision makers.

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, pursuant to the answer of 2 March 2026 to Question 113919 on Equality: Gender Recognition, in which month the Cabinet Office began the review of the model Gender Identity and Intersex Policy Package.

Answered by Satvir Kaur - Parliamentary Secretary (Cabinet Office)

All model policies provided by the Cabinet Office for departmental use are kept under continuous review. Any review of the model Gender Identity and Intersex Policy will be impacted by factors such as the Supreme Court Ruling in the For Women Scotland case.

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, whether 10 Downing Street had discussions with representatives of Global Counsel over the visit of the Prime Minister to the offices of Palantir with Lord Mandelson.

Answered by Chris Ward - Parliamentary Secretary (Cabinet Office)

The visit was part of the Prime Minister's trip to Washington. During this visit the Prime Minister listened to a short presentation about Palantir’s work, followed by a tour of the premises and an introduction to members of staff.

In December 2025, the MOD signed an extension to the Enterprise Agreement with Palantir that had been initially awarded in November 2022, by the previous Government, and via a direct award. This extension covered existing services and ensured there was no drop-off in MOD capability in critical areas.

This contract - and all other contracts for any firm - go through the usual rigorous departmental processes and their decision makers.

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, pursuant to the answer of 13 October 2025 to Question 77563 on Palantir, whether there is a record of who the Prime Minister (a) met and (b) spoke to during that visit.

Answered by Chris Ward - Parliamentary Secretary (Cabinet Office)

The visit was part of the Prime Minister's trip to Washington. During this visit the Prime Minister listened to a short presentation about Palantir’s work, followed by a tour of the premises and an introduction to members of staff.

In December 2025, the MOD signed an extension to the Enterprise Agreement with Palantir that had been initially awarded in November 2022, by the previous Government, and via a direct award. This extension covered existing services and ensured there was no drop-off in MOD capability in critical areas.

This contract - and all other contracts for any firm - go through the usual rigorous departmental processes and their decision makers.

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, whether the Prime Minister discussed UK defence procurement of services from Palantir during his visit in February 2025.

Answered by Chris Ward - Parliamentary Secretary (Cabinet Office)

The visit was part of the Prime Minister's trip to Washington. During this visit the Prime Minister listened to a short presentation about Palantir’s work, followed by a tour of the premises and an introduction to members of staff.

In December 2025, the MOD signed an extension to the Enterprise Agreement with Palantir that had been initially awarded in November 2022, by the previous Government, and via a direct award. This extension covered existing services and ensured there was no drop-off in MOD capability in critical areas.

This contract - and all other contracts for any firm - go through the usual rigorous departmental processes and their decision makers.

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, what his policy is on grants being awarded to bodies with terms of reference that permit lobbying using grant funds.

Answered by Chris Ward - Parliamentary Secretary (Cabinet Office)

Grant funding should be used for its intended purpose and deliver value for money. Undertaking lobbying activity using government grant funding is not permitted, except in rare cases where lobbying activity is expressly part of the purpose of the award of the grant.

This policy does not impinge on an organisation's ability to use funding from other, non-government sources, however they see fit.

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of the Procurement Act 2023 on the (a) number and (b) total value of public procurement contracts awarded to small and medium-sized enterprises.

Answered by Chris Ward - Parliamentary Secretary (Cabinet Office)

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

We are starting to see more opportunities for SMEs and VCSEs as the Procurement Act 2023 is implemented and embedded across the public sector. Initial trends show that the proportion of PA23 tender lots with a planning, tender, transparency or dynamic markets notice tagged as suitable for SMEs has increased to around two thirds of all requirements.

To continue to build on this positive trend, this Government has also published a new, more ambitious, National Procurement Policy Statement (NPPS), which requires contracting authorities to consider ways to increase procurement spend with SMEs and Voluntary, Community, and Social Enterprises (VCSEs).

We have also introduced changes allowing local councils to reserve over one billion pounds worth of lower value contracts to suppliers based locally or within the UK which has recently become law, a step strongly supported by SMEs.

We will set out further reforms, including the response to the recent public procurement consultation, in due course. These reforms will further support British SMEs to bid for contracts.

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, pursuant to the answer of 8 January 2026 to Question 100884, if he will publish the information provided in the five requests granted in full.

Answered by Chris Ward - Parliamentary Secretary (Cabinet Office)

The Hon. Member will be aware that, as also under successive administrations, the Cabinet Office does not routinely publish responses to FOI requests.

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, when he plans to publish the Public Bodies Directory for 2025-26.

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

An updated version of the Public Bodies landscape, covering data from 2024-25 will be published on gov.uk before the end of May 2026.

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, when he intends to respond to Question 111829 tabled by the hon. Member for Clapham and Brixton Hill.

Answered by Chris Ward - Parliamentary Secretary (Cabinet Office)

I refer the Hon Member to my answer on 5th March (PQ 111829).

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, what proportion of the Government estate is managed by the Government Property Agency; which departments, arm’s-length bodies or property portfolios lie within its direct management responsibilities; and what the Government Property Agency’s total expenditure was in 2024–25 on measuring, collecting, reporting or validating greenhouse gas emissions in respect of the parts of the estate for which it is responsible.

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

Fifty-three per cent (2023/24 53 per cent) of the central government office portfolio, covering c.1,100,000 sqm has been transferred to the Government Property Agency. The Agency provides portfolio services to the following Government departments:

• Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service

• Attorney General’s Office

• Cabinet Office

• Care Quality Commission

• Companies House

• Crown Commercial Service

• Crown Prosecution Service

• Department for Business & Trade

• Department for Education

• Department for Energy, Security and Net Zero

• Department for Culture Media and Sport

• Department of Health & Social Care

• Government Actuary’s Department

• Ministry of Housing Communities & Local Government

• Disclosure & Barring Services

• Northern Ireland Office

• The Insolvency Service

• Foreign & Commonwealth Office

• HM Land Registry

• HM Treasury

• Food Standards Agency

• Great British Nuclear

• Ministry of Justice

• National Savings & Investments

• Office of the Public Guardian

• OfQual

The GPA calculates greenhouse gas emissions for office space occupied by GPA staff and provides utility consumption data for departments occupying other buildings within its managed estate. As this activity is performed by staff as part of their wider duties, the exact amount of time allocated to this specific activity is not centrally recorded.

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, whether the guidance entitled Rules on lobbying for non-departmental public bodies, published in October 2010, remains Government policy.

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

The principles of the Rules on lobbying for non-departmental public bodies (NDPBs) guidance, published in October 2010, remain Government policy.

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, whether he has had discussions with Capita on the administration of Civil Service pensions.

Answered by Satvir Kaur - Parliamentary Secretary (Cabinet Office)

The Cabinet Office awarded the contract to administer the Civil Service Pension Scheme to Capita in November 2023 under the previous government.

The issues and delays facing a number of civil servants and pension scheme members in accessing their pensions are unacceptable.

Cabinet Office officials are in daily contact with Capita to progress the recovery plan, and keep Ministers informed of progress regularly. The Minister for the Cabinet Office has also met with the Capita CEO, both before and after the transition.

In response, we have set up a dedicated team to work urgently with Capita, with 650 full time staff from across Government and Capita and restoring normal service as soon as possible. We have agreed a clear recovery plan with Capita, which includes specific milestones and accountability targets for delivery. It includes specific commitments to restore service levels for priority cases, deploy additional resources, and improve communication with affected colleagues, so that staff, both former and serving, receive the quality of service and support they deserve.

Capita has prioritised the most urgent cases and by the end of February, all death in service cases were either settled or progressed to the final stage or awaiting a member response. A similar position will be reached for ill health retirement applications by mid-March

Alongside these arrangements, Capita has prioritised payment of tax-free pension lump sums for members who had received quotations but were not in receipt of their benefits, with the vast majority of these having been paid in February.

The Cabinet Office has set out arrangements whereby employing departments are able to make interest-free hardship loans to those who are waiting for their pension benefits.

The pension scheme continues to make monthly pension payments to approximately 730,000 existing pensioner members on time.

The latest position of the Civil Service Pension Recovery Plan Update (9 February 2026) is available at this weblink: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/civil-service-pension-recovery-plan-updates/civil-service-pension-recovery-plan-update-9-february-2026

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, what steps he is taking to establish who is responsible for the delays in payments of the Civil Service Pension Scheme and ensure they are held accountable.

Answered by Satvir Kaur - Parliamentary Secretary (Cabinet Office)

The Cabinet Office awarded the contract to administer the Civil Service Pension Scheme to Capita in November 2023 under the previous government.

The issues and delays facing a number of civil servants and pension scheme members in accessing their pensions are unacceptable.

Our full focus is on stabilising the service and supporting any members experiencing hardship. We will conduct a full review once this has been achieved.

Furthermore, any further service failures by Capita will attract financial penalties, which will reduce the overall cost of the contract.

The contract includes key performance indicators that, if not met, include financial penalties. These have already been applied in respect of Capita’s performance in December.

The Cabinet Office will continue to use all available commercial levers to hold Capita to account and ensure they deliver the contractual service levels.

Capita has prioritised the most urgent cases and by the end of February, all death in service cases were either settled or progressed to the final stage or awaiting a member response. A similar position will be reached for ill health retirement applications by mid-March

Alongside these arrangements, Capita has prioritised payment of tax-free pension lump sums for members who had received quotations but were not in receipt of their benefits, with the vast majority of these having been paid in February.

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, what estimate his Department has made for when the backlog of the Civil Service Pension payments will be resolved.

Answered by Satvir Kaur - Parliamentary Secretary (Cabinet Office)

The Cabinet Office awarded the contract to administer the Civil Service Pension Scheme to Capita in November 2023 under the previous government.

The issues and delays facing a number of civil servants and pension scheme members in accessing their pensions are unacceptable.

Our full focus is on stabilising the service and supporting any members experiencing hardship. We will conduct a full review once this has been achieved.

Furthermore, any further service failures by Capita will attract financial penalties, which will reduce the overall cost of the contract.

The contract includes key performance indicators that, if not met, include financial penalties. These have already been applied in respect of Capita’s performance in December.

The Cabinet Office will continue to use all available commercial levers to hold Capita to account and ensure they deliver the contractual service levels.

Capita has prioritised the most urgent cases and by the end of February, all death in service cases were either settled or progressed to the final stage or awaiting a member response. A similar position will be reached for ill health retirement applications by mid-March

Alongside these arrangements, Capita has prioritised payment of tax-free pension lump sums for members who had received quotations but were not in receipt of their benefits, with the vast majority of these having been paid in February.

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, what assessment he has made of the adequacy of the performance of Capita in delivering and administering the civil service pension scheme.

Answered by Satvir Kaur - Parliamentary Secretary (Cabinet Office)

The Cabinet Office awarded the contract to administer the Civil Service Pension Scheme to Capita in November 2023 under the previous government.

The issues and delays facing some civil servants and pension scheme members in accessing their pensions are unacceptable.

Angela MacDonald, Deputy Chief Executive at HMRC, is working with the Cabinet Office and Capita to lead and support delivery of a full recovery plan. This includes commitments, with milestones, to immediately deal with priority cases, restore service levels and improve communication with affected members.

Furthermore, any further service failures by Capita will attract financial penalties, which will reduce the overall cost of the contract.

The contract includes key performance indicators that, if not met, include financial penalties. These have already been applied in respect of Capita’s performance in December.

The Cabinet Office will continue to use all available commercial levers to hold Capita to account and ensure they deliver the contractual service levels.

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, whether his Department is providing support to Capita to assist in clearing the backlog of Civil Service pension cases.

Answered by Satvir Kaur - Parliamentary Secretary (Cabinet Office)

The Cabinet Office awarded the contract to administer the Civil Service Pension Scheme to Capita in November 2023 under the previous government.

The issues and delays facing a number of civil servants and pension scheme members in accessing their pensions are unacceptable.

Cabinet Office officials are in daily contact with Capita to progress the recovery plan, and keep Ministers informed of progress regularly. The Minister for the Cabinet Office has also met with the Capita CEO, both before and after the transition.

In response, we have set up a dedicated team to work urgently with Capita, with 650 full time staff from across Government and Capita and restoring normal service as soon as possible. We have agreed a clear recovery plan with Capita, which includes specific milestones and accountability targets for delivery. It includes specific commitments to restore service levels for priority cases, deploy additional resources, and improve communication with affected colleagues, so that staff, both former and serving, receive the quality of service and support they deserve.

Capita has prioritised the most urgent cases and by the end of February, all death in service cases were either settled or progressed to the final stage or awaiting a member response. A similar position will be reached for ill health retirement applications by mid-March

Alongside these arrangements, Capita has prioritised payment of tax-free pension lump sums for members who had received quotations but were not in receipt of their benefits, with the vast majority of these having been paid in February.

The Cabinet Office has set out arrangements whereby employing departments are able to make interest-free hardship loans to those who are waiting for their pension benefits.

The pension scheme continues to make monthly pension payments to approximately 730,000 existing pensioner members on time.

The latest position of the Civil Service Pension Recovery Plan Update (9 February 2026) is available at this weblink: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/civil-service-pension-recovery-plan-updates/civil-service-pension-recovery-plan-update-9-february-2026

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, whether officials in his Department had discussions with MOD officials on the suitability of Capita to run government contracts prior to the award of the Civil Service pensions contract.

Answered by Satvir Kaur - Parliamentary Secretary (Cabinet Office)

The Cabinet Office awarded the contract to administer the Civil Service Pension Scheme to Capita in November 2023 under the previous government. The then Paymaster General and Minister for the Cabinet Office, Jeremy Quin MP, had overall responsibility for Civil Service workforce matters at the time and confirmed that the Cabinet Office should proceed to award the contract to Capita. This was further subject to the Cabinet Office’s controls process for which the then Parliamentary Secretary to the Cabinet Office, Alex Burghart MP, had oversight.

The contract awarded in November 2023 followed a standardised rigorous procurement process with an open and transparent evaluation process, centred on the core criteria of quality, cost, and social value.

The Cabinet Office did not approach any other government department as part of the procurement exercise, past performance is covered in the selection stage of the procurement and, as no concerns were raised at this stage, Capita progressed through to the next stage.

While Capita is not currently covering the costs associated with the deployment of the surge team, they remain responsible for any additional expenses incurred, such as the use of contractors. Furthermore, any further service failures by Capita will attract financial penalties, which will reduce the overall cost of the contract.

The contract includes key performance indicators that, if not met, include financial penalties. These have already been applied in respect of Capita’s performance in December.

The Cabinet Office will continue to use all available commercial levers to hold Capita to account and ensure they deliver the contractual service levels.

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, which Minister signed off the decision to award the Civil Service Pensions contract to Capita.

Answered by Satvir Kaur - Parliamentary Secretary (Cabinet Office)

The Cabinet Office awarded the contract to administer the Civil Service Pension Scheme to Capita in November 2023 under the previous government. The then Paymaster General and Minister for the Cabinet Office, Jeremy Quin MP, had overall responsibility for Civil Service workforce matters at the time and confirmed that the Cabinet Office should proceed to award the contract to Capita. This was further subject to the Cabinet Office’s controls process for which the then Parliamentary Secretary to the Cabinet Office, Alex Burghart MP, had oversight.

The contract awarded in November 2023 followed a standardised rigorous procurement process with an open and transparent evaluation process, centred on the core criteria of quality, cost, and social value.

The Cabinet Office did not approach any other government department as part of the procurement exercise, past performance is covered in the selection stage of the procurement and, as no concerns were raised at this stage, Capita progressed through to the next stage.

While Capita is not currently covering the costs associated with the deployment of the surge team, they remain responsible for any additional expenses incurred, such as the use of contractors. Furthermore, any further service failures by Capita will attract financial penalties, which will reduce the overall cost of the contract.

The contract includes key performance indicators that, if not met, include financial penalties. These have already been applied in respect of Capita’s performance in December.

The Cabinet Office will continue to use all available commercial levers to hold Capita to account and ensure they deliver the contractual service levels.

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, whether political due diligence is undertaken as part of a Developed Vetting security check.

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

National Security Vetting is made up of multiple checks from a variety of sources, these checks are designed to identify risk and mitigations as well as verifying information provided by the vetting applicant. A comprehensive description of the Developed Vetting process can be found on gov.uk.

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, whether the National Security Adviser (a) is and (b) was a member of the 48 Group.

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

As stated in the House on 13 October 2025, the National Security Adviser does not have any links to the 48 Group.

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, whether the UK Integrated Security Fund will deliver programmes through contracting and pre-qualified partners during 2026 to 2029; and whether he plans to amend the UK Integrated Security Fund's procurement and partnership models.

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

From 2026 to 2029, the Integrated Security Fund (ISF) will continue to deliver programmes through a range of delivery mechanisms, including contracting and prequalified partners where this provides the most effective and agile route to achieving national security outcomes. This includes via the ISF Commercial Framework Agreement, a commercial arrangement with organisations who have been pre-assessed on their capability, thematic expertise, resources and gender and conflict sensitivity.

The existing Commercial Framework is due for renewal in 2027 and arrangements for refreshing the framework will be considered in due course.

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, on what dates the National Security Advisor held discussions with Philippe Sands KC on the Chagos Islands.

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

The National Security Adviser meets with a range of individuals and organisations as part of his role 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 2 January 2026 to Question 71251 on Street Trading: Westminster Bridge, what discussions he has had with the (a) police and (b) local authority on ice cream vans parking on red lines on Westminster Bridge.

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

All vehicles operating within this zone are a matter for the police. They continue to monitor the situation and maintain contact with relevant partners.

In line with policy under successive administrations, security arrangements within the Government Secure Zone are not subject to detailed public disclosure.

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, how many and what proportion of staff in his Department have (a) office-based, (b) hybrid and (c) remote-working contracts.

Answered by Satvir Kaur - Parliamentary Secretary (Cabinet Office)

The Cabinet Office remains committed to flexible working and the business benefits that it offers. We expect that most of our staff will be able to work both from home and in the workplace as part of an informal, non-contractual hybrid working arrangement. This is agreed and arranged with staff members individually.

The department does have a small number of homeworking contracts where this is appropriate- as at 31 Dec 2025 we had 126.1 FTE homeworkers out of 5211.0 FTE total, giving a proportion of 2.4%.

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, with reference to his speech of 20 January 2026, entitled Move fast. Fix things, what role Permanent Secretaries will retain in agreeing, moderating and approving KPIs set for Senior Civil Servants.

Answered by Satvir Kaur - Parliamentary Secretary (Cabinet Office)

Permanent Secretaries are responsible for delivering on and cascading their Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), as set by Ministers, to their direct reports and subsequently the rest of the SCS cadre.

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, when he will answer Questions 111166 and 111167 on the administration of the civil service pension scheme.

Answered by Satvir Kaur - Parliamentary Secretary (Cabinet Office)

A response has been issued here 111166 and 111167

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, who will pay the costs of resolving issues related to the administration of the Civil Service Pension scheme by Capita.

Answered by Satvir Kaur - Parliamentary Secretary (Cabinet Office)

The Cabinet Office awarded the contract to administer the Civil Service Pension Scheme to Capita in November 2023 under the previous government. The then Paymaster General and Minister for the Cabinet Office, Jeremy Quin MP, had overall responsibility for Civil Service workforce matters at the time and confirmed that the Cabinet Office should proceed to award the contract to Capita. This was further subject to the Cabinet Office’s controls process for which the then Parliamentary Secretary to the Cabinet Office, Alex Burghart MP, had oversight.

The contract awarded in November 2023 followed a standardised rigorous procurement process with an open and transparent evaluation process, centred on the core criteria of quality, cost, and social value.

The Cabinet Office did not approach any other government department as part of the procurement exercise, past performance is covered in the selection stage of the procurement and, as no concerns were raised at this stage, Capita progressed through to the next stage.

While Capita is not currently covering the costs associated with the deployment of the surge team, they remain responsible for any additional expenses incurred, such as the use of contractors. Furthermore, any further service failures by Capita will attract financial penalties, which will reduce the overall cost of the contract.

The contract includes key performance indicators that, if not met, include financial penalties. These have already been applied in respect of Capita’s performance in December.

The Cabinet Office will continue to use all available commercial levers to hold Capita to account and ensure they deliver the contractual service levels.

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, what the respective responsibilities of MyCSP and Capita are for administrative failures in the civil service pension scheme; and what steps he is taking to hold them to account.

Answered by Satvir Kaur - Parliamentary Secretary (Cabinet Office)

The Cabinet Office awarded the contract to administer the Civil Service Pension Scheme to Capita in November 2023 under the previous government.

The issues and delays facing a number of civil servants and pension scheme members in accessing their pensions are unacceptable.

Our full focus is on stabilising the service and supporting any members experiencing hardship. We will conduct a full review once this has been achieved.

In prioritising the most urgent cases, Capita has committed to all outstanding death-in-service and ill-health retirement cases to be either in payment, or have

undertaken all activity possible whilst waiting for the member to respond, with the vast majority of these having been paid in February.

No former civil servant should be facing financial hardship as a result of delays to their pension. We are putting in place interest-free bridging loans of up to £5,000 (and up to £10,000 in exceptional cases) to recent retirees facing payment delays. These loans are to be repaid and will be met from existing departmental settlements.

Additionally, interest will be paid on delayed benefits to avoid financial loss by members.

Furthermore, all member complaints regarding the transition are being handled in accordance with the standards set by the Pensions Ombudsman.

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, whether he plans to provide compensation for civil servants impacted by administrative failures in the civil service pension scheme.

Answered by Satvir Kaur - Parliamentary Secretary (Cabinet Office)

The Cabinet Office awarded the contract to administer the Civil Service Pension Scheme to Capita in November 2023 under the previous government.

The issues and delays facing a number of civil servants and pension scheme members in accessing their pensions are unacceptable.

Our full focus is on stabilising the service and supporting any members experiencing hardship. We will conduct a full review once this has been achieved.

In prioritising the most urgent cases, Capita has committed to all outstanding death-in-service and ill-health retirement cases to be either in payment, or have

undertaken all activity possible whilst waiting for the member to respond, with the vast majority of these having been paid in February.

No former civil servant should be facing financial hardship as a result of delays to their pension. We are putting in place interest-free bridging loans of up to £5,000 (and up to £10,000 in exceptional cases) to recent retirees facing payment delays. These loans are to be repaid and will be met from existing departmental settlements.

Additionally, interest will be paid on delayed benefits to avoid financial loss by members.

Furthermore, all member complaints regarding the transition are being handled in accordance with the standards set by the Pensions Ombudsman.

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, whether any formal performance concerns were recorded in relation to Sir Chris Wormald as Cabinet Secretary.

Answered by Satvir Kaur - Parliamentary Secretary (Cabinet Office)

The Prime Minister and Sir Chris Wormald agreed that Sir Chris would stand down as the Cabinet Secretary and Head of the Civil Service by mutual agreement.

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, pursuant to the answer of 2 March 2026, to Question 115433, on Cabinet Office: Social Media, when the Cabinet Office answers to Parliamentary Questions on departmental spending by the Cabinet Office, whether expenditure relating to the Prime Minister’s Office are (a) included or (b) excluded.

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

The figures provided on Cabinet Office spending do not include the Prime Minister’s Office.

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, with reference to the Answer of 23 February 2026 to Question HL14053 on Public Appointments: Political Activities, if he will place in the Library a copy of the full political activity data for each public appointment where political activity was declared for the 2024-25 year.

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 12 February 2026 to question 110013, whether the incorrect expenditure was included in the audited financial statements within the Cabinet Office Annual Report and Accounts 2024 to 2025.

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

The expenditure is included in the audited financial statements. However, an administrative error meant this amount was not disclosed in the separate, unaudited breakdown of Cabinet away day costs provided on page 67. This will be explained in next year's annual report.

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, further to the letter from the Cabinet Secretary to the Foreign Affairs Select Committee of 11 November 2025, and with reference to the Updated Desk Note: Making Direct Ministerial Appointments issued in 27 June 2024, whether a Minister authorised the document in June 2024.

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

The Cabinet Office regularly provides advice and information to help departments implement government policy. Routine support by officials is part of the normal workings of government.

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, whether there is a standing policy that Permanent Secretaries should receive a knighthood or damehood after a set number of years.

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

All honours nominees are considered by one of ten independent honours committees, each chaired by an independent member and comprising a majority of independent members. Permanent Secretaries are considered by the State Committee, with each case considered on its merits.

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, pursuant to the answer of 7 January 2025 to Question 21399 on Cabinet Office: Staff, how many headcount staff work in the EU Relations Secretariat as of 20 February 2026; and how many are EU citizens.

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

As of February 2026, there are around 80 members of staff in the EU Relations Secretariat. A detailed breakdown for the structure for the European Relations Secretariat is available as part of the Cabinet Office organogram of Staff Roles & Salaries on gov.uk.

Data is not held regarding the citizenships of staff members, however, data on the wider Civil Service, including on nationality, is published regularly on gov.uk.

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, what assessment he has made of the potential merits of enabling announced life peerages to be withdrawn before Letters Patent.

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, whether he plans to review his decision as outlined in his answer to me within UIN 110638.

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

As outlined in the previous answer, there are no plans to abolish the House of Lords Appointments Commission.

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, what guidance the Propriety and Ethics Team has issued to Departments on accepting hospitality from consultant lobbyist firms.

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

The Ministerial Code sets out the principles ministers must consider when deciding whether to accept hospitality.

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, whether (a) his Department and (b) the Government Property Agency (i) has made since July 2024 and (ii) plans to make changes to government property spending controls.

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

The Office of Government Property, within the Cabinet Office, administers the property spend control on behalf of HM Treasury. The last changes to the property spend control were made in May 2024.

At Budget 2025 the government announced reforms to the public spending control and accountability framework. Controls currently delegated to the central government functions, will be replaced by a multi-disciplinary single approval point in HM Treasury for above delegated authority limit spend (DAL).

For below DAL spend, departments will be responsible for ensuring they draw on appropriate functional expertise in their decision-making processes.

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, what recent progress has been made in determining future use of 36 Whitehall.

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

The Government Property Agency has developed designs and is preparing an Outline Business Case in 2026 to refurbish 36 Whitehall as new government office accommodation.

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, if he will issue guidance to Arm’s Length Bodies on stopping the recruitment of Government Relations Advisers to influence central government bodies.

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

The Cabinet Office does not issue specific guidance on this matter and does not intend to do so.

However, Section 4.1 of the Code of Conduct for Board Members of Public Bodies states that ‘it will always be an improper use of public funds for public bodies to employ consultants or other companies to lobby Parliament, government or political parties.”

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, if he will bring forward legislative proposals to protect whistleblowers who breach legislation relating to official secrets, including the Official Secrets Act 1989 and the National Security Act 2023, in order to protect the UK's national security.

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

The Government is not currently considering any legislative reform in this area as the existing frameworks provide appropriate protections for protecting national security. There are established channels for members of the security and intelligence services to raise concerns, which can then be investigated appropriately without compromising national security through unauthorised public disclosure.

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, on what specific date did the Cabinet Office complete its due diligence into Lord Mandelson in relation to his proposed appointment as Ambassador to the United States.

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, 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, when he will answer Question 98795, tabled on 10 December 2025, on Deputy Prime Minister: Admiralty House.

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

A response has been issued here 98795

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, further to the Answer of 21 November 2025 to Questions 90250 and 90239 on Deputy Prime Minister: Admiralty House, what was the specific date in May that Westminster City Council were notified by the Government that the Ministerial residence of the then Deputy Prime Minister was liable for the second homes premium and the March council tax bill should be re-issued with the premium.

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

The Government Property Agency (GPA), an executive agency of the Cabinet Office, is responsible for the administration and payment of any tax liabilities for Admiralty House. The Government Property Agency wrote to Westminster City Council in June to confirm that the former Deputy Prime Minister was residing in Admiralty House on a second home basis. Westminster City Council issued a bill applying the second home premium in July, which was paid in full the same day. The bill was paid for the full year of 1 April 2025 - 31 March 2026.

The Cabinet Office accepts that it was delayed in notifying Westminster City Council that the Admiralty House flat allocated to the former Deputy Prime Minister was being used on a second home basis. This was not the former Deputy Prime Minister’s error or responsibility. It is regrettable that this delay occurred. The Cabinet Office is taking steps to change its internal processes to ensure this does not happen again.

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, pursuant to the answer of 9 December 2025, to Question 92614, on Deputy Prime Minister: Admiralty House, and with reference to Section 16 of the Council Tax (Administration and Enforcement) Regulations 1992, for what reason Westminster City Council was not notified within 21 days that the March 2025 council tax bill was incorrect in not applying the second homes council tax premium for the dwelling.

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

The Cabinet Office accepts it was delayed in notifying Westminster City Council that the Admiralty House flat allocated to the former Deputy Prime Minister was being used on a second home basis. This was not the former Deputy Prime Minister’s error or responsibility. New legislation for the first time gave rise to the terms of a Minister’s occupation (as main or secondary residence) having a bearing on the council tax liability.

With particular reference to the requirements of Regulation16 of the Council Tax Administration and Enforcement Regulations 1992, the Cabinet Office notified Westminster City Council within 21 days of first having reason to believe that the property was in fact subject to the second home premium.

While Westminster City Council was provided with the correct information as soon as the Cabinet Office realised it was necessary, it is regrettable that this delay occurred. The Cabinet Office is taking steps to change its internal processes to ensure this does not happen again. This was not the former Deputy Prime Minister’s error or responsibility.

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, pursuant to the answer of 19 November 2025 to Question 89453 on Deputy Prime Minister: Admiralty House, on what specific date did HM Government inform Westminster City Council that the Ministerial residence was paying the wrong level of council tax.

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

The Government Property Agency (GPA), an executive agency of the Cabinet Office, is responsible for the administration and payment of any tax liabilities for Admiralty House. The Government Property Agency wrote to Westminster City Council in June to confirm that the former Deputy Prime Minister was residing in Admiralty House on a second home basis. Westminster City Council issued a bill applying the second home premium in July, which was paid in full the same day. The bill was paid for the full year of 1 April 2025 - 31 March 2026.

The Cabinet Office accepts that it was delayed in notifying Westminster City Council that the Admiralty House flat allocated to the former Deputy Prime Minister was being used on a second home basis. This was not the former Deputy Prime Minister’s error or responsibility. It is regrettable that this delay occurred. The Cabinet Office is taking steps to change its internal processes to ensure this does not happen again.

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, pursuant to the Answer of 17 November 2025, to Question 88674 on Admiralty House: Council tax and the Answer of 20 November 2025 to Question 88718 on Deputy Prime Minister: Admiralty House, on what specific date in May the Cabinet Office informed Westminster City Council that the occupied Ministerial residence was occupied as a second home and should be charged the second homes council tax premium.

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

A response has been issued to the hon. Member.

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, whether a job-related second homes council tax discount was claimed at any point during the occupancy of the former Deputy Prime Minister in Admiralty House.

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

A job-related second homes council tax discount has not been claimed for the period of occupancy of the former Deputy Prime Minister in Admiralty House.

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, when he plans to respond to Question 110814, tabled on 5 February 2026.

Answered by Satvir Kaur - Parliamentary Secretary (Cabinet Office)

A response has been issued here.

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, on what matters Tim Allan has recused himself.

Answered by Satvir Kaur - Parliamentary Secretary (Cabinet Office)

I refer the Hon Member to the answer given by my Noble Friend on 04 March, Official Report (PQ HL13871).

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, pursuant to the oral answer of Baroness Smith of Basildon of 5 February 2026, Official Report, Column 1737, in what specific circumstances would the Government's proposed legislation remove an individual of their peerage title, and whether the legislation will be retrospective in relation to the peerages of (a) Peter Mandelson and (b) Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor; and whether it will apply to hereditary peers who have never been a sitting member of the House of Lords in receipt of the Writ of Summons.

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

The Government will provide further details about the proposed legislation in due course.

The title of Duke of York has been removed from the Roll of the Peerage and can no longer be used officially.

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, if he will bring forward legislative proposals to remove peers from the House of Lords due to misconduct.

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

The House of Lords (Expulsion and Suspension) Act 2015 provides the House of Lords with the power to expel members who are found to have breached the Code of Conduct.

The Government has announced it will introduce legislation to create a mechanism to remove peerages from disgraced peers. The Leader of the House of Lords has also asked the House of Lords Conduct Committee to consider what changes are required to the Code of Conduct to ensure peers can be removed when they have brought the House into disrepute.

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, when he expects to bring forward legislation to strip Lord Mandelson of his peerage.

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

The Government will provide further details about legislation to create a system to remove peerages from peers in due course.

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, whether Departments are required to disclose the renumeration of existing Direct Ministerial Appointments.

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

The responsibility for the publication of information on Direct Ministerial Appointments rests with individual sponsor departments, as it has done under successive administrations. In order to promote transparency and consistency, the newly published Guidance on Making Direct Ministerial Appointments now makes specific reference to remuneration details - where they are incurred - being included in the information that should form an announcement of a new appointment. However, the guidance does not require departments to revisit past announcements for existing appointments which are already in the public domain.

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, Pursuant to the answer by the Parliamentary Secretary to the Cabinet Office of 12 February 2026, Official Report, Column 932, on Lord Mandelson: Government Response to Humble Address Motion, if he will publishing the findings of the investigation into Matthew Doyle.

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

The Government is not conducting an investigation into Lord Doyle. An investigation is being carried out by the Labour Party.

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, what his policy is on disclosing the remuneration of individual direct ministerial appointments who were appointed prior to the creation of the Direct Ministerial Appointment portal.

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

The responsibility for the publication of information on Direct Ministerial Appointments rests with individual sponsor departments, as it has done under successive administrations. In order to promote transparency and consistency, the newly published Guidance on Making Direct Ministerial Appointments now makes specific reference to remuneration details - where they are incurred - being included in the information that should form an announcement of a new appointment. However, the guidance does not require departments to revisit past announcements for existing appointments which are already in the public domain.

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, with reference to the answer of 24 February 2026 to Question HL13416 on Cabinet Office: Public Appointments, what the remuneration and end date is of Michael Barber.

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

Information related to Direct Ministerial Appointments is available on the Direct Ministerial Appointments page on the HMG Public Appointments website.

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, pursuant to the answer of 24 February 2026 to Question 113587,on Government departments: social media, whether the (a) Government Communications Service and (b) the sponsoring department monitor paid social influencers compliance with Advertising Standards Authority guidance.

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

The Government works closely with its creative agency to ensure all partnerships with creators comply with ASA guidance. This requirement is built into creators' contracts.

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, pursuant to the answer of 19 March 2025 to Question 37424 on Parliamentary and Political Service Honours Committee: Public Appointments, whether the competition for the Parliamentary and Political Service honours Committee is ongoing.

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

The campaign for the Parliamentary and Political Service Independent Honours Committee Member recruitment is under active consideration.

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, pursuant to the answer of 24 February 2026 to Question 113608 on Government Communication Service, whether departmental efficiency savings agreed at the Spending Review 2025 will reduce the net size of the Government Communication Service.

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

I refer the Hon Gentleman to the answer given to Question 113608.

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, through what legal mechanism will the UK sign up to the Erasmus+ scheme, and whether it will require UK Parliamentary legislation or authorisation.

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

The legal mechanism for the UK’s association to Erasmus+ in 2027 is a decision of the UK-EU Specialised Committee on Participation in Union Programmes which will amend Protocol I of the Trade and Cooperation Agreement. Once the Specialised Committee decision is adopted, this will be made publicly available on gov.uk.

The Department for Education will also lay a Statutory Instrument to implement personal data processing aspects of the Erasmus+ programme in due course.

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, pursuant to the answer of 19 January 2026, to Question 104191, on Ministers: Public Appointments, whether new or amended desk notes are formally approved by Ministers.

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

I refer the Hon. Gentleman to PQ 117763.

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, how many safes are there in offices of the Constitution and Propriety Group in 70 Whitehall.

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

We do not comment on security matters.

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, pursuant to the Answer of 2 December 2025 to Question 92580, how many of the 39 business cases were approved without conditions.

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

Of the 39 business cases, one business case was approved without being subject to conditions. This is not unusual for significant levels of spending.

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, pursuant to the Answer of 5 January 2026 to Question 92580, how many of the 39 business cases approved related to projects within the Government Major Projects Portfolio.

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

Between July 2024 and November 2025, seven of the 39 business cases related to projects that are part of the Government Major Projects Portfolio.

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, with reference to paragraph 88 of the UK Government Resilience Action Plan, how many meetings the Prime Minister has attended related to the Home Defence Programme.

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

The Prime Minister has regular discussions with officials, external experts and ministerial colleagues on a range of issues, including national security, defence and resilience. The Home Defence Programme was established in August 2024 to build the UK’s resilience to any potential escalation to conflict. It is an evolving and enduring programme of work which provides defence, security and resilience planning, focused on aligning military and civil effort in the event of a period of crisis and international hostilities affecting the UK, informed by and reflecting the recommendations from government strategies, including the Strategic Defence Review, National Security Strategy and Resilience Action Plan.

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, with reference to page 92 of the Strategic Defence Review, published on 2 June 2025, how many (a) public engagements and (b) private meetings the Prime Minister has undertaken related to the national conversation on defence and security.

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

As set out in the Strategic Defence Review, the national conversation is a multi-year engagement designed to embed a whole-of-society approach, where Government, businesses, and the public all play a part in strengthening our resilience.

This addresses the risks we face, including threats below and above the threshold of an armed attack. The Prime Minister has regular discussions with officials, Ministers and serving personnel at all levels, and engages with international allies at major summits including NATO, the G7, and the Coalition of the Willing

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, for what reason the Downing Street Press Office no longer holds afternoon lobby media briefings.

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

As the media landscape has transformed over the last few years, the previous lobby arrangements were no longer fit for purpose. The afternoon lobby was sparsely attended, repetitious of morning lobby, and not a good use to taxpayer-funded Government communications resource. It has therefore been replaced with more technical briefings which allow journalists a greater ability to access information about government policies

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, what information his Department holds on the number of former (a) National Security Advisers and (b) Deputy National Security Advisers since 2005 who advise (i) Chinese registered companies and (ii) subsidiaries of Chinese companies registered outside of China.

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

Crown servants are subject to the Business Appointment Rules when accepting new appointments outside government after Crown service.

For the most senior Crown servants, if an applicant has made an application for advice and the role is subsequently taken up, that advice will be published by the relevant body. Any advice provided to former National Security Advisers and Deputy National Security Advisers that was considered by the Advisory Committee on Business Appointments (ACOBA), prior to its closure on 13 October 2025, would have been published on ACOBA’s page on GOV.UK here

From 13 October 2025, any advice provided to former National Security Advisers and Deputy National Security Advisers will have been considered by the Civil Service Commission, and would be published on its website here

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, which a) current or b) former Government Ministers were involved in the appointment of Lord Mandelson as the UK Ambassador to the United States.

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

I refer the Hon Member to the evidence given by the Cabinet Secretary and Permanent Under-Secretary to the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office to the Foreign Affairs Committee on 3 November 2025, specifically Q310: https://committees.parliament.uk/oralevidence/16673/html/.

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask His Majesty's Government, further to the Written Answer by the Minister for the Cabinet Office on 20 November (HC88718), why Westminster City Council was not informed until May that the then Deputy Prime Minister was occupying Admiralty House as a second home for council tax purposes when the second home premium came into effect on 1 April.

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

The Government Property Agency (GPA), an executive agency of the Cabinet Office, is responsible for the administration and payment of any tax liabilities for Admiralty House. The Government Property Agency wrote to Westminster City Council in June to confirm that the former Deputy Prime Minister was residing in Admiralty House on a second home basis. Westminster City Council issued a bill applying the second home premium in July, which was paid in full the same day. The bill was paid for the full year of 1 April 2025 - 31 March 2026.

The Cabinet Office accepts that it was delayed in notifying Westminster City Council that the Admiralty House flat allocated to the former Deputy Prime Minister was being used on a second home basis. This was not the former Deputy Prime Minister’s error or responsibility. It is regrettable that this delay occurred. The Cabinet Office is taking steps to change its internal processes to ensure this does not happen again.

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, what steps he is taking to improve the delivery confidence assessment by the National Infrastructure and Service Transformation Authority of the Transforming Public Procurement programme.

Answered by Chris Ward - Parliamentary Secretary (Cabinet Office)

The delivery confidence assessment of the Transforming Public Procurement programme is rated “Green”, which demonstrates high confidence for delivery already.

Information on delivery confidence assessments is available in the National Infrastructure and Service Transformation Authority’s Annual Report for 2024-25 which is published on gov.uk.

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, with reference to the publication, Expenditure Over £25,000 - December 2025 (Cabinet Office Core), of 29 January 2026, what the purpose was of the £40 million payment to Cabinet Office entitled ROCE Dividend.

Answered by Chris Ward - Parliamentary Secretary (Cabinet Office)

The £40 million relates to the dividend that the Crown Commercial Service (CCS) pays to the Cabinet Office (CO) as detailed in CCS's Annual Report and Accounts.

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, what steps he is taking to improve the delivery confidence assessment by the National Infrastructure and Service Transformation Authority of the Falcon programme.

Answered by Chris Ward - Parliamentary Secretary (Cabinet Office)

The Cabinet Office continues to receive support from the National Infrastructure and Service Transformation Authority for the Falcon Programme.

All key recommendations from the review have been addressed including:

• Appointing a new Senior Responsible Owner (SRO) supported by an experienced Programme Director.

• Additional specialist resources have been deployed including an experienced programme planner and a comprehensive plan has been produced.

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask His Majesty's Government what steps they are taking to ensure that they are following their legal duty to keep under review the question of when uncommenced legislation should be brought into force.

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

Each Government Department is responsible for keeping uncommenced legislation under review.

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, with reference to page 92 of the Strategic Defence Review, published on 2 June 2025, how many (a) public engagements and (b) private meetings Ministers in their Department have undertaken related to the national conversation on defence and security.

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

Ministers have regular discussions with officials, external experts and ministerial colleagues on a range of issues, including national security, defence and resilience, and associated public communications.

As set out in the Strategic Defence Review, the national conversation will be a multi-year engagement designed to embed a whole-of-society approach, where Government, businesses, and the public all play a part in strengthening our resilience. This addresses the risks we face, including threats below and above the threshold of an armed attack.

The Cabinet Office-led Home Defence Programme has begun this work by starting to familiarise the public with their role in national security and resilience, and is supporting associated communications led by the Ministry of Defence on reserves. Effective public information and advice on emergency preparedness, available through the Prepare website (https://www.gov.uk/prepare), is central to our whole-of-society approach — when people know what immediate action they should take during an emergency, they strengthen our national resilience.

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, with reference to paragraph 88 of the UK Government Resilience Action Plan, how many meetings Ministers have attended related to the Home Defence Programme.

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

Ministers have regular discussions with officials, external experts and ministerial colleagues on a range of issues, including national security, defence and resilience.

The Home Defence Programme was established in August 2024 to build the UK’s resilience to any potential escalation to conflict. It is an evolving and enduring programme of work which provides defence, security and resilience planning, focused on aligning military and civil effort in the event of a period of crisis and international hostilities affecting the UK. It is informed by and reflects the recommendations from government strategies, including the Strategic Defence Review, National Security Strategy and Resilience Action Plan.

The Cabinet Office coordinates the Home Defence Programme, working closely with the MoD and other departments.

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, what guidance has been given to Ministers on whether they may pro-actively disclose their communications with Lord Mandelson prior to the publication of the Government’s response to the Humble Address.

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, the Written Ministerial Statement in the name of the Chief Secretary to the Prime Minister that same day, and Oral Statement on the 23 February which set out an update on the Government's process for complying with the Humble Address motion. 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, pursuant to the answer of 19 November 2025 to Question 90730 on Ministers: Official Cars, if he will provide equivalent information for July 2024 to March 2025.

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

Invoicing data for the period in question is included below.

The figures provided represent total charges to departments, inclusive of all associated costs such as Transport for London (TfL) congestion charge, as well as travel and subsistence claims submitted by drivers in the delivery of the service.

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, pursuant to the answer of 5 November 2025 to Question 85497 on Official Cars, what information his Department holds on the greenhouse gas emissions for the Government Car Service in 2024-25.

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

A consolidated record of total greenhouse gas emissions of the Government Car Service (GCS) fleet is not held centrally. These reporting arrangements are longstanding and have not changed since the previous administration.

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, whether his Department archived emails (a) sent by and (b) received from John Pond between 2007 and 2010.

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

Yes. The Cabinet Office archives official communications in line with its obligations under the Public Records Act 1958, the Code of Practice on the Management of Records issued under section 46 the Freedom of Information Act 2000, and the Guidance for the management of Private Office information and records.

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask His Majesty's Government, further to the Written Answer by Baroness Anderson of Stoke-on-Trent on 3 February (HL13976), and with reference to paragraph 223 of the Cabinet Office Guide to Parliamentary Work and paragraph 1.6(d) of the Ministerial Code, what is the reason why current policy development prevents the publication of the previous guidance to the Civil Service about speaking to the media.

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

This guidance is currently under development in a live policy area. Premature release of this information would inhibit the free and frank provision of advice for policy development.

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask His Majesty's Government when the Freedom of Information request review IR2025/20474 will be completed; and why that review has not yet been completed.

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

The Cabinet Office responded to the Lord’s request for an internal review on 3 March 2026.

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, whether the Prime Minister was informed of Gordon Brown's letter to the Cabinet Secretary of February 2025 on the relationship between Lord Mandelson and Jeffery Epstein.

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

I refer the Hon Member to the Chief Secretary to the Prime Minister’s words to the House during the debate on the ‘US Department of Justice Release of Files’ on Monday 2 February (Hansard Vol 780, Col 49).

https://hansard.parliament.uk/Commons/2026-02-02/debates/10A2B314-165E-4992-A7BF-0F30739D7BBD/USDepartmentOfJusticeReleaseOfFiles

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, whether the Cabinet Secretary has received representations from Gordon Brown on communications between Lord Mandelson and Jeffery Epstein.

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

I refer the Hon Member to the Chief Secretary to the Prime Minister’s words to the House during the debate on the ‘US Department of Justice Release of Files’ on Monday 2 February (Hansard Vol 780, Col 49).

https://hansard.parliament.uk/Commons/2026-02-02/debates/10A2B314-165E-4992-A7BF-0F30739D7BBD/USDepartmentOfJusticeReleaseOfFiles

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Found: IBI0005 - Inquiry into the recommendations of the Infected Blood Inquiry (Stage 1) UK Government - Cabinet Office

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Found: Rt Hon Baroness Smith of Malvern Minister for Women and Equalities Cabinet Office

Found: Agreement of NCR with HMT ME 120,241,175 BCT Out Cabinet Office

Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, with reference to page 92 of the Strategic Defence Review, how many meetings officials from their Department have attended on the national conversation on defence and security; which directorate in their Department is responsible for the departmental contribution to that national conversation; and what the job title is of the official responsible.

Answered by Sharon Hodgson - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department of Health and Social Care)

Officials from the Department of Health and Social Care regularly attend meetings to discuss matters of national security, defence, and resilience as well as the associated public communications required to deliver these lines of efforts. The conversation on national defence was a recommendation in the 2025 Strategic Defence Review (SDR), which the Government accepted. The Ministry of Defence is the lead department for delivering the SDR, with support from the Cabinet Office, and particularly from the National Security Secretariat.

As set out in the Strategic Defence Review, the national conversation will be a multi-year, cross-departmental effort designed to deliver on the whole-of-society approach to national security and defence allowing the Government, the private sector, and the public to play their part in strengthening the United Kingdom’s resilience to any potential future shocks. This work addresses the risks and threats the UK faces, including those below and above the threshold of an armed attack.

The Department of Health and Social Care is actively supporting this work. The Emergency Preparedness and Health Protection Directorate works across the Department, the health system, and wider partners to strengthen our response on health security, which includes defence and officials having regular meetings with their defence counterparts.

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, with reference to page 92 of the Strategic Defence Review, how many meetings officials from their Department have attended on the national conversation on defence and security; which directorate in their Department is responsible for the departmental contribution to that national conversation; and what the job title is of the official responsible.

Answered by Michael Shanks - Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)

Officials from the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero regularly attend meetings to discuss matters of national security, defence and resilience as well as the associated public communications required to deliver these lines of efforts. The conversation on National Defence was a recommendation in the 2025 Strategic Defence Review (SDR), which the Government accepted. The Ministry of Defence is the lead department for delivering the SDR, with support from the Cabinet Office, and particularly from the National Security Secretariat.

As set out in the Strategic Defence Review, the national conversation will be a multi-year, cross-departmental effort designed to deliver on the whole-of-society approach to national security and defence allowing Government, the private sector and public to play their part in strengthening the UK’s resilience to any potential future shocks. This work addresses the risks and threats the UK faces, including those below and above the threshold of an armed attack.

The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero is actively supporting this work, with the Director for Energy Security and Resilience engaging closely with domestic and international partners, to monitor threats to energy infrastructure in the UK and abroad, share situational awareness, and identify trends that may have implications for national security.

Question to the Scotland Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland, with reference to page 92 of the Strategic Defence Review, how many meetings officials from their Department have attended on the national conversation on defence and security; which directorate in their Department is responsible for the departmental contribution to that national conversation; and what the job title is of the official responsible.

Answered by Kirsty McNeill - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Scotland Office)

The conversation on National Defence was a recommendation in the 2025 Strategic Defence Review (SDR), which the Government accepted. The MOD is the lead department for delivering the SDR, with support from the Cabinet Office, and particularly from the National Security Secretariat.

This will be a multi-year, cross-departmental effort designed to deliver on the whole-of-society approach to national security and defence allowing Government, the private sector and public to play their part in strengthening the UK’s resilience to any potential future shocks. This work addresses the risks and threats the UK faces, including those below and above the threshold of an armed attack.

The Scotland Office is actively supporting this by working closely with the MOD, as well as on the development of a Defence Growth Deal in Scotland and wider engagement with industry, local authorities and academia to support jobs, investment, and skills development in Scotland’s defence sector.

Question to the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, with reference to page 92 of the Strategic Defence Review, how many meetings officials from their Department have attended on the national conversation on defence and security; which directorate in their Department is responsible for the departmental contribution to that national conversation; and what the job title is of the official responsible.

Answered by Stephanie Peacock - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Culture, Media and Sport)

Officials from the Department for Culture, Media and Sport regularly attend meetings to discuss matters of national security, defence and resilience as well as the associated public communications required to deliver these lines of efforts. The conversation on National Defence was a recommendation in the 2025 Strategic Defence Review (SDR), which the Government accepted. The Ministry of Defence is the lead department for delivering the SDR, with support from the Cabinet Office, and particularly from the National Security Secretariat.

As set out in the Strategic Defence Review, the national conversation will be a multi-year, cross-departmental effort designed to deliver on the whole-of-society approach to national security and defence allowing Government, the private sector and public to play their part in strengthening the UK’s resilience to any potential future shocks. This work addresses the risks and threats the UK faces, including those below and above the threshold of an armed attack.

The department is actively supporting this work and regularly attends Cross-Whitehall fora on national resilience. The work is supported at official level through the Project Delivery and Major Events, and Media and International directorates, and the Permanent Secretary’s Office.

Question to the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, what steps her Department is taking to comply with the Cabinet Office’s guidance not to hire standalone EDI roles.

Answered by Ian Murray - Minister of State (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology)

The Department is fully compliant with Cabinet Office guidance relating to standalone EDI roles.

Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what discussions he has had with Cabinet colleagues on the level of requirement for improvements in the provision of stroke rehabilitation.

Answered by Stephen Kinnock - Minister of State (Department of Health and Social Care)

My Rt Hon. Friend, the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, has regular discussions with a range of Cabinet Office colleagues on improvements to National Health Services. There has not been a recent specific meeting on stroke rehabilitation.

As set out in the Government’s 10-Year Health Plan, we are committed to improving services for patients locally by increasing the provision of services outside of a hospital setting that are delivered closer to home in the community.

The National Stroke Service Model provides best practice for stroke care, including post-discharge, which should include comprehensive rehabilitation and personalised care and support.

The National Stroke Quality Improvement in Rehabilitation programme is helping to transform community-based care by increasing access to specialist stroke rehabilitation at home.

Question to the Northern Ireland Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, with reference to page 92 of the Strategic Defence Review, how many meetings officials from their Department have attended on the national conversation on defence and security; which directorate in their Department is responsible for the departmental contribution to that national conversation; and what the job title is of the official responsible.

Answered by Hilary Benn - Secretary of State for Northern Ireland

Officials from the Northern Ireland Office regularly attend meetings to discuss matters of national security, defence and resilience as well as the associated public communications required to deliver these lines of efforts. The conversation on National Defence was a recommendation in the 2025 Strategic Defence Review (SDR), which the Government accepted. The Ministry of Defence is the lead department for delivering the SDR, with support from the Cabinet Office, and particularly from the National Security Secretariat.

As set out in the Strategic Defence Review, the national conversation will be a multi-year, cross-departmental effort designed to deliver on the whole-of-society approach to national security and defence allowing Government, the private sector and the public to play their part in strengthening the UK’s resilience to any potential future shocks. This work addresses the risks and threats the UK faces, including those below and above the threshold of an armed attack.

The Northern Ireland Office is actively supporting this work across a number of directorates including discussions with defence industry representatives, businesses and academia to better understand the contribution of the defence sector in Northern Ireland. This work is led by the Director for Security, International and NI Politics, and the Director for Growth, Public Service Transformation and NI Fiscal Sustainability.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether his Department plans to review the annual cap of 1,350 Commonwealth recruits, in light of continued high demand from eligible applicants across the Commonwealth.

Answered by Louise Sandher-Jones - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence)

Commonwealth citizens are, and always will be, an important and valued part of the UK Armed Forces and we have never stopped recruiting them. Citizens of over 40 Commonwealth countries are currently serving in the UK Armed Forces, and as at 1 October 2025, there were 5,510 Commonwealth personnel in the Trained and Trade Trained strength of the Regular Armed Forces.

Commonwealth citizens applying to join the UK Armed Forces must have valid immigration permission to be in the UK during the selection process. For those not already in the UK, the Home Office allow Armed Forces applicants who have been invited to undergo selection, to enter the UK on the visitor route either via a visitor visa or an Electronic Travel Authorisation depending on their country of origin. Once successful applicants are recruited and begin their training, the Home Office exempts them from immigration control for the duration of their Regular service.

The national security vetting (NSV) process is owned by the Cabinet Office, and the MOD must comply with it. As part of this, a UK (Great Britain and Northern Ireland) footprint is an integral part of the NSV process for joining the Armed Forces, and clearance levels vary depending on the Service, rank and role applied for.  Where an applicant, regardless of nationality, has not resided in the UK continuously for the required period prior to their application additional checks may be needed.   Each Service keeps these requirements under review.

Due to an unprecedented volume of applications in August 2024, the Army is not currently accepting new applications from Commonwealth citizens, other than for those who wish to be musicians, whilst it processes those who have already applied. It is not possible at this stage to say when the application window will fully re-open, but Commonwealth citizens are continuing to join the Army. The Royal Navy continues to accept Expressions of Interest and the Royal Air Force continues to accept applications from Commonwealth citizens.

There are currently no plans to review the maximum 1,350 Basic Training Start limit for Commonwealth citizens each Recruiting Year (1 March – 30 April). The number of Commonwealth citizens who are recruited each year within the 1,350 limit and for the Army, the additional 15% limit on the number of Commonwealth personnel serving in each cap badge, is adjusted as necessary by the three Services to meet their Service and operational needs.

Commonwealth citizens serve on largely the same Terms of Service as their British and Irish counterparts including pay and pensions and have the same access to service accommodation and welfare support. The Ministry of Defence also works closely with the Home Office to ensure that non-UK personnel including Commonwealth citizens and their families benefit from specific immigration rules which enable them to enter, live, work and settle in the UK and become British citizens.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, for what reason the application windows for Commonwealth citizens seeking to join the Armed Forces are closed in some services; and when those windows will reopen.

Answered by Louise Sandher-Jones - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence)

Commonwealth citizens are, and always will be, an important and valued part of the UK Armed Forces and we have never stopped recruiting them. Citizens of over 40 Commonwealth countries are currently serving in the UK Armed Forces, and as at 1 October 2025, there were 5,510 Commonwealth personnel in the Trained and Trade Trained strength of the Regular Armed Forces.

Commonwealth citizens applying to join the UK Armed Forces must have valid immigration permission to be in the UK during the selection process. For those not already in the UK, the Home Office allow Armed Forces applicants who have been invited to undergo selection, to enter the UK on the visitor route either via a visitor visa or an Electronic Travel Authorisation depending on their country of origin. Once successful applicants are recruited and begin their training, the Home Office exempts them from immigration control for the duration of their Regular service.

The national security vetting (NSV) process is owned by the Cabinet Office, and the MOD must comply with it. As part of this, a UK (Great Britain and Northern Ireland) footprint is an integral part of the NSV process for joining the Armed Forces, and clearance levels vary depending on the Service, rank and role applied for.  Where an applicant, regardless of nationality, has not resided in the UK continuously for the required period prior to their application additional checks may be needed.   Each Service keeps these requirements under review.

Due to an unprecedented volume of applications in August 2024, the Army is not currently accepting new applications from Commonwealth citizens, other than for those who wish to be musicians, whilst it processes those who have already applied. It is not possible at this stage to say when the application window will fully re-open, but Commonwealth citizens are continuing to join the Army. The Royal Navy continues to accept Expressions of Interest and the Royal Air Force continues to accept applications from Commonwealth citizens.

There are currently no plans to review the maximum 1,350 Basic Training Start limit for Commonwealth citizens each Recruiting Year (1 March – 30 April). The number of Commonwealth citizens who are recruited each year within the 1,350 limit and for the Army, the additional 15% limit on the number of Commonwealth personnel serving in each cap badge, is adjusted as necessary by the three Services to meet their Service and operational needs.

Commonwealth citizens serve on largely the same Terms of Service as their British and Irish counterparts including pay and pensions and have the same access to service accommodation and welfare support. The Ministry of Defence also works closely with the Home Office to ensure that non-UK personnel including Commonwealth citizens and their families benefit from specific immigration rules which enable them to enter, live, work and settle in the UK and become British citizens.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what steps his Department is taking to encourage and support Commonwealth citizens to join the Armed Forces.

Answered by Louise Sandher-Jones - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence)

Commonwealth citizens are, and always will be, an important and valued part of the UK Armed Forces and we have never stopped recruiting them. Citizens of over 40 Commonwealth countries are currently serving in the UK Armed Forces, and as at 1 October 2025, there were 5,510 Commonwealth personnel in the Trained and Trade Trained strength of the Regular Armed Forces.

Commonwealth citizens applying to join the UK Armed Forces must have valid immigration permission to be in the UK during the selection process. For those not already in the UK, the Home Office allow Armed Forces applicants who have been invited to undergo selection, to enter the UK on the visitor route either via a visitor visa or an Electronic Travel Authorisation depending on their country of origin. Once successful applicants are recruited and begin their training, the Home Office exempts them from immigration control for the duration of their Regular service.

The national security vetting (NSV) process is owned by the Cabinet Office, and the MOD must comply with it. As part of this, a UK (Great Britain and Northern Ireland) footprint is an integral part of the NSV process for joining the Armed Forces, and clearance levels vary depending on the Service, rank and role applied for.  Where an applicant, regardless of nationality, has not resided in the UK continuously for the required period prior to their application additional checks may be needed.   Each Service keeps these requirements under review.

Due to an unprecedented volume of applications in August 2024, the Army is not currently accepting new applications from Commonwealth citizens, other than for those who wish to be musicians, whilst it processes those who have already applied. It is not possible at this stage to say when the application window will fully re-open, but Commonwealth citizens are continuing to join the Army. The Royal Navy continues to accept Expressions of Interest and the Royal Air Force continues to accept applications from Commonwealth citizens.

There are currently no plans to review the maximum 1,350 Basic Training Start limit for Commonwealth citizens each Recruiting Year (1 March – 30 April). The number of Commonwealth citizens who are recruited each year within the 1,350 limit and for the Army, the additional 15% limit on the number of Commonwealth personnel serving in each cap badge, is adjusted as necessary by the three Services to meet their Service and operational needs.

Commonwealth citizens serve on largely the same Terms of Service as their British and Irish counterparts including pay and pensions and have the same access to service accommodation and welfare support. The Ministry of Defence also works closely with the Home Office to ensure that non-UK personnel including Commonwealth citizens and their families benefit from specific immigration rules which enable them to enter, live, work and settle in the UK and become British citizens.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether his Department plans to review eligibility and residency requirements for Commonwealth citizens applying to join the UK Armed Forces, particularly in relation to security vetting and immigration conditions.

Answered by Louise Sandher-Jones - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence)

Commonwealth citizens are, and always will be, an important and valued part of the UK Armed Forces and we have never stopped recruiting them. Citizens of over 40 Commonwealth countries are currently serving in the UK Armed Forces, and as at 1 October 2025, there were 5,510 Commonwealth personnel in the Trained and Trade Trained strength of the Regular Armed Forces.

Commonwealth citizens applying to join the UK Armed Forces must have valid immigration permission to be in the UK during the selection process. For those not already in the UK, the Home Office allow Armed Forces applicants who have been invited to undergo selection, to enter the UK on the visitor route either via a visitor visa or an Electronic Travel Authorisation depending on their country of origin. Once successful applicants are recruited and begin their training, the Home Office exempts them from immigration control for the duration of their Regular service.

The national security vetting (NSV) process is owned by the Cabinet Office, and the MOD must comply with it. As part of this, a UK (Great Britain and Northern Ireland) footprint is an integral part of the NSV process for joining the Armed Forces, and clearance levels vary depending on the Service, rank and role applied for.  Where an applicant, regardless of nationality, has not resided in the UK continuously for the required period prior to their application additional checks may be needed.   Each Service keeps these requirements under review.

Due to an unprecedented volume of applications in August 2024, the Army is not currently accepting new applications from Commonwealth citizens, other than for those who wish to be musicians, whilst it processes those who have already applied. It is not possible at this stage to say when the application window will fully re-open, but Commonwealth citizens are continuing to join the Army. The Royal Navy continues to accept Expressions of Interest and the Royal Air Force continues to accept applications from Commonwealth citizens.

There are currently no plans to review the maximum 1,350 Basic Training Start limit for Commonwealth citizens each Recruiting Year (1 March – 30 April). The number of Commonwealth citizens who are recruited each year within the 1,350 limit and for the Army, the additional 15% limit on the number of Commonwealth personnel serving in each cap badge, is adjusted as necessary by the three Services to meet their Service and operational needs.

Commonwealth citizens serve on largely the same Terms of Service as their British and Irish counterparts including pay and pensions and have the same access to service accommodation and welfare support. The Ministry of Defence also works closely with the Home Office to ensure that non-UK personnel including Commonwealth citizens and their families benefit from specific immigration rules which enable them to enter, live, work and settle in the UK and become British citizens.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of temporary recruitment pauses for Commonwealth citizens on staffing levels in the Army, Royal Navy, and Royal Air Force.

Answered by Louise Sandher-Jones - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence)

Commonwealth citizens are, and always will be, an important and valued part of the UK Armed Forces and we have never stopped recruiting them. Citizens of over 40 Commonwealth countries are currently serving in the UK Armed Forces, and as at 1 October 2025, there were 5,510 Commonwealth personnel in the Trained and Trade Trained strength of the Regular Armed Forces.

Commonwealth citizens applying to join the UK Armed Forces must have valid immigration permission to be in the UK during the selection process. For those not already in the UK, the Home Office allow Armed Forces applicants who have been invited to undergo selection, to enter the UK on the visitor route either via a visitor visa or an Electronic Travel Authorisation depending on their country of origin. Once successful applicants are recruited and begin their training, the Home Office exempts them from immigration control for the duration of their Regular service.

The national security vetting (NSV) process is owned by the Cabinet Office, and the MOD must comply with it. As part of this, a UK (Great Britain and Northern Ireland) footprint is an integral part of the NSV process for joining the Armed Forces, and clearance levels vary depending on the Service, rank and role applied for.  Where an applicant, regardless of nationality, has not resided in the UK continuously for the required period prior to their application additional checks may be needed.   Each Service keeps these requirements under review.

Due to an unprecedented volume of applications in August 2024, the Army is not currently accepting new applications from Commonwealth citizens, other than for those who wish to be musicians, whilst it processes those who have already applied. It is not possible at this stage to say when the application window will fully re-open, but Commonwealth citizens are continuing to join the Army. The Royal Navy continues to accept Expressions of Interest and the Royal Air Force continues to accept applications from Commonwealth citizens.

There are currently no plans to review the maximum 1,350 Basic Training Start limit for Commonwealth citizens each Recruiting Year (1 March – 30 April). The number of Commonwealth citizens who are recruited each year within the 1,350 limit and for the Army, the additional 15% limit on the number of Commonwealth personnel serving in each cap badge, is adjusted as necessary by the three Services to meet their Service and operational needs.

Commonwealth citizens serve on largely the same Terms of Service as their British and Irish counterparts including pay and pensions and have the same access to service accommodation and welfare support. The Ministry of Defence also works closely with the Home Office to ensure that non-UK personnel including Commonwealth citizens and their families benefit from specific immigration rules which enable them to enter, live, work and settle in the UK and become British citizens.

Question to the Ministry of Justice:

To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, with reference to page 92 of the Strategic Defence Review, how many meetings officials from their Department have attended on the national conversation on defence and security; which directorate in their Department is responsible for the departmental contribution to that national conversation; and what the job title is of the official responsible.

Answered by Jake Richards - Assistant Whip

Officials from the Ministry of Justice regularly attend meetings to discuss matters of national security, defence and resilience as well as the associated public communications required to deliver these lines of efforts. The conversation on National Defence was a recommendation in the 2025 Strategic Defence Review (SDR), which the Government accepted. The Ministry of Defence is the lead department for delivering the SDR, with support from the Cabinet Office, and particularly from the National Security Secretariat.

As set out in the Strategic Defence Review, the national conversation will be a multi-year, cross-departmental effort designed to deliver on the whole-of-society approach to national security and defence allowing Government, the private sector and public to play their part in strengthening the UK’s resilience to any potential future shocks. This work addresses the risks and threats the UK faces, including those below and above the threshold of an armed attack.

The Ministry of Justice is actively supporting this work and regularly fields senior officials from across the Department, including the Permanent Secretary, to cross-government meetings on a range of issues, including national security, resilience and defence.

Question to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government:

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, with reference to page 92 of the Strategic Defence Review, how many meetings officials from their Department have attended on the national conversation on defence and security; which directorate in their Department is responsible for the departmental contribution to that national conversation; and what the job title is of the official responsible.

Answered by Samantha Dixon - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Housing, Communities and Local Government)

Senior officials from the Resilience and Recovery Directorate in MHCLG regularly attend meetings to discuss matters of national security, defence and resilience as well as the associated public communications required to deliver these lines of efforts. The conversation on National Defence was a recommendation in the 2025 Strategic Defence Review (SDR), which the Government accepted. The Ministry of Defence is the lead department for delivering the SDR, with support from the Cabinet Office, and particularly from the National Security Secretariat.

As set out in the Strategic Defence Review, the national conversation will be a multi-year, cross-departmental effort designed to deliver on the whole-of-society approach to national security and defence allowing Government, the private sector and public to play their part in strengthening the UK’s resilience to any potential future shocks. This work addresses the risks and threats the UK faces, including those below and above the threshold of an armed attack.

MHCLG is actively supporting this work, including liaising with Local Resilience Forums.

Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, with reference to page 92 of the Strategic Defence Review, how many meetings officials from their Department have attended on the national conversation on defence and security; which directorate in their Department is responsible for the departmental contribution to that national conversation; and what the job title is of the official responsible.

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

Officials from the Home Office regularly attend meetings to discuss matters of national security, defence and resilience as well as the associated public communications required to deliver these lines of efforts. The conversation on National Defence was a recommendation in the 2025 Strategic Defence Review (SDR), which the Government accepted. The Ministry of Defence is the lead department for delivering the SDR, with support from the Cabinet Office, and particularly from the National Security Secretariat.

As set out in the Strategic Defence Review, the national conversation will be a multi-year, cross-departmental effort designed to deliver on the whole-of-society approach to national security and defence allowing Government, the private sector and public to play their part in strengthening the UK’s resilience to any potential future shocks. This work addresses the risks and threats the UK faces, including those below and above the threshold of an armed attack.

Question to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs:

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what steps he is taking to improve long-term food security.

Answered by Angela Eagle - Minister of State (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)

The Food Sector is one of the UK's 13 Critical National Infrastructure sectors. Defra and the Food Standards Agency (FSA) are joint Lead Government Departments (LGDs), with Defra leading on supply and the FSA on food safety. Defra works closely with the Cabinet Office and other LGDs ensuring food supply is fully incorporated as part of emergency preparedness, including consideration of dependencies on other sectors. Defra works with industry and across Government to monitor risks that may arise. This includes extensive, regular and ongoing engagement in preparedness for, and response to, issues with the potential to cause disruption to food supply chains.

Question to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs:

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, with reference to page 92 of the Strategic Defence Review, how many meetings officials from their Department have attended on the national conversation on defence and security; which directorate in their Department is responsible for the departmental contribution to that national conversation; and what the job title is of the official responsible.

Answered by Angela Eagle - Minister of State (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)

Officials from the Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) regularly attend meetings to discuss matters of national security, defence and resilience as well as the associated public communications required to deliver these lines of efforts. The conversation on National Defence was a recommendation in the 2025 Strategic Defence Review (SDR), which the Government accepted. The Ministry of Defence is the lead department for delivering the SDR, with support from the Cabinet Office, and particularly from the National Security Secretariat.

As set out in the Strategic Defence Review, the national conversation will be a multi-year, cross-departmental effort designed to deliver on the whole-of-society approach to national security and defence allowing Government, the private sector and public to play their part in strengthening the UK’s resilience to any potential future shocks. This work addresses the risks and threats the UK faces, including those below and above the threshold of an armed attack.

Defra is actively supporting this work, with the National and Economic Security Team within the department’s Ministerial Growth and Resilience Directorate leading the coordination of contributions to discussions, including CNI responsibilities for Food and Water supply resilience.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, pursuant to the answer of 16 January 2026, to Question 103793, on Cabinet Office: Electronic Purchasing Card Solution, if she will place in the Library a copy of the invoice and receipt from TasteThatLove.

Answered by James Murray - Chief Secretary to the Treasury

Government Procurement Card spend data is declared in relevant transparency publications.

Question to the Wales Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales, with reference to page 92 of the Strategic Defence Review, how many meetings officials from their Department have attended on the national conversation on defence and security; which directorate in their Department is responsible for the departmental contribution to that national conversation; and what the job title is of the official responsible.

Answered by Jo Stevens - Secretary of State for Wales

Officials from the Wales Office regularly attend meetings to discuss matters of national security, defence and resilience as well as the associated public communications required to deliver these lines of efforts. The conversation on National Defence was a recommendation in the 2025 Strategic Defence Review (SDR), which the Government accepted. The Ministry of Defence is the lead department for delivering the SDR, with support from the Cabinet Office, and particularly from the National Security Secretariat.

As set out in the Strategic Defence Review, the national conversation will be a multi-year, cross-departmental effort designed to deliver on the whole-of-society approach to national security and defence allowing Government, the private sector and public to play their part in strengthening the UK’s resilience to any potential future shocks. This work addresses the risks and threats the UK faces, including those below and above the threshold of an armed attack.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to page 92 of the Strategic Defence Review, published on 2 June 2025, how many (a) public engagements and (b) private meetings Ministers in their Department have undertaken related to the national conversation on defence and security.

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

The Secretary of State for Defence has regular discussions with officials, external experts and Ministerial colleagues on a range of issues, including national security, defence and resilience, and associated public communications.

As set out in the Strategic Defence Review, the national conversation will be a multi-year engagement designed to embed a whole-of-society approach, where Government, businesses, and the public all play a part in strengthening our resilience. This addresses the risks we face, including threats below and above the threshold of an armed attack.

The Ministry of Defence is actively supporting this work as reflected in recent speeches by the Prime Minister and the Chief of the Defence Staff at the Munich Security Conference.

The Ministry of Defence continues to work closely with the Cabinet Office and wider Government Departments, contributing towards cross-Government efforts to increase public awareness and resilience to the most serious risks we face, including conflict scenarios.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to page 92 of the Strategic Defence Review, how many meetings officials from their Department have attended on the national conversation on defence and security; which directorate in their Department is responsible for the departmental contribution to that national conversation; and what the job title is of the official responsible.

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

Officials from The Ministry of Defence (MOD) regularly attend meetings to discuss matters of national security, defence and resilience as well as the associated public communications required to deliver these lines of efforts. The conversation on National Defence was a recommendation in the 2025 Strategic Defence Review (SDR), which the Government accepted. The Ministry of Defence is the lead department for delivering the SDR, with support from the Cabinet Office, and particularly from the National Security Secretariat.

As set out in the SDR, the national conversation will be a multi-year, cross-departmental effort designed to deliver on the whole-of-society approach to national security and defence allowing Government, the private sector and public to play their part in strengthening the UK’s resilience to any potential future shocks. This work addresses the risks and threats the UK faces, including those below and above the threshold of an armed attack.

The MOD is actively supporting this work, particularly playing a key role within the Cabinet Office-led Home Defence Programme. This is clear from the recent comments by the Chief of the Defence Staff at the Munich Security Conference. This work is supported at official level, through the Directorate for Defence Security Policy.

Question to the Department for Education:

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, whether (a) her Department and (b) the arms length bodies sponsored by her Department are compliant with the Supreme Court ruling in the case of For Women Scotland Ltd v The Scottish Ministers [2025].

Answered by Olivia Bailey - Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State (Department for Education) (Equalities)

All duty bearers, including departments and arm’s-length bodies, are expected to follow the law as clarified by the Supreme Court ruling. My right hon. Friend, the Prime Minister, has underlined this recently.

The Equality and Human Rights Commission has submitted a draft Code of Practice on services, public functions and associations to Ministers. This is being carefully reviewed by the Cabinet Office and will provide further guidance to duty bearers.

Question

To ask The Leader of the House, further to her Written Answer on 9 February (HL13919), what discussions she has had with the Cabinet Office on the failure to answer expeditiously the Written Question asked by Lord Jackson of Peterborough on 3 December 2025 (HL12630).

Answered by Baroness Smith of Basildon - Leader of the House of Lords and Lord Privy Seal

My office has kept in close contact with the Cabinet Office regarding the written question HL12630, the question was answered on Monday 9th March. I apologise for the delay in response.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to the answer of 27 January 2026 to Question 106742 on Military Aircraft: Ministers, whether the use of RAF CSAT aircraft includes use of military helicopters.

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

The hon. Member will recall that when this Government took office, we cancelled the VIP helicopter contract that had attracted so much criticism in previous years when used by the previous Government.

The current RAF Command Support Air Transport fleet consists of two RAF Envoy IV fixed wing aircraft. The fleet is used for the rapid and efficient transport of small numbers of high priority passengers or freight to deliver critical diplomatic engagement and/or military output. These aircraft offer a flexibility of response unachievable by other means and avoids the use of larger, more expensive, and less discreet aircraft. The Cabinet Office has responsibility for organising Ministerial helicopter transport. There are no military helicopters in the Command Support Air Transport fleet.

Question to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs:

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what steps she is taking with Cabinet colleagues to help support climate adaptation by Government.

Answered by Emma Hardy - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)

Defra is the lead department for domestic climate adaptation and works across Government, including with the Cabinet Office, in delivering this function. Defra is responsible for coordinating requirements set out in the UK Climate Change Act 2008. This includes preparing a UK Climate Change Risk Assessment every five years, followed by a National Adaptation Programme. While Defra coordinates this work, Government departments have responsibility for managing climate impacts to their policy areas.

Defra is also working with Government departments to develop stronger adaptation objectives and delivery plans for those ahead of the fourth National Adaptation Programme (NAP4) in 2028.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, whether (a) her Department and (b) the arms length bodies sponsored by her Department are compliant with the Supreme Court ruling in the case of For Women Scotland Ltd v The Scottish Ministers [2025].

Answered by Lucy Rigby - Economic Secretary (HM Treasury)

Cabinet Office have set out the expectation that all duty bearers, including Departments and arm’s-length bodies, follow the law as clarified by the Supreme Court ruling and seek specialist legal advice where necessary. The Prime Minister has underlined this recently. The Equality and Human Rights Commission has submitted a draft Code of Practice on services, public functions and associations to Ministers, and Cabinet Office are reviewing it with the care it deserves. This will provide further guidance to duty bearers.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to paragraph 88 of the UK Government Resilience Action Plan, how many meetings Ministers in their Department have attended related to the Home Defence Programme.

Answered by Al Carns - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence) (Minister for Veterans)

The Secretary of State for Defence has regular discussions with officials, external experts and Ministerial colleagues on a range of issues, including national security, defence and resilience.

The Home Defence Programme was established in August 2024 to build the UK's resilience to any potential escalation to conflict. It is an evolving and enduring programme of work which provides defence, security and resilience planning, focused on aligning military and civil effort in the event of a period of crisis and international hostilities affecting the UK, informed by and reflecting the recommendations from government strategies, including the Strategic Defence Review, National Security Strategy and Resilience Action Plan.

The Ministry of Defence is actively supporting this work and continues to work closely with the Cabinet Office and wider Government Departments on the Home Defence Programme and associated priorities.

Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, with reference to paragraph 88 of the UK Government Resilience Action Plan, how many meetings Ministers in their Department have attended related to the Home Defence Programme.

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

The Home Secretary and Security Minister – the latter in his role as a Minister of State at both the Home Office and Cabinet Office – have regular discussions with officials, external experts and ministerial colleagues on a range of issues, including national security, defence and resilience.

The Home Defence Programme was established in August 2024 to build the UK’s resilience to any potential escalation to conflict. It is an evolving and enduring programme of work which provides defence, security and resilience planning, focused on aligning military and civil effort in the event of a period of crisis and international hostilities affecting the UK, informed by and reflecting the recommendations from government strategies, including the Strategic Defence Review, National Security Strategy and Resilience Action Plan.

The Home Office is actively supporting this work in several ways, and is engaged on national security, defence and resilience priorities across government, including through its work on state threats, and its work on policing.

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Found: In March 2021, Cabinet Office refreshed its delivery model, moving away from the idea of individual

Found: This work has been led by Cabinet Office. 2 The aim of using shared services is to standardise processes

Found: infrastructure, Digital services, Digital transformation, Digital, data and technology Departments: Cabinet Office

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Found: The Cabinet Office has a separate process for classifying central government bodies for accountability

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Found: The GFiE scheme is a Cabinet Office led initiative which directly sources candidates, and offers them

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Found: by the National Audit Office, the Committee took evidence on Monday 20 October 2025 from the Cabinet Office

Found: by the National Audit Office, the Committee took evidence on Monday 20 October 2025 from the Cabinet Office

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Found: of several Department for Transport (DfT) public bodies being reviewed as part of the wider Cabinet Office

Found: infected and affected to raise concerns and have them addressed by IBCA and Cabinet Office

Found: The GFiE scheme is a Cabinet Office led initiative which directly sources candidates, and offers them

Found: Figure 1: Mapping of WLC management Process to Existing Project Lifecycle Frameworks 8 Cabinet Office

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

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

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Found: Government and the UK Government (including the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, Cabinet Office

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Found: Cross and WCVA were critical of the ResilienceDirect portal, a UK-wide service provided by the Cabinet Office

Found: Cross and WCVA were critical of the ResilienceDirect portal, a UK-wide service provided by the Cabinet Office

Found: internal public appointments data, the Welsh Government Consolidated Annual Accounts and the Cabinet Office

Found: and draw on the expertise of the UK Resilience Academy, which is part of the UK Government’s Cabinet Office