(3 years, 10 months ago)
Lords ChamberMy Lords, as ever, some very wise words from the noble Lord, Lord Reid, with his vast experience. Of course—[Inaudible.]
I am afraid we cannot hear the noble Lord. Can he get closer to his microphone? We may have to come back to him.
Yes that is much better. Can the noble Lord start again, as we could not hear?
Yes, so long as I get the time. My Lords—[Inaudible.]
The noble Lord needs to point his head upwards. As soon as he speaks we cannot hear him again.
I will try again. Any Bill with the phrase “national security”—[Inaudible.]
I am really sorry but we cannot hear the noble Lord. We will ask the broadcasters to check the connection and we will come back to him.
To ask Her Majesty’s Government what plans they have to amend the Constitutional Reform and Governance Act 2010.
The Constitutional Reform and Governance Act 2010 puts on a statutory basis the Civil Service Code and guarantees the impartiality of the permanent Civil Service to serve Governments of different political persuasions without fear or favour. The Government value the advice and service of our impartial Civil Service and have no plans to amend the Act.
My Lords, considering some of the noises coming out of 10 Downing Street from Mr Dominic Cummings about the hard rain about to fall on our Civil Service, surely there is a case for updating the 2010 Act. Could the Minister clarify reports on ConservativeHome and by Charles Moore in the Daily Telegraph that the Government are about to jettison their manifesto commitment to a constitution, democracy and rights commission, where these issues could be addressed?
I do not comment on press speculation. No decisions have yet been taken on the form and scope of the commission on the constitution, democracy and rights. However, we will consult Select Committees about any relevant decisions in the normal way.