Civil Service Appointments Debate

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Department: Cabinet Office

Civil Service Appointments

Philippa Whitford 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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My hon. Friend, who has served in government as a political appointee, knows absolutely whereof he speaks. As I say, I find it somewhat curious that Opposition Members who have themselves supported the Government on many, many political appointees are now having a fit of the vapours at the idea that there should be a political appointee.

Philippa Whitford Portrait Dr Philippa Whitford (Central Ayrshire) (SNP) [V]
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The Minister claims that there was an issue with Sir Mark Sedwill carrying out two roles, so how is it practical to combine the role of National Security Adviser with a commitment to intensify EU negotiations—or have the Government already given up on a good deal?