Asked by: Lord Campbell of Pittenweem (Liberal Democrat - Life peer)
Question to the Cabinet Office:
To ask Her Majesty's Government, further to the recent court judgment which found that they had acted unlawfully when awarding a contract to Public First, what steps they will now take to ensure that all contracts which they enter into are lawful.
Answered by Lord True - Leader of the House of Lords and Lord Privy Seal
The Government has already addressed procedural issues raised by this case, through the implementation of the recommendations made by Nigel Boardman’s review of COVID-19 communications contracts.
We have published updated guidance on the options available to contracting authorities when undertaking procurements in an emergency (PPN01/21) and the management of conflicts of interest in commercial environments (PPN04/21). Further updated transparency guidance is due to be published shortly.
The Government’s Procurement Green Paper sets out how we will reform public procurement to simplify processes, reduce bureaucracy and create a fair, open and competitive system.
Asked by: Lord Campbell of Pittenweem (Liberal Democrat - Life peer)
Question to the Cabinet Office:
To ask Her Majesty's Government when they will publish the results of the inquiry into allegations of bullying of officials by the Home Secretary.
Answered by Lord True - Leader of the House of Lords and Lord Privy Seal
To protect the interests of all involved the Government does not comment on the specifics of ongoing process.
The Prime Minister will make any decision on the matter public once the process has concluded.
Asked by: Lord Campbell of Pittenweem (Liberal Democrat - Life peer)
Question to the Cabinet Office:
To ask Her Majesty's Government what discussions they have held with the government of the United States relating to the current preparation of the UK national security strategy.
Answered by Lord Young of Cookham
The US and UK are very close allies and partners, with a uniquely broad and deep security relationship. The Government engages regularly and at all levels with the US authorities on national security issues vital to the UK's security and prosperity, and will continue to do so.
Asked by: Lord Campbell of Pittenweem (Liberal Democrat - Life peer)
Question to the Cabinet Office:
To ask Her Majesty’s Government what proposals they have for co-operation between the UK and other EU member states on joint procurement after Brexit.
Answered by Lord Young of Cookham
It has not proved possible to respond to this question in the time available before Prorogation. Ministers will correspond directly with the Member.