Civil Service Impartiality Debate

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Department: Cabinet Office

Civil Service Impartiality

Mike Amesbury Excerpts
Monday 6th March 2023

(1 year, 8 months ago)

Commons Chamber
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Jeremy Quin Portrait Jeremy Quin
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My hon. Friend is correct. Clearly, Sue Gray has access to a lot of information, but that does not mean she would put that information to ill use. The ACOBA guidelines talk about sensitive information and how someone can avoid the perception that they have been put into a difficult position in those circumstances. ACOBA obviously has a job to do.

Mike Amesbury Portrait Mike Amesbury (Weaver Vale) (Lab)
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Which bond of trust or aspect of impartiality was broken when Sue Gray was a senior civil servant—the same Sue Gray who was praised by the Government as being almost the best thing since sliced bread? What is the problem or issue now?

Jeremy Quin Portrait Jeremy Quin
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We are conducting analysis to find out the facts that led up to the resignation of Sue Gray and to ensure they can be set out. It would help dispel concerns, worries and problems if the Labour party could simply set out the facts itself. There is no reason why it could not do that today.