Downing Street Event

Debate between Lord True and Lord Tomlinson

Tuesday 11th January 2022 Lords Chamber

[Lord True (Con)]

My Lords, I believe in the rule of law, the sanctity of respect between human beings and in due process. I repeat what I said in the Statement, that as with all investigations, it will be the case with this one that if evidence emerges of what is potentially a criminal offence, the matter will be referred to the police.

[Lord Tomlinson (Lab)]

My Lords, at the beginning of the Statement that the noble Lord read out to us, there was an apology. What was being apologised for?

[Lord True (Con)]

My Lords, the Statement read:

“I apologise again unreservedly for the upset that these allegations have caused.”

Downing Street Christmas Parties

Debate between Lord True and Lord Tomlinson

Thursday 9th December 2021 Lords Chamber

[Lord Tomlinson (Lab)]

The Minister referred to everybody being required to make their records available to the inquiry. Will that include their electronic records, such as their mobile phone and email system, so that those are available for the benefit of the inquiry?

[Lord True (Con)]

My Lords, as I said, the terms of reference will be published by the Cabinet Secretary later today. If that is not clear in the terms of reference, I hope that it will be made clear. We are asking all Ministers, all special advisers and all civil servants to co-operate fully with the investigations. Any staff with information relevant to the investigations should provide it.

Ministerial Code

Debate between Lord True and Lord Tomlinson

Tuesday 9th November 2021 Lords Chamber

[Lord Tomlinson (Lab)]

Does the Minister to any degree share my sense of shame and outrage at the extent to which the requirements of the Ministerial Code have been trashed by this Government? As there are no planned changes to the Ministerial Code, can we at least anticipate that the Government will take their existing responsibilities seriously as a solemn and binding duty to the British people?

[Lord True (Con)]

My Lords, of course. Again, I do not agree with the political comment at the outset. The Government will carefully consider comments made by parliamentarians in both Houses, as well as the work of Mr Nigel Boardman, the CSPL and PACAC, when the committee reports. We will make a policy statement in due course but, as your Lordships would expect, we intend to consider these matters carefully.