Civil Service Appointments Debate

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Department: Cabinet Office

Civil Service Appointments

David Linden Excerpts
Tuesday 30th June 2020

(4 years, 4 months ago)

Commons Chamber
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Michael Gove Portrait Michael Gove
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Speaking as a supporter of the Scotland football team, I think that appointing a plumber to be the manager of the England football team would be a novel and interesting way of evening the odds.

Michael Gove Portrait Michael Gove
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The SNP is with me on that.

--- Later in debate ---
Michael Gove Portrait Michael Gove
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I am really grateful to my right hon. Friend for making that point; I should have made it earlier. It is the case that when the National Security Council sits, it is absolutely required that the representatives of the various security and intelligence agencies that keep us safe are there, along with key military and diplomatic figures. The National Security Adviser is one of a number of those with expertise, and it is the case that the National Security Council is now meeting more frequently, not least to take forward the integrated review that I know he supports.

David Linden Portrait David Linden (Glasgow East) (SNP)
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Don’t prorogue Parliament as the Supreme Court will find it unlawful. Don’t approve this planning application, Secretary Jenrick, as it will be found unlawful. Is this not just the latest case of the Government absolutely ignoring civil servants and making party political appointments that are wholly inappropriate. Does the Minister agree with that?