Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, pursuant to the answer of 19 January 2026 to Question 104623 on Cabinet Office: Proof of Identity, whether other government departments will be required to make savings to help fund the digital ID scheme.

Answered by James Frith - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology)

As per the answer provided by the Hon. Member for Makerfield on 19 January, the policy remains in development, with a dedicated team inside the Cabinet Office working to develop the proposals.

The Government has now launched a public consultation on making public services work for you with your digital identity. We are inviting the public to be part of a national conversation on how we can make it trusted, useful and inclusive.

We will focus on use cases that are most impactful for the public. Cost savings and efficiency will help determine our areas of focus.

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask His Majesty's Government, in regard to Part of a Return to an Address of the Honourable the House of Commons dated 4 February 2026 relating to the appointment of Lord Mandelson as HM Ambassador to Washington, published on 11 March (HC1774-1), whether the Return was subject to a Maxwellisation process.

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

I refer the Noble Lady to the Government's statement and release of information on 11th March, providing an update on the response to the Humble Address, repeated in the House of Lords on 17 March 2026 (HL Deb, cols 768-771). The Government is working to ensure that Parliament’s instruction is met with the urgency and transparency that it deserves.

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask His Majesty's Government, in regard to Part of a Return to an Address of the Honourable the House of Commons dated 4 February 2026 relating to the appointment of Lord Mandelson as HM Ambassador to Washington, published on 11 March (HC1774–1), whether they plan to publish Lord Mandelson's completed conflicts of interest form and declarations in a future volume of the return.

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

I refer the Noble Lady to the Government's statement and release of information on 11th March, providing an update on the response to the Humble Address, repeated in the House of Lords on 17 March 2026 (HL Deb, cols 768-771). The Government is working to ensure that Parliament’s instruction is met with the urgency and transparency that it deserves.

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, whether he has had discussions with EU counterparts on establishing reciprocal arrangements for the duration of visa-free tourist stays between the UK and countries in the Schengen Area.

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

HMG officials and Ministers, including myself, regularly engage the EU and EU Member State counterparts on a range of issues affecting UK nationals.

The UK and the EU allow for visa-free, short-term travel in line with their respective arrangements for third country nationals. The UK allows EU citizens visa-free travel for up to six months; the EU allows for visa-free travel within the Schengen Area for up to 90 days in any rolling 180-day period which is standard for third nationals travelling visa-free to the EU. UK nationals planning to stay longer will need permission from the relevant Member State. The UK Government will continue to listen to and advocate for UK nationals.

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, whether the Intelligence and Security Committee will have access to independent legal advice for the consideration of the redaction of the material to be released in response to the Humble Address of 4 February 2026.

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

I refer the Hon Member to the Government's statement and release of information on 11th March, providing an update on the response to the Humble Address. The Government is working to ensure that Parliament’s instruction is met with the urgency and transparency that it deserves.

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, for what reason Matthew Doyle was asked to undertake supplementary due diligence on Lord Mandelson being appointed as Ambassador, and whether the nature of Mr Doyle’s relationship with Mandelson was (a) declared or (b) considered as a potential conflict of interest.

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

I refer the Hon Member to the Government's statement and release of information on 11th March, providing an update on the response to the Humble Address. The Government is working 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, through what oral, written or electronic mechanism does the Prime Minister provide his feedback to Ministerial submissions in his daily box.

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

As has been the case under successive administrations, there are a range of different ways that ministers respond to advice.

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, whether he has provided guidance to Cabinet colleagues on recording overlay advice to Ministers.

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

The term “overlay advice” is not in general use, so no such guidance has been issued.

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, further to his oral statement of 9 February 2026, on Updates on Standards in Public Life, what are the terms of reference of the review of the (a) declaration and publication of financial interests, (b) transparency around lobbying and (c) use of non-corporate communication channels within Government; and whether these reviews will be conducted by (i) the Cabinet Office or (ii) the Ethics and Integrity Commission.

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

The Prime Minister has asked the Ethics and Integrity Commission to conduct a review of the current arrangements relating to financial disclosures for ministers and senior officials, transparency around lobbying and the business appointment rules. A letter from the Prime Minister to the Chair of the Ethics and Integrity Commission setting out the terms of reference for the review is on gov.uk at the following link:

https://www.gov.uk/government/news/ethics-and-integrity-commission-to-review-lobbying-disclosure-and-access-to-government

Further details on the review of use of non-corporate communication channels within Government will be provided in due course.

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, what steps he is taking to help avoid conflicts of interest for civil servants working on ISC oversight of his Department’s response to the Humble Address of 4 February 2026.

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

I refer the Hon Member to the Government's statement and release of information on 11th March, providing an update on the response to the Humble Address. The Government is working to ensure that Parliament’s instruction is met with the urgency and transparency that it deserves.

Civil Servants remain bound by the Civil Service Code at all times, and by their departmental policies on managing conflicts of interest.

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, whether (a) Cabinet Office Legal Advisers and (b) the National Security Adviser will have a role in the redaction of the material to be released in response to the Humble Address of 4 February 2026.

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

I refer the Hon Member to the Government's statement and release of information on 11th March, providing an update on the response to the Humble Address. The Government is working to ensure that Parliament’s instruction is met with the urgency and transparency that it deserves.

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, whether the Propriety and Ethics Team who produced the due diligence on Lord Mandelson were involved in the substantive response to the Humble Address motion of 4 February 2026.

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

Staff from across the Cabinet Office including but not limited to the Public Inquiry Response Unit and the Propriety and Constitution Group are involved in compliance with the Humble Address motion as necessary.

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, further to the UK-EU Summit - Common Understanding, 22 December 2025, whether he intends that the UK Government will make additional financial contributions to the European Union as a consequence of the provisions on the use of E-Gates.

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

No.

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, pursuant to the answer of 4 March 2026, to Question 115552, on Public Appointments, if he will publish his Department's own guidance on how to undertake due diligence that was approved by the Cabinet Office Accounting Officer.

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

The Cabinet Office conducts due diligence on all shortlisted candidates prior to interview. As outlined in our candidate packs, these checks include a review of self-declarations from candidates and an assessment of information in the public domain related to a candidate’s conduct and professional capacity. These checks are then provided to the appointing Minister to inform their final decision.

Central guidance is provided to all Cabinet Office teams to ensure a consistent approach; however, we do not routinely publish internal policy documents.

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, what the terms of reference were of the fact-finding exercise of the General Counsel to the Prime Minister in the context of the return to the Humble Address; and whether there was a report of that exercise.

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

I refer the Hon Member to the Government's statement and release of information on 11th March, providing an update on the response to the Humble Address. The Government is working 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 his statement of 11 March 2026, Official Report, Column 364, on Lord Mandelson: Response to Humble Address Motion, whether he has consulted lawyers in the Metropolitan Police.

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

As per the statement from the Metropolitan Police on 4th February 2026, they are asking us to refrain from publishing any relevant documents that could prejudice their investigation. We do not comment on ongoing police investigations. The Government stands ready to support the police in whatever way it can.

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, whether he plans to amend his Department's guidance to civil servants, Ministers and special advisers on using non-corporate communication devices.

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

I refer the Member for Kingswinford and South Staffordshire to my replies to his Parliamentary Questions 112176 and 112653. The current guidance was issued under the previous government. We plan to review the way that non-corporate communication channels are used in Government and to update the accompanying guidance to reflect the changes in the ways we use technology.

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, whether the information Lord Mandelson provided as part of the vetting process for his appointment to UK Ambassador to the United States impacted his dismissal from that role.

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

I refer the Hon Member to the Government's statement and release of information on 11th March, providing an update on the response to the Humble Address. The Government is working to ensure that Parliament’s instruction is met with the urgency and transparency that it deserves.

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, whether he considers papers relating to Global Counsel to be in scope of the response to the Humble Address of 4 February 2026.

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

I refer you to the Government's statement and release of information on 11th March, providing an update on the response to the Humble Address. The Government is working 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, who was interviewed by the General Counsel to the Prime Minister in his fact-finding exercise in the context of the return to the Humble Address; and how many people were interviewed.

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

I refer the Hon Member to the Government's statement and release of information on 11th March, providing an update on the response to the Humble Address. The Government is working 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, further to the Government response to the Humble Address on Lord Mandelson, Volume 1, whether electronic messages in media other than emails will be included in a future Volume to the Return.

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

I refer the Hon Member to the Government's statement and release of information on 11th March, providing an update on the response to the Humble Address. The Government is working 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, with reference to his statement on Lord Mandelson: Response to Humble Address Motion of 11 March 2026, Official Report, Column 360, which document had a limited redaction.

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

I refer the Hon Member to the Government's statement and release of information on 11th March, providing an update on the response to the Humble Address. The Government is working to ensure that Parliament’s instruction is met with the urgency and transparency that it deserves.

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, whether people mentioned in the Government return to the Humble Address were consulted on any (a) exclusions and (b) redactions in the material that was released prior to publication.

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

I refer you to the Oral Statement on the 23 February and the Government’s statement on 11 March which set out an update on the Government's process for complying with the Humble Address motion. The Government is working to ensure that Parliament’s instruction is met with urgency and transparency ensuring proper process is rigorously followed.

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, whether the Government response to the Humble Address will include records of phone calls made to Lord Mandelson’s mobile phone from Downing Street connected through the No10 switchboard.

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

I refer the Hon Member to the Government's statement and release of information on 11th March, providing an update on the response to the Humble Address. The Government is working 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, with reference to the entry for Global Counsel Limited, published on the Foreign Influence Registration Scheme register, which special advisers since July 2024 were contacted by Global Counsel in relation to Qatar.

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

The Cabinet Office does not centrally hold this information.

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, whether his Department has considered establishing an appeals process for any applicant who is refused a Special Categorisation Mechanism payment as part of their overall compensation offer from the Infected Blood Compensation Authority.

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

Anyone is able to appeal against a decision made by the Infected Blood Compensation Authority (IBCA) about any aspect of their infected blood compensation scheme application. Information on how this can be done can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/appeal-an-infected-blood-compensation-decision

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, what provision his department has put in place to undertake a human rights impact assessment of the infected blood compensation process.

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

The Cabinet Office has carried out analysis under the Public Sector Equality Duty for all regulations made to establish the Infected Blood Compensation Scheme. The most recent analysis was published in October and can be viewed here: https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukdsi/2025/9780348276077/pdfs/ukdsipes_9780348276077_en_001.pdf

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, pursuant to the answer of 17 March 2026, to Question 115826, on Propriety and Constitution Group, whether the staff who produced, reviewed and approved the due diligence guidance on Lord Mandelson are involved in the Government response to the Humble Address on Lord Mandelson.

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

I refer the Hon Member to my previous response.

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, pursuant to the answer of 17 March 2026, to Question 118776, on Cabinet Office: Social Media, whether the requirements on influencers require them (a) to tag the social media post as an advertisement and (b) to state on their social media post the name of their client, the UK Government.

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

I refer the Hon Gentleman to the answer to PQ113587.

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, whether the Cabinet Office's due diligence on Lord Mandelson included an assessment of Global Counsel's work for (a) Palantir and (b) OpenAI.

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

I refer the Hon Member to the Government's release of information on 11th March in response to the Humble Address motion.

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, further to the Part of a Return to an Address of the Honourable the House of Commons dated 4 February 2026 relating to the appointment of Lord Mandelson as HM Ambassador to Washington, Volume 1, HC1774-I, 11 March 2026, whether the Intelligence and Security Committee had access to independent legal advice for the consideration of the redaction of the material.

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

The Government does not comment on the resourcing decisions taken by the Intelligence and Security Committee (ISC).

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask His Majesty's Government what limit they intend to place on the number of individuals entering the UK under the proposed UK-EU youth mobility scheme.

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

We have agreed that we will work towards the establishment of a balanced youth experience scheme with the EU. This will provide a valuable form of cultural exchange for young Brits and EU citizens with the opportunity to travel, work, study and experience other cultures. The UK and EU agreed ahead of the Summit that any scheme will be subject to a cap. This is what the Common Understanding language means by ‘ensure that the overall number of participants is acceptable to both sides’. Any scheme would create new opportunities for young Brits, while being in line with the Government’s plans to restore control over the immigration system and reduce net migration. The exact details are subject to ongoing negotiations, but any scheme will need to be in the UK’s national interests.

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask His Majesty's Government, further to the Written Answer by Baroness Anderson of Stoke-on-Trent on 9 March (HL14751), what resources, guidance or similar they provide to departments to support their legal duty to keep under review the question of when uncommenced legislation should be brought into force; and what reporting mechanisms they use to ensure that that duty is being met.

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

Each Government department is responsible for ensuring that this duty is met, including monitoring, reporting and guidance.

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask His Majesty's Government, further to the Written Answer by Baroness Anderson of Stoke-on-Trent on 9 March (HL14751), and the remarks by Baroness Taylor of Stevenage on 5 March (HL Deb col 585GC), what steps they are taking to ensure that departments are resourced to meet 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 ensuring adequate resourcing to keep uncommenced legislation under review.

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask His Majesty's Government, further to the Written Answer by the Paymaster General and Minister for the Cabinet Office on 24 February (HC113702), and with reference to paragraph 223 of the Guide to Parliamentary Work, updated on 19 November 2024, what is the public interest rationale for not publishing the guidance on the rebranding of HM Government to the UK Government in public communications.

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, in light of the Child Poverty Strategy, published on 5 December 2025, whether the Cabinet Office propriety and ethics team approved the references to the Labour government in that strategy.

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

It is longstanding practice not to comment on the provision of internal advice, including whether or not particular advice has been provided.

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask His Majesty's Government why the information on the staff breakdown by public body under the Government Communication Service audit was disclosed in the FOI Internal Review response IR2025/05101 of 29 May 2025 and the Written Answer by the former Parliamentary Secretary to the Cabinet Office on 4 September 2025 (HC70468), but was not published by the Cabinet Office in Written Answer by the Paymaster General and Minister for the Cabinet Office on 24 February (HC113610).

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

There had been no plans to routinely publish this information as this information is collected for operational purposes.

The data provided for HC70468 had already been published in the public domain via the referenced Internal Review.

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask His Majesty's Government, further to the remarks by Baroness Smith of Basildon on 24 February (HL Deb col 500), what the role of ministers will be in the decisions by the Permanent Secretary to the Cabinet Office in sifting the documents for the humble Address, including in (1) determining scope, and (2) redactions.

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

As set out in the Humble Address debate of 4th February, the process is being conducted and led by the Cabinet Secretary who has delegated the role to the Cabinet Office Permanent Secretary. Civil servants are of course accountable to Ministers, who are in turn accountable to Parliament.

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask His Majesty's Government, in regard to Part of a Return to an Address of the Honourable the House of Commons dated 4 February 2026 relating to the appointment of Lord Mandelson as HM Ambassador to Washington, published on 11 March (HC1774-1), what role (1) the Cabinet Office legal advisers, (2) the National Security Adviser, and (3) deputy national security advisers, had a role in the redaction of material on national security grounds.

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

The Government does not comment on the details of any internal redaction processes, as the methodology applied will vary depending on the nature and sensitivity of the material in question.

In accordance with the exceptional procedures agreed for the Humble Address, dated 4 February 2026 relating to Peter Mandelson, the Intelligence and Security Committee of Parliament (ISC) will make a final decision on redactions following the Government’s request.

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask His Majesty's Government, further to the Written Answer by the Paymaster General and Minister for the Cabinet Office on 11 December 2025 (HC96206), whether the Prime Minister approved the inclusion of Lord Alli on the list of individuals to be given security passes to 10 Downing Street.

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

The UK’s long-standing constitutional arrangements require an immediate transition of power. A list of staff is provided to the Cabinet Secretary’s Office by political parties, so that the incoming Prime Minister has the ability to begin work immediately.

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask His Majesty's Government what upper age limit they intend to impose on the proposed UK-EU youth mobility scheme.

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

We have agreed that we will work towards the establishment of a balanced youth experience scheme with the EU. This will provide a valuable form of cultural exchange for young Brits and EU citizens with the opportunity to travel, work, study and experience other cultures. We have agreed that any scheme will be capped, subject to a visa requirement as well as time-limited. We have also been clear that it should be in line with the UK’s existing schemes with countries like Australia and New Zealand. The exact parameters are subject to ongoing negotiation, but any scheme will need to be in the UK’s national interests.

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask His Majesty's Government, with regard to the speech by the Chief Secretary to the Prime Minister on 20 January, which "Prime Ministerial priorities" will be assigned to new teams modelled on the Vaccines Taskforce; and which ministers will sponsor those teams.

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

Number 10 and the Cabinet Office are continuing to work together and with departments to consider taskforces across the Prime Minister’s priorities.

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask His Majesty's Government when the last meeting of the Council of Nations and Regions took place; and how many times the council has met since July 2024.

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

The last Council of the Nations and Regions took place on 23 May 2025. The Council has met twice since July 2024, in October 2024 where it discussed inward investment and once in May 2025, where it discussed trade and AI.

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, with reference to his Department’s press release entitled Government launches consultation on making public services quicker, easier and more secure to access with digital ID, published on 10 March 2026, how many people will be on the People’s Panel.

Answered by James Frith - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology)

Participants will be recruited through a process called sortition. This is a random postcode lottery. It is a way of selecting individuals to take part in deliberative processes, where everyone is given an equal chance to be invited. No individual can buy their way in or simply turn up at the event. All participants must be 18 or over to join the People’s Panel.

Our partners at the Sortition Foundation manage this process. Sortition Foundation will mail out to thousands of households, at random, to invite members of the public to take part. Over 100 people will be selected to participate in the People’s Panel on Digital ID.

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, with reference to his Department’s press release entitled Government launches consultation on making public services quicker, easier and more secure to access with digital ID, published on 10 March 2026, what proportion of the People’s Panel will be from Essex.

Answered by James Frith - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology)

As per my response to PQ 120739, participants will be recruited through a process called sortition. This is a random postcode lottery. It is a way of selecting individuals to take part in deliberative processes, where everyone is given an equal chance to be invited. No individual can buy their way in or simply turn up at the event.

Our partners at the Sortition Foundation manage this process. Sortition Foundation will mail out to thousands of households, at random, to invite members of the public to take part. Once volunteers have been received, a set of criteria is used to determine a broadly representative sample.

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, with reference to his Department’s press release entitled Government launches consultation on making public services quicker, easier and more secure to access with digital ID, published on 10 March 2026, what steps he is taking to ensure no pre-existing bias by members of the People’s Panel.

Answered by James Frith - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology)

Participants will be recruited through a process called sortition. This is a random postcode lottery. It is a way of selecting individuals to take part in deliberative processes, where everyone is given an equal chance to be invited. No individual can buy their way in or simply turn up at the event.

Our partners at the Sortition Foundation manage this process. Sortition Foundation will mail out to thousands of households, at random, to invite members of the public to take part. Once volunteers have been received, a set of criteria is used to determine a broadly representative sample.

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, with reference to his Department’s press release entitled Government launches consultation on making public services quicker, easier and more secure to access with digital ID, published on 10 March 2026, what weight will be given to the discussions of the People’s Panel.

Answered by James Frith - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology)

The consultation will be open until 5 May 2026. The People’s Panel will convene throughout May and June to hear expert evidence, concluding their work on 21 June 2026. Outputs from the People’s Panel will be weighed alongside the broader consultation feedback to inform the design and delivery of the voluntary digital ID system.

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, with reference to his Department’s press release entitled Government launches consultation on making public services quicker, easier and more secure to access with digital ID, published on 10 March 2026, whether Government by app will store all data together for digital IDs.

Answered by James Frith - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology)

The Government is committed to the principle of data minimisation, ensuring the new digital ID system only processes the information necessary to provide a specific service.

There will be no new single central database storing all government data on a person in one place.

We are consulting on how we can build on existing infrastructure to provide a modern “Government by App” experience that gives users more control over their data than they have now and reduces reliance on manual paperwork.

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, what the timetable is for the Government Security Group inquiry into unauthorised disclosures relating to the National Security Committee.

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

In line with normal practice, the Government does not comment on a live inquiry.

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, with reference to the then Deputy Prime Minister's Oral Statement of 25 March 2024 on Cyber-security and UK Democracy, Official Report, columns 1261 to 1264, what was the name of the Chinese state-sponsored group which undertook the cyber-attack.

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

The then Deputy Prime Minister’s Oral Statement of 25 March 2024 on Cyber-security and UK Democracy refers to two malicious cyber campaigns by Chinese state-affiliated actors: “first, compromising the United Kingdom’s Electoral Commission between 2021 and 2022, as was announced last summer, and secondly, by attempting reconnaissance activity against UK parliamentary accounts in a separate campaign in 2021”.

Attribution for cyber-attacks is a formal process. The Government will only attribute a cyber-attack to a specific actor when we are confident that we have the evidence to do so, and when it is in the UK’s national interest.

In the oral statement dated 25 March 2024, the National Cyber Security Centre attributed the second campaign to the Chinese state-affiliated cyber actor known as APT31.

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, what the authorisation process is for starting a leak inquiry.

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

Permanent Secretaries can initiate leak inquiries in their respective departments, should their information be released in an unauthorised way. These are conducted by departmental security teams.

For particularly serious leaks, or leaks of information held by more than one department, the decision to launch an inquiry sits with the Cabinet Secretary. Leak inquiries initiated by the Cabinet Secretary, or involving more than one department, are referred to the Government Security Group (GSG).

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, if the Prime Minister will initiate a leak inquiry into the media reports of 12 March 2025 on the discussions in the National Security Council of 27 February, including who was responsible for the media briefings regarding the Air Chief Marshal.

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

The Government Security Group is conducting an inquiry into the unauthorised disclosure of proceedings of the National Security Council, drawing on the full range of powers at their disposal. In line with normal practice, the Government does not comment on a live inquiry.

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, who had a role in the vetting process for Lord Mandelson.

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

I refer the Hon Member to the Government's statement and release of information on 11th March, providing an update on the response to the Humble Address. The Government is working 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, with reference to the guidance entitled Non-corporate communication channels for government business, published on 30 March 2023, whether his Department has any other information management policies.

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

In addition to the Non-Corporate Communications Channels (NCCC) guidance, Cabinet Office has the following relevant policies in force:

An Information and Records Management Policy, and An Information and Records Retention and Destruction Policy.

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, what discussions he has had with the Department for Transport on their priorities for the 2026 UK-EU summit.

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

Cabinet Office Ministers and officials have regular and ongoing discussions with counterparts across the Department for Transport regarding a wide range of policy issues, including preparations for the upcoming 2026 UK-EU summit. These discussions are facilitated through established Cabinet Committee structures.

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, what is the make and model of the safe used by the Cabinet Office Propriety and Ethics Team 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, with reference to his statement of 11 March 2026, Official Report, Column 364, on Lord Mandelson: Response to Humble Address Motion, for what reason he did not receive the request to approve the exit payment to Lord Mandelson.

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

I refer you to the Government's statement and release of information on 11th March, providing an update on the response to the Humble Address. The Government is working 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 plans to provide an answer to Question 111933.

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

A response has been issued here.

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, if he will initiate a leak inquiry into the reported leaking of the discussions of the National Security Council on British military action in the Middle East.

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

The Government Security Group is conducting an inquiry into this unauthorised disclosure, drawing on the full range of powers at their disposal. In line with normal practice, the Government does not comment on a live inquiry.

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, pursuant to the answer of 10 March 2025, to Question 118208, on Parliamentary and Political Service Honours Committee: Public Appointments, when the competition for the Parliamentary and Political Service honours Committee originally (a) opened and (b) closed; whether the competition for applicants has been reopened at any point; and how many places are still to be filled.

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

The Parliamentary and Political Service Independent Honours Committee Member recruitment campaign opened for competition on 21 October 2024, concluding on 11 November 2024. This campaign has not been reopened. There remains up to three active vacancies to be filled.

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, how many unminuted meetings a) the Prime Minister and b) other ministers have had with organisations with government contracts since July 2024.

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

Government departments publish details of all official meetings their ministers hold with external individuals and organisations every quarter.

As per Cabinet Office guidance, meetings held with external organisations regarding contracted services already being provided to departments are not routinely declared.

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, with reference to the ONS Blog entitled Putting the foundations in place to make Census 2031 a success, of 4 March 2026, whether the 2027 Test will include gender identity.

Answered by Satvir Kaur - Parliamentary Secretary (Cabinet Office)

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

A response to the Rt. Hon. Gentleman’s Parliamentary Question of 10th March is attached.

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, what the criteria are for the forfeiture of a (a) Ministerial and (b) civil service pension.

Answered by Satvir Kaur - Parliamentary Secretary (Cabinet Office)

Information on the criteria for forfeiture of a Civil Service pension is provided on the scheme website within the Employer Pension Guide.

The Ministerial Pension Scheme is part of the Parliamentary Contributory Pension Fund (PCPF) and there is no provision in the scheme rules for the forfeiture of benefits.

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, with reference to his oral contribution of 23 February 2026 on Labour Together and APCO Worldwide: Cabinet Office Review, Official Report, Column 27, if he will place a copy in the Library of the (a) referral letter and (b) terms of reference to the Independent Adviser on Ministerial Standards.

Answered by Chris Ward - Parliamentary Secretary (Cabinet Office)

The Ministerial Code sets out processes for the investigation of alleged breaches of the Code by ministers serving in the Government and is published on gov.uk.

Paragraph 2.6a of the Code states: “If there is an allegation about a breach of the Code and the Prime Minister, having consulted the Cabinet Secretary, feels that it warrants further investigation, the Prime Minister may ask the Cabinet Office to investigate the facts of the case and/or refer the matter to the Independent Adviser on Ministerial Standards”.

These processes, and further detail on the role of the Independent Adviser, are also included in the Terms of Reference of the Independent Adviser on Ministerial Standards, which forms part of the Ministerial Code at Annex A.

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, pursuant to his response of 23 February 2026, Official Report, Column 29, on Labour Together and APCO Worldwide: Cabinet Office Review, whether the Independent Adviser will ask (a) PRCA, (b) APCO Worldwide and (b) the journalists who were investigated by APCO/Labour Together to submit evidence.

Answered by Chris Ward - Parliamentary Secretary (Cabinet Office)

The Prime Minister asked civil servants in the Cabinet Office propriety and ethics team to establish the facts in relation to allegations concerning the former Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State jointly in the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology and the Cabinet Office, Josh Simons MP. These facts were reported to the Prime Minister, who referred the matter to the independent adviser on Ministerial standards. The Independent Adviser’s subsequent advice to the Prime Minister is published on gov.uk

As a private company, any questions related to Labour Together are a matter for the board of Labour Together.

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, with reference to the Cabinet Office letter to Business Unit Heads and Senior Finance Business Partner of 24 April 2025, how many approvals have since been given for branded items, according to information held on the Atamis system.

Answered by Chris Ward - Parliamentary Secretary (Cabinet Office)

Approval has been given to seven requests for branded items since the letter was issued to Business Heads and Senior Finance Business Partners on 24 April 2025.

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, who is responsible for his Department's review of Labour Together; or whether any Ministers has recused themselves.

Answered by Chris Ward - Parliamentary Secretary (Cabinet Office)

The Prime Minister asked civil servants in the Cabinet Office propriety and ethics team to establish the facts in relation to allegations concerning the former Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State jointly in the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology and the Cabinet Office, Josh Simons MP. These facts were reported to the Prime Minister, who referred the matter to the independent adviser on Ministerial standards. The Independent Adviser’s subsequent advice to the Prime Minister is published on gov.uk

As a private organisation, any questions related to Labour Together are a matter for the board of Labour Together.

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, what the (a) status is and (b) terms of reference are of his Department's review into Labour Together; who commissioned the review; who it will report to; and whether its findings will be published.

Answered by Chris Ward - Parliamentary Secretary (Cabinet Office)

The Prime Minister asked civil servants in the Cabinet Office propriety and ethics team to establish the facts in relation to allegations concerning the former Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State jointly in the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology and the Cabinet Office, Josh Simons MP. These facts were reported to the Prime Minister, who referred the matter to the independent adviser on Ministerial standards. The Independent Adviser’s subsequent advice to the Prime Minister is published on gov.uk

As a private organisation, any questions related to Labour Together are a matter for the board of Labour Together.

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, whether Public Digital staff are currently seconded to the UK Government to work on the Test, Learn and Grow Programme.

Answered by Satvir Kaur - Parliamentary Secretary (Cabinet Office)

Public Digital are a commercial partner to the Test, Learn and Grow programme, led by the Cabinet Office, and their staff are now secondees.

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, what additional resource requirements have been identified by the Government Property Agency or departments arising from greenhouse gas emissions reporting requirements over the current Spending Review period.

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

I refer to my answer for 116583. 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, pursuant to the answer of 10 March 2026, to Question 98795, on Deputy Prime Minister: Admiralty House, if he will place in the Library the letter from the Government Property Agency to Westminster City Council sent in June 2025.

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

I refer the Honorable Member to the response to PQ 105774

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, Pursuant to his oral contribution of 23 February 2026 on Labour Together and APCO Worldwide: Cabinet Office Review, Official Report, Column 29, whether a Minister can be investigated by the Independent Adviser whilst having their specific Ministerial portfolio temporarily removed.

Answered by Chris Ward - Parliamentary Secretary (Cabinet Office)

The Ministerial Code applies to serving Ministers. If a Minister is removed from office, there would be no avenue for the Independent Adviser on Ministerial Standards to investigate.

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, with reference to his Department’s press release entitled Government launches consultation on making public services quicker, easier and more secure to access with digital ID, published on 10 March 2026, whether the proceedings, findings and recommendations of the people’s panel will be published.

Answered by James Frith - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology)

The People’s Panel will convene throughout May and June to hear expert evidence, concluding their work on 21 June 2026. Outputs from the People’s Panel will be weighed alongside the broader consultation feedback to inform the design and delivery of the voluntary digital ID system.

As announced in parliament on 10 March 2026, the People’s Panel will form part of the legal consultation on digital ID. The Government will respond to the Consultation in the usual way.

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, with reference to his Department’s press release entitled Government launches consultation on making public services quicker, easier and more secure to access with digital ID, published on 10 March 2026, what steps his Department plans to take to help ensure that People’s Panel panellists are not unduly influenced by a small number of influential voices.

Answered by James Frith - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology)

The People’s Panel will be facilitated by our suppliers, Ipsos UK. Ipsos have a trained team of skilled facilitators who will guide discussions and ensure all members of the People’s Panel have equal opportunities to contribute.

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, with reference to his Department’s press release entitled Government launches consultation on making public services quicker, easier and more secure to access with digital ID, published on 10 March 2026, whether the People’s Panel will be a single group.

Answered by James Frith - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology)

Yes, the People’s Panel will consist of a single group of 100 to 120 individuals, selected via civic lottery to ensure a representative sample of the public.

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, pursuant to his response of 23 February 2026, Official Report, Column 29, on Labour Together and APCO Worldwide: Cabinet Office Review, what is the evidential basis for his statement that the Independent Adviser on Ministerial Standards cannot undertake an investigation to a Minister who has been suspended; and whether different provisions apply to (a) paid and (b) unpaid Ministers.

Answered by Chris Ward - Parliamentary Secretary (Cabinet Office)

The Ministerial Code applies to serving Ministers. If a Minister is removed from office, there would be no avenue for the Independent Adviser on Ministerial Standards to investigate.

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, with reference to UIN 116915, how regularly are Capita reporting the number of outstanding backlog Civil Service Pension cases to the Cabinet Office.

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.

Capita provides the Cabinet Office with data regarding the number of outstanding Civil Service Pension backlog cases on a weekly basis. This regular reporting ensures the Department maintains continuous oversight of performance levels and progress against recovery targets. We have agreed a clear recovery plan with Capita, which includes specific milestones and accountability targets for delivery. For priority cases, we have deployed additional resources and improved communication with affected colleagues, so that staff, both former and serving, receive the quality of service and support they deserve. The recovery plan is organised into intensive three-week sprints to stabilise the service.

We are applying contractual levers available to us to deal with performance failures, and we continue to explore all commercial avenues to hold them to account for the quality of their delivery. For example, existing Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) have been enhanced and strengthened to deliver improved performance and higher penalties for failure, including financial penalties. These have already applied in respect to Capita’s performance with recent issues and delays in administering the Civil Service Pension Scheme.

Further details are available by using this web link (latest update 16 March):

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/civil-service-pension-recovery-plan-updates/civil-service-pension-recovery-plan-update-16-march-2026

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, whether (a) the Ethics and Integrity Commission will be placed on a statutory basis and (b) he plans to introduce primary legislation to reform lobbying regulation.

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

We will continue to work with the newly established Ethics and Integrity Commission to ensure that it achieves its aim of promoting the highest standards in public life.

In respect of lobbying, on 11 March the Prime Minister wrote to the Chair of the Ethics and Integrity Commission, Doug Chalmers, to commission a review into lobbying, disclosure and access to government. As set out in the Terms of reference, the Government will publish the Review’s findings and present the Government’s response to Parliament in due course thereafter.

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, whether the Civil Service Jobs platform records (a) the number of applications received and (b) the number of appointments made for Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency driving examiner recruitment campaigns since July 2024.

Answered by Satvir Kaur - Parliamentary Secretary (Cabinet Office)

The Civil Service Jobs platform is the central portal for recruitment across the Civil Service and records data for all campaigns managed through the system. Since July 2024, the platform has recorded a total of 26,490 applications received and 1,082 posts offered for Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) driving examiner recruitment campaigns. This number is subject to pre-employment checks and ongoing campaigns.

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, how many staff work in the Cabinet Office Command Unit.

Answered by Satvir Kaur - Parliamentary Secretary (Cabinet Office)

As of the 28th of February 2026 there is no “Command Unit” in the Cabinet Office structure.

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, with reference to his oral statement of 2 February 2026, Official Report, Column 47, on US Department of Justice Release of Files, whether he has a formal terms of reference for his review into Lord Mandelson; what his planned timetable is; to whom will it report; and whether there will be a public report.

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

The review, which was being carried out by the former Cabinet Secretary, has been paused in light of the ongoing criminal investigation that was announced. The government is cooperating fully with the police investigation and will provide any assistance required. We are also working to respond to the Humble Address motion.

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, when he plans to answer Question 44467, tabled on 7 April 2025.

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

A response has been issued here.

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, with reference to the Employment Appeal Tribunal of Mr P Easton v Secretary of State for the Home Department [2025], whether the Government People Group has provided guidance on dismissing a civil servant for dishonesty on their application.

Answered by Satvir Kaur - Parliamentary Secretary (Cabinet Office)

Individual departments are responsible for their own discipline policies and guidance, which detail formal processes and procedures. These policies align with the Civil Service Code and the Civil Service Management Code, which set out the standards and behaviour expected from all employees. Departments collect information internally as required, in accordance with GDPR.

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, with reference to the Answers of the Lord Privy Seal of 10 February 2026, Official Report, House of Lords, Column 189, if he will publish a response to the questions raised by Baroness Laing of Elderslie on the Gordon Brown letter.

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

There are no plans to publish this letter. I refer the Hon Member to the response of the Chief Secretary to the Prime Minister on this topic during the 2 February debate ‘US Department of Justice Release of Files’ (Vol 780, Col 49).

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, when he will answer Question 54801, tabled on 30 May 2025, on Ministers: Official Cars.

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

A response has been issued here.

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, whether his Department has issued guidance to special advisers on using Google Docs.

Answered by Satvir Kaur - Parliamentary Secretary (Cabinet Office)

Special advisers are required to adhere to the Code of Conduct for Special Advisers at all times. No specific guidance has been issued centrally from the Cabinet Office to special advisers on using Google Docs.

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, with reference to the publication of the remuneration of the Prime Minister’s Chief Economic Advisor on the Direct Ministerial Appointments portal, published on 24 February 2026, whether any special advisers are paid £151,778 or more per annum.

Answered by Satvir Kaur - Parliamentary Secretary (Cabinet Office)

Special adviser salaries are published in the Annual Report on Special Advisers, which are published on GOV.UK. Current special adviser salaries will be published as part of the 2026 Annual Report for Special Advisers in due course.

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, how many civil service employees were on performance management plans in 2023, 2024 and 2025.

Answered by Satvir Kaur - Parliamentary Secretary (Cabinet Office)

Data on how many civil servants have a performance management plan in place is not captured centrally.

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, whether the Registrar of Consultant Lobbyists has assessed whether IM01 LIMITED trading as Inter-Mediate should be registered.

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

The Registrar of Consultant Lobbyists is a statutory independent office holder, responsible for keeping and publishing the Register of Consultant Lobbyists. Requests for information can be sent to office@orcl.gov.uk

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, pursuant to the Answer of 9 March 2026 to Question 117761 on Cabinet Office: Public Expenditure, on what date his Department adopted the policy of not including the Prime Minister’s Office in answers to Parliamentary Questions on Cabinet Office spending; and whether this policy of excluding the Prime Minister’s Office extends to answering questions to the Cabinet Office on Cabinet Office headcount.

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

There is no policy to include or exclude the Prime Minister’s Office from Cabinet Office spend data. Data is provided in the format it is held.

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

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

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

Found: (see: Cabinet Office and DSIT, Fact Sheet on the Counter Disinformation Unit and Rapid Response Unit

Found: making regardless of the type of engagement being undertaken and does so in compliance with Cabinet Office

Found: diligence and vetting checks were conducted; who made the final appointment decision; and whether Cabinet Office

Found: for certain public appointments have been conducted since 2008 and are provided for in the Cabinet Office

Found: challenges and opportunities associated with the Office for Veterans Affairs moving from the Cabinet Office

Found: Defra is just one department/government agency that wildfire touches, the others being:  Cabinet Office

Found: Defra is just one department/government agency that wildfire touches, the others being:  Cabinet Office

Found: Cabinet Office.

Found:  Key departments of the Prime Minister’s Office, Cabinet Office, and Treasury set objectives that

Found: Options the Committee could consider include: a Cabinet Office-chaired clean air taskforce with ministerial

Found: policy and nature recovery. [7][13] Key recommendations (citable: who, what, when, how to check) ● Cabinet Office

Found: This provided us with significantly shorter notice than the period required by Cabinet Office guidelines

Found: This includes internal mechanisms for overseeing and ensuring delivery between the Cabinet Office,

Found: The PSFA reports to both Cabinet Office and HM Treasury. • The Government Digital and Data Function:

Found: Strategic Defence Review - Making Britain Safer: secure at home, strong abroad, 02 June 2025; Cabinet Office

Found: 66aa3e400808eaf43b50db19/Ministry_of_Def ence_annual_report_and_accounts_2023_to_2024.pdf [7] PSFA/Cabinet Office

Found: resilience standards in similar vein to PRA Operational Resilience regulation - central government (Cabinet Office

Found: Cabinet Office, London, 48 pp.8.2 In the city of Florence the civil protection service has provided an

Found: Selected references Cabinet Office (2022) The UK Government Resilience Framework.

Found: were all brought into a new COBR Directorate within the National Security Secretariat in the Cabinet Office

Found: (Secretary of State for Northern Ireland) and Rt Hon Nick Thomas-Symonds MP (Minister for the Cabinet Office

Found: The prioritisation of the cases is done in conjunction with the Cabinet Office.

Found: The Cabinet Office currently identifies 26 chronic risks, including Pollution and Environmental Degradation

Found: might cause people to misunderstand what it means if something is on the risk register, but the Cabinet Office

Found: might cause people to misunderstand what it means if something is on the risk register, but the Cabinet Office

Found: might cause people to misunderstand what it means if something is on the risk register, but the Cabinet Office

Found: Letter from Rt Hon Nick Thomas-Symonds MP (Cabinet Office Minister) re: Update on the Government’s progress

Found: aking1@companieshouse.gov.uk Date: 19 March 2026 standards, including the Cabinet Office

Found: Letter from the Permanent Secretary at the Cabinet Office relating to Administration of the Civil Service

Found: Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster and Minister for Intergovernmental Relations Cabinet Office

Found: the Defence Committee, to Rt Hon Darren Jones MP, Chief Secretary to the Prime Minister at the Cabinet Office

Found: We intend to advertise on the Cabinet Office Public Appointments website, via social media channels,

Found: were absent from the statement that was given in February 2026 by the Minister of State for the Cabinet Office

Found: Prime Minister to drive it around the Cabinet table— I am not sure of the ins and outs but the Cabinet Office

Found: definitely a question around a national framework, whether that sits under resilience through the Cabinet Office

Found: forward’ 4 DWP (2025) Households below average income: for financial years ending 1995 to 2024 5 Cabinet Office

Found: Co-ordination should also be led by a reinstated, permanent Child Poverty Unit within the Cabinet Office

Found: March 2026 12 Cabinet Office, Child Poverty Strategy: Monitoring and Evaluation Framework, 5 December

Found: exploitation, 2025 20 Far from settled: The government’s ‘earned settlement’ consultation | IPPR 21 Cabinet Office

Found: We commend the work of the Child Poverty Unit based in the Cabinet Office, and strongly support the

Found: London: Cabinet Office and Department for Work and Pensions, 5 December.

Found: responsibility is expected to sit with the Department for Work and Pensions, supported by the Cabinet Office

Found: Placing the Child Poverty Unit in the Cabinet Office could help maintain this focus. March 2026

Found: families. 3.5 We are concerned about the potential downgrading of the Child Poverty Unit in the Cabinet Office

Found: This might be best achieved by retaining an element of central oversight in the Cabinet Office or No

Found: academy sector available to Parliament , the education sector and the public, such as the Cabinet Office

Found: Prime Minister to drive it around the Cabinet table— I am not sure of the ins and outs but the Cabinet Office

Found: definitely a question around a national framework, whether that sits under resilience through the Cabinet Office

Found: A report has been published by the Treasury and we are engaging with the Treasury and Cabinet Office

Found: A report has been published by the Treasury and we are engaging with the Treasury and Cabinet Office

Found: In close partnership with the Cabinet Office, Capita has reached the milestones it outlined to the Committee

Found: initial draft were developed in conjunction with other UK Government departments and with the Cabinet Office

Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, whether her Department gives weight to written consultation responses from organisations which are deemed extremist.

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

It is up to each department to carry out due diligence when choosing to engage with any organisation or individual and, if asked, we will advise and share information to help others inform their decisions. As announced in the Protecting What Matters publication last week, we are currently updating and embedding the 2024 engagement principles which will assist public bodies to not confer legitimacy, funding or influence on extremist groups.

We will also publish an annual ‘State of Extremism’ report which will arm frontline, public sector workers with the information they need to identify and confront extremism in the UK.

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

To ask His Majesty's Government what plans they have, if any, to create strategic food stockpiles.

Answered by Baroness Hayman of Ullock - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)

The UK does not have national food stockpiles or plans to create these. The UK has a resilient food supply chain that is equipped to deal with any potential disruption. This high degree of food security is built on supply from diverse sources including strong domestic production and imports through stable trade routes.

Defra work closely with the Cabinet Office and other departments ensuring food supply is fully incorporated as part of emergency preparedness, including consideration of dependencies on other sectors. This includes extensive, regular and ongoing preparations, and response to, issues with the potential to cause disruption to food supply chains.

Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology:

To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the extent to which public procurement frameworks allow (1) the NHS and, (2) the Ministry of Defence, to support the development and adoption of AI technologies produced by UK-based companies.

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

The Department for Science, Innovation and Technology has not made a formal assessment to date of the extent to which public procurement frameworks allow the NHS or the Ministry of Defence to support the development and adoption of UK produced AI.

However, the Government is actively looking at this through a cross government ministerial working group bringing together DSIT, the Department of Health and Social Care and the Ministry of Defence, which is exploring how government works with innovative UK companies, including in the AI sector. Alongside this, the Government’s wider approach is to use public procurement to make the public sector a first customer for innovative technologies and a launchpad for scale ups, supported by Cabinet Office led social value reforms and work through the Commercial Innovation Hub.

Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, how many whistleblowing reports relating to conflicts of interest have been submitted within the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency in each of the last five years; and whether the Department will publish anonymised summaries of the issues raised.

Answered by Zubir Ahmed - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department of Health and Social Care)

In the last five years, three internal whistleblowing reports relating to conflicts of interest have been made to the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency’s (MHRA) nominated officers.

Nominated officers are trained individuals designated to give confidential advice, support, and guidance on whistleblowing concerns to staff, and to help staff escalate those concerns appropriately. The following table shows the number of whistleblowing reports related to conflicts of interest, from 2021/22 to 2025/26, up to 20 March 2026:

There are no requirements or plans to publish summaries of these whistleblowing reports. The MHRA submits data annually to the Cabinet Office on all whistleblowing investigations that have taken place and publishes a short summary of its internal whistleblowing actions, including the number of whistleblowing investigations, in its Annual Report and Accounts.

Question to the Department for Education:

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, further to the Cabinet Office press release, Young people from all backgrounds to get opportunity to study abroad as UK-EU deal unlocks Erasmus+, of 17 December 2025, whether the 30 per cent discount will apply after the 2027-28 academic year.

Answered by Josh MacAlister - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Education)

We have successfully negotiated fair terms for the UK’s association to Erasmus+ in 2027, the final year of the EU’s 2021-2027 Multiannual Financial Framework.

Any participation in Erasmus+ into the next Multiannual Financial Framework will need to be agreed in the future and be based on a fair and balanced contribution.

Question to the Department for Education:

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, 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 Olivia Bailey - Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State (Department for Education) (Equalities)

Officials from the department 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 department is actively supporting this work. It plans to promote communications as part of National Preparedness Week later this year and is increasing engagement with its sectors on resilience issues.

Found: on division by 336 votes to 77.10 Nick Thomas-Symonds, paymaster general and minister for the Cabinet Office

Found: Beneficial Ownership Act 2025, section 15 39 Beneficial Ownership Act 2025, section 18 40 Cabinet Office

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

Found: regulated by the Commissioner for Public Appointments and recruitment processes comply with the Cabinet Office

Found: OCPA) and is made in accordance with the Governance Code on Public Appointments published by the Cabinet Office

Found: Minister for the Cabinet Office, Nick Thomas-Symonds said: For too long, the levers of power in Whitehall

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

Found: 2022 to 2024 FCDO, Deputy Principal Private Secretary to the Foreign Secretary   2020 to 2022 Cabinet Office

Found: Britain and Northern Ireland ‘Funded by UK Government branding manual’ first published by the Cabinet Office

Found: DHSC will lead the implementation of the strategy, working closely with the Cabinet Office and other

Found: space expertise, and trusted military-to-military access – to support the aims of the FCDO, Cabinet Office

Found: BUSINESS MANAGEMENT AND SPECIALIST SERVICES

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

Found: - Corporate Services - DBT - CS - Commercial

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

Found: - Corporate Services - DBT - CS - Commercial

Found: Kirklees Better Outcomes Partnership' in line with agreed reporting with The Evaluation Taskforce (Cabinet Office

Found: "govuk-table__cell">2025-10-02

Found: involvement in the 2026 Innovation event which is Co-hosted by the UK Government Civil Service Cabinet Office

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Found: using the Cabinet Office form. 4.11.

Found: ministry-of-justice-gender-pay-gap-report-2025/ministry-of- justice-gender-pay-gap-report-2025 [accessed on 19 February 2026]. 44 Cabinet Office

Found: data is also published as part of the Ethnicity Facts and Figures collection published by the Cabinet Office

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

Found: Treasury (HMT), the National Infrastructure and Service Transformation Authority (NISTA) and Cabinet Office

Found: OCPA) and is made in accordance with the Governance Code on Public Appointments published by the Cabinet Office

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

Found: NSUP is based within the Cabinet Office and works closely with the Debarment Review Service (DRS).

Found: Investigation team - personnel from the Cabinet Office or the Government Commercial Organisation

Found: Undertakings (Protection of Employment) Regulations 2006, equivalent statutory transfer schemes, or the Cabinet Office

Found: employment as a result of Transfer of Undertakings (Protection of Employment) Regulations (TUPE) or Cabinet Office

Found: 11/02/2026 Building Maintenance AP Expense Accrual (Oracle AP control a/c) 147844.11 CAB_7821 CABINET OFFICE

Found: We have published our spend in line with Cabinet Office guidelines which allow for data protection of

Found: The grades are split into two groups:SCS whose pay and grading structures are determined by the Cabinet Office

Found: govuk-table__cell">Strategic Policy Into Delivery

Found: "govuk-table__cell">Organisation Development

Found: Limited 20055451 51,388.00 Subscriptions CMA 12/01/2026 Talent Management Organisation Development Cabinet Office

Found: Bristol,Tyne And Wear,BS1 4DJ,England Semperian PPP Investment 1 394 Exchequer Partnership (No. 2) Cabinet Office

Found: Expert Committee of the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (See Annex A citation of cabinet office

Found: As the Cabinet Office notes in its guidance, ombudsmen can make recommendations for a change of practice

Found: change 20 Our future focus 22 2025-2026 Progress Review 3Satvir Kaur MP Parliamentary Secretary Cabinet Office

Found: ministry-of-justice-gender-pay-gap-report-2025/ministry-of- justice-gender-pay-gap-report-2025 [accessed on 19 February 2026]. 44 Cabinet Office

Found: or alleged to have transferred, under TUPE and/or COSOP to the Sub-Contractor COSOP means the Cabinet Office

Found: the British Council is administratively classified by the Office of National Statistics and Cabinet Office

Found: It has been administratively classified by the Cabinet Office as a non-departmental public

Found: The following set of Freedoms was approved by HM Treasury and Cabinet Office on 26 April

Found: The ALB shall not be required to comply with the Cabinet Office Learning and Development

Found: It has been administratively classified by the Cabinet Office as a public corporation.

Found: space expertise, and trusted military-to-military access – to support the aims of the FCDO, Cabinet Office

Found: meeting was chaired by the Rt Hon Damian Green MP, First Secretary of State and Minister for the Cabinet Office

Found: meeting was chaired by the Rt Hon Damian Green MP, First Secretary of State and Minister for the Cabinet Office

Question

To ask the Scottish Government what assessment it has made of the proposal to extend free bus travel to all people on universal credit to improve access to employment and essential services, and what progress has been made in reforming public debt recovery processes to ensure that debt owed to the Scottish Government does not push families into destitution and hunger.

Answered by Somerville, Shirley-Anne - Cabinet Secretary for Social Justice

The Scottish Government will continue to monitor the National Concessionary Travel Schemes to ensure their longer- term sustainability. At present the Scottish Government has no plans to extend the concessionary travel schemes beyond the current eligibility criteria. Any decisions will be for the next Parliament to consider.

The Scottish Government recognises the financial pressures that many households are experiencing, including debts to public sector bodies. Scottish Ministers have consistently encouraged public bodies to share good practice on debt assistance and collection and to show empathy and dignity when working with people struggling with debts including an assessment of affordability to repay debt. This includes using the Collaborative Council Tax Collection Guide[1] and Good practice principles for managing school meal debt[2] published by COSLA in February 2023 following engagement with local government partners. We have allocated £2.22m in 2025-26 to support a national Council Tax Debt Project delivered by Citizen’s Advice Scotland. In addition to enabling increased debt advice provision across the whole of Scotland for those in Council Tax arrears, this project is supporting the development of national resources which can help support the best practice principles in Council Tax collection.

The Scottish Government supported the inclusion of provisions during the passage of The Housing (Scotland) Act 2025 which require a review of how joint and several liability for Council Tax arrears affects people experiencing domestic abuse. This review will help councils navigate these complex cases with greater care and understanding, ensuring that support is available. Scottish Ministers have also committed to consult on the question of prescription periods and Council Tax in the next Parliament, so that any reform balances fairness for households with the need to protect local services and is robust and workable.

The Scottish Government has liaised with the Cabinet Office and HMRC to explore data sharing opportunities which improve Council Tax debtor data-sharing channels between Scottish local authorities and HMRC. New data-sharing pathways have been agreed which will support local authorities in enacting fair debt recovery and help identify and support vulnerable debtors while increasing uptake of the Scottish Government’s means tested Council Tax Reduction scheme. This scheme ensures that nobody in Scotland should have to meet a Council Tax liability they cannot be expected to afford.

These new data-sharing pathways represent an opportunity to support fairer debt recovery, help identify and support vulnerable debtors, and increase uptake of the Council Tax Reduction scheme by identifying eligible non-recipients.

Scottish Ministers continue to work with COSLA through the Joint Working Group on Sources of Local Government Funding and Council Tax Reform to encourage the adoption of best practice on debt collection and advice.

In addition, Social Security Scotland is committed to delivering a debt management service that is responsive to clients’ needs while protecting the public purse. This includes an approach for vulnerable clients that includes training debt officers to identify and sensitively handle potential hardship and vulnerable clients, as well as signposting them to support and advocacy groups.

[1]Collaborative Council Tax Collection (improvementservice.org.uk)

[2]Good-Practice-Principles-for-School-Meal-Debt-Management.pdf (cosla.gov.uk)

Found: The UK Government Cabinet Office is coordinating the development of common frameworks and oversees the

Found: It was therefore not based on the UK Cabinet Office guidance, which was formally withdrawn in 2023.

Found: and the Windsor Framework with Baroness Lucy Neville-Rolfe DBE CMG, Minister of State at the Cabinet Office

Found: UK Border Target Operating Model  Baroness Neville-Rolfe DBE CMG, Minister of State at the Cabinet Office

Found: Development / Future of Welsh Steel Thursday 7 December Border Target Operating Model – UK Cabinet Office

Found: Secretary appointments and, indeed, extensions or other affairs, are reserved entirely for the Cabinet Office

Found: Secretary appointments and, indeed, extensions or other affairs, are reserved entirely for the Cabinet Office

Found: records Disposal action Recommended retention Comments and references correspondence with the Cabinet Office

Found: the UK government’s Child Poverty Strategy,Our Children, Our Future: Tackling Child Poverty (Cabinet Office

Found: Statement of Practice on Staff Transfers in the Public Sector (the Cabinet Office Statement)

Found: Statement of Practice on Staff Transfers in the Public Sector (the Cabinet Office Statement)

Found: The Cabinet Office Statement6 (incorporated in the Code of Practice) provides that contracting exercises

Found: The Welsh Government has also worked with DSIT and Cabinet Office on a more coordinated approach to engagement

Found: London: Behavioural Insights Team with HM Cabinet Office.