Rachel Reeves Portrait

Rachel Reeves

Labour - Leeds West

First elected: 6th May 2010

Shadow Chancellor of the Exchequer

(since May 2021)

Rachel Reeves is not a member of any APPGs
2 Former APPG memberships
Loneliness, Women in Parliament
Shadow Minister for the Cabinet Office and Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster
5th Apr 2020 - 9th May 2021
Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy Committee
27th Jan 2020 - 7th Apr 2020
Business and Trade Committee
27th Jan 2020 - 7th Apr 2020
Liaison Committee Sub-committee on the effectiveness and influence of the select committee system
13th Feb 2019 - 6th Nov 2019
Liaison Committee (Commons)
6th Nov 2017 - 6th Nov 2019
National Security Strategy (Joint Committee)
30th Oct 2017 - 6th Nov 2019
Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy Committee
12th Jul 2017 - 6th Nov 2019
Business and Trade Committee
12th Jul 2017 - 6th Nov 2019
Treasury Committee
26th Oct 2015 - 3rd May 2017
Shadow Secretary of State for Work and Pensions
7th Oct 2013 - 14th Sep 2015
Shadow Chief Secretary to the Treasury
7th Oct 2011 - 7th Oct 2013
Shadow Minister (Work and Pensions)
8th Oct 2010 - 7th Oct 2011
Business, Innovation and Skills Committee
12th Jul 2010 - 2nd Nov 2010


Division Voting information

During the current Parliament, Rachel Reeves has voted in 567 divisions, and never against the majority of their Party.
View All Rachel Reeves Division Votes

Debates during the 2019 Parliament

Speeches made during Parliamentary debates are recorded in Hansard. For ease of browsing we have grouped debates into individual, departmental and legislative categories.

Sparring Partners
Michael Gove (Conservative)
Minister for Intergovernmental Relations
(34 debate interactions)
Rishi Sunak (Conservative)
Prime Minister, First Lord of the Treasury, Minister for the Civil Service, and Minister for the Union
(23 debate interactions)
Lindsay Hoyle (Speaker)
(19 debate interactions)
View All Sparring Partners
Department Debates
HM Treasury
(163 debate contributions)
Cabinet Office
(36 debate contributions)
Department for Work and Pensions
(19 debate contributions)
View All Department Debates
View all Rachel Reeves's debates

Leeds West Petitions

e-Petitions are administered by Parliament and allow members of the public to express support for a particular issue.

If an e-petition reaches 10,000 signatures the Government will issue a written response.

If an e-petition reaches 100,000 signatures the petition becomes eligible for a Parliamentary debate (usually Monday 4.30pm in Westminster Hall).

Rachel Reeves has not participated in any petition debates

Latest EDMs signed by Rachel Reeves

6th July 2022
Rachel Reeves signed this EDM as a sponsor on Wednesday 6th July 2022

Trade Unions

Tabled by: Keir Starmer (Labour - Holborn and St Pancras)
That an humble Address be presented to Her Majesty, praying that the Liability of Trade Unions in Proceedings in Tort (Increase of Limits on Damages) Order 2022 (S.I., 2022, No. 699), dated 22 June 2022, a copy of which was laid before this House on 24 June 2022, be annulled.
7 signatures
(Most recent: 7 Jul 2022)
Signatures by party:
Labour: 6
Green Party: 1
12th October 2020
Rachel Reeves signed this EDM as a sponsor on Thursday 15th October 2020

St George’s Crypt 90th Anniversary

Tabled by: Hilary Benn (Labour - Leeds Central)
That this House congratulates St George’s Crypt in Leeds on 90 years of service to the homeless and disadvantaged; notes that the Crypt has been providing this support since the vicar of St George’s Church, the Reverend Don Robins, first opened the doors of the Crypt in 1930 to take …
5 signatures
(Most recent: 15 Oct 2020)
Signatures by party:
Labour: 4
Democratic Unionist Party: 1
View All Rachel Reeves's signed Early Day Motions

Commons initiatives

These initiatives were driven by Rachel Reeves, and are more likely to reflect personal policy preferences.

MPs who are act as Ministers or Shadow Ministers are generally restricted from performing Commons initiatives other than Urgent Questions.


4 Urgent Questions tabled by Rachel Reeves

Rachel Reeves has not been granted any Adjournment Debates

2 Bills introduced by Rachel Reeves


The Bill failed to complete its passage through Parliament before the end of the session. This means the Bill will make no further progress. A Bill to amend the Climate Change Act 2008 to require net United Kingdom carbon emissions to be zero by 2050 and to include international aviation and international shipping in the calculation of such emissions.

Commons - 20%

Last Event - 1st Reading: House Of Commons
Tuesday 11th June 2019

A Bill to require the Financial Conduct Authority to make rules restricting the cost of credit for unauthorised overdrafts on bank accounts in certain circumstances; and for connected purposes.

Commons - 20%

Last Event - 1st Reading: House Of Commons
Tuesday 25th April 2017
(Read Debate)

Latest 50 Written Questions

(View all written questions)
Written Questions can be tabled by MPs and Lords to request specific information information on the work, policy and activities of a Government Department
6th Feb 2020
To ask the Attorney General, how the additional £85 million for the Crown Prosecution Service will be spent; and if he will take steps to make an assessment of the effect of that additional funding on the number of prosecutions taken forward for the offence of rape.

The
additional £85 million for the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) will be spent
over two financial years; £5 million in 2019-20 and £80 million in 2020-21. This
investment will enable the CPS to respond effectively to the expected increase
in caseload resulting from the recruitment of 20,000 new police officers; to
better meet their disclosure obligations; to work with investigators to pursue
all reasonable lines of inquiry; and to deliver much needed changes to external
counsel fees. Investing in the CPS to meet these pressures is essential for
justice to be served.

The
additional resources for disclosure will support the development of stronger
cases, including rape offences.

18th Jul 2022
To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, what the total cost of Ministerial salaries to the Exchequer was in (a) July 2021, (b) August 2021, (c) September 2021, (d) October 2021, (e) November 2021, (f) December 2021, (g) January 2022, (h) February 2022, (i) March 2022, (j) April 2022, (k) May 2022, (l) June 2022 and (m) July 2022.

Limits on the number of salaries that can be paid and at what level are imposed by the Ministerial and other Salaries Act 1975. Government departments are responsible for paying ministerial salaries and publish relevant information in their annual reports and accounts, which can be found on gov.uk. Salary information for 2021-22 will be included in departments’ 2021-22 annual reports and accounts currently being published.

The Government also publishes information about the salary entitlements and salaries claimed at different ministerial ranks. This information can be found at the following link:

https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/1027301/Salaries_of_Members_of_Her_Majestys_Government_-_Financial_Year_2021-22_-_Publication.pdf

26th Apr 2021
To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster and Minister for the Cabinet Office, when the Government plans to next publish the Register of Minsters’ Financial Interests.

The Prime Minister yesterday announced the appointment of Rt Hon Lord Geidt to serve as the Independent Adviser on Ministers’ Interests. The Independent Adviser oversees the production of a List of Ministers' Interests, and the next publication will occur once Lord Geidt has concluded that process.

26th Apr 2021
To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster and Minister for the Cabinet Office, what plans the Government has to give the next Independent Advisor on Ministerial Standards the power to initiate investigations.

The Prime Minister yesterday announced the appointment of Rt Hon Lord Geidt to serve as the Independent Adviser on Ministers’ Interests. Lord Geidt is a Crossbench Member of the House of Lords, a Privy Councillor and a former Private Secretary to The Queen. He brings a distinguished record of impartial public service and experience of Government to bear on the appointment.

The Prime Minister has agreed Terms of Reference for the role with Lord Geidt. These have been published on Gov.uk and will be deposited in the House libraries.

As part of these new Terms of Reference, and taking into account the recommendations of the Chair of the Committee on Standards in Public Life, the Independent Adviser will now have the authority to advise on the initiation of investigations.

26th Apr 2021
To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster and Minister for the Cabinet Office, when the Government plans to fill the vacancy for the Independent Advisor on Ministerial Standards.

The Prime Minister yesterday announced the appointment of Rt Hon Lord Geidt to serve as the Independent Adviser on Ministers’ Interests. Lord Geidt is a Crossbench Member of the House of Lords, a Privy Councillor and a former Private Secretary to The Queen. He brings a distinguished record of impartial public service and experience of Government to bear on the appointment.

The Prime Minister has agreed Terms of Reference for the role with Lord Geidt. These have been published on Gov.uk and will be deposited in the House libraries.

As part of these new Terms of Reference, and taking into account the recommendations of the Chair of the Committee on Standards in Public Life, the Independent Adviser will now have the authority to advise on the initiation of investigations.

26th Apr 2021
To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster and Minister for the Cabinet Office, what information his Department holds on the date on which the Prime Minister repaid the costs of the refurbishment of the 11 Downing Street flat.

It has not proved possible to respond to the hon. Member in the time available before Prorogation.

23rd Apr 2021
To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster and Minister for the Cabinet Office, if he will publish details of all (a) communications and (b) meetings held between (i) No.10 special advisors and (ii) David Cameron or wider representatives of Greensill Capital (UK) Limited, Greensill Capital Management (UK) Limited and associated companies including but not limited to (A) the parties such communications or meetings were between, (B) how and when such communications or meetings took place, (C) the subject matter of such communications or meetings, and (D) how the details of such communications or meetings were recorded.

The Prime Minister has asked Mr Boardman to conduct a review that will look into the decisions taken around the development and use of supply chain finance (and associated schemes) in government, especially the role of Lex Greensill and Greensill Capital. The full terms of reference are set out at https://www.gov.uk/government/news/review-into-the-development-and-use-of-supply-chain-finance-in-government-terms-of-reference

The review will report to the Prime Minister by 30 June 2021. The Government will publish and present to Parliament the Review’s findings and the Government’s response in due course thereafter.

Correspondence between the Cabinet Office and the Advisory Committee on Business Appointments is published at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/crothers-bill-government-chief-commercial-officer-cabinet-office-acoba-recommendation

21st Apr 2021
To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster and Minister for the Cabinet Office, how much and what proportion of the Government's £290 billion annual public sector procurement expenditure has been spent (a) with businesses that use or have used child labour and (b) on products manufactured in, or using materials manufactured in, Xinjiang in each of the last five financial years.

This information is not held centrally.

The UK spends some £290 billion on public procurement every year. This huge amount of government spending must be leveraged to play its part in the UK’s economic recovery, opening up public contracts to more small businesses and social enterprises to innovate in public service delivery, and meeting our net-zero carbon target by 2050. The Government has already reviewed the Green Book to ensure it supports “levelling up” and is taking other steps for example through the National Infrastructure Strategy to ensure vibrant and resilient supply chains. Our ambitious plans for reform, set out in our recently published Green Paper on transforming procurement, aim to create a simpler regime that reduces costs for business and the public sector alike whilst complying with our international obligations.

The Government is committed to working to improve action to tackle modern slavery in supply chains, and has published commercial policy and guidance which advocates a systematic approach to identifying and tackling modern slavery and labour abuses in government supply chains, focussing on areas of the highest risk. We are keeping this matter under close review.

Julia Lopez
Minister of State (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology)
21st Apr 2021
To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster and Minister for the Cabinet Office, how much and what proportion of the Government's £290 billion annual public sector procurement expenditure has been spent on (a) goods made in the UK, (b) services provided by UK-owned companies, (c) goods made outside of the UK and (d) services provided by overseas-owned companies in each of the last five financial years.

This information is not held centrally.

The UK spends some £290 billion on public procurement every year. This huge amount of government spending must be leveraged to play its part in the UK’s economic recovery, opening up public contracts to more small businesses and social enterprises to innovate in public service delivery, and meeting our net-zero carbon target by 2050. The Government has already reviewed the Green Book to ensure it supports “levelling up” and is taking other steps for example through the National Infrastructure Strategy to ensure vibrant and resilient supply chains. Our ambitious plans for reform, set out in our recently published Green Paper on transforming procurement, aim to create a simpler regime that reduces costs for business and the public sector alike whilst complying with our international obligations.

The Government is committed to working to improve action to tackle modern slavery in supply chains, and has published commercial policy and guidance which advocates a systematic approach to identifying and tackling modern slavery and labour abuses in government supply chains, focussing on areas of the highest risk. We are keeping this matter under close review.

Julia Lopez
Minister of State (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology)
21st Apr 2021
To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster and Minister for the Cabinet Office, how much and what proportion of the Government's £290 billion annual public sector procurement expenditure has been disbursed by each (a) Government department, (b) local authority, (c) university, (d) research institute or research council, (e) NHS Trust and (f) further education institute in each of the last five financial years.

This information is not held centrally.

The UK spends some £290 billion on public procurement every year. This huge amount of government spending must be leveraged to play its part in the UK’s economic recovery, opening up public contracts to more small businesses and social enterprises to innovate in public service delivery, and meeting our net-zero carbon target by 2050. The Government has already reviewed the Green Book to ensure it supports “levelling up” and is taking other steps for example through the National Infrastructure Strategy to ensure vibrant and resilient supply chains. Our ambitious plans for reform, set out in our recently published Green Paper on transforming procurement, aim to create a simpler regime that reduces costs for business and the public sector alike whilst complying with our international obligations.

The Government is committed to working to improve action to tackle modern slavery in supply chains, and has published commercial policy and guidance which advocates a systematic approach to identifying and tackling modern slavery and labour abuses in government supply chains, focussing on areas of the highest risk. We are keeping this matter under close review.

Julia Lopez
Minister of State (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology)
21st Apr 2021
To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster and Minister for the Cabinet Office, how much and what proportion of the Government's £290 billion annual public sector procurement expenditure has been spent in each region of the UK in each of the last five financial years.

This information is not held centrally.

The UK spends some £290 billion on public procurement every year. This huge amount of government spending must be leveraged to play its part in the UK’s economic recovery, opening up public contracts to more small businesses and social enterprises to innovate in public service delivery, and meeting our net-zero carbon target by 2050. The Government has already reviewed the Green Book to ensure it supports “levelling up” and is taking other steps for example through the National Infrastructure Strategy to ensure vibrant and resilient supply chains. Our ambitious plans for reform, set out in our recently published Green Paper on transforming procurement, aim to create a simpler regime that reduces costs for business and the public sector alike whilst complying with our international obligations.

The Government is committed to working to improve action to tackle modern slavery in supply chains, and has published commercial policy and guidance which advocates a systematic approach to identifying and tackling modern slavery and labour abuses in government supply chains, focussing on areas of the highest risk. We are keeping this matter under close review.

Julia Lopez
Minister of State (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology)
21st Apr 2021
To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster and Minister for the Cabinet Office, how much and what proportion of the Government's £290 billion annual public sector procurement expenditure has been spent with or on (a) the private sector, (b) the voluntary sector, (c) SMEs, (d) public sector bodies, (e) goods and (f) services in each of the last five financial years.

This information is not held centrally.

The UK spends some £290 billion on public procurement every year. This huge amount of government spending must be leveraged to play its part in the UK’s economic recovery, opening up public contracts to more small businesses and social enterprises to innovate in public service delivery, and meeting our net-zero carbon target by 2050. The Government has already reviewed the Green Book to ensure it supports “levelling up” and is taking other steps for example through the National Infrastructure Strategy to ensure vibrant and resilient supply chains. Our ambitious plans for reform, set out in our recently published Green Paper on transforming procurement, aim to create a simpler regime that reduces costs for business and the public sector alike whilst complying with our international obligations.

The Government is committed to working to improve action to tackle modern slavery in supply chains, and has published commercial policy and guidance which advocates a systematic approach to identifying and tackling modern slavery and labour abuses in government supply chains, focussing on areas of the highest risk. We are keeping this matter under close review.

Julia Lopez
Minister of State (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology)
24th Mar 2021
To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster and Minister for the Cabinet Office, pursuant to the Answer of 18 March 2021 to Question, what the specific boundaries are of central London where 22,000 civil servants will be relocated from; and which specific regions those civil servants will be relocated to.

The Government is committed to relocating 22,000 civil service roles from central London to the regions and nations of the UK by the end of the decade. A number of announcements have been made on Places for Growth locations. This includes the Cabinet Office establishing a second headquarters in Glasgow, a joint headquarters for FCDO in East Kilbride, DfT building on its presence in Leeds and Birmingham, and a new economic campus in Darlington. Further announcements for other departments will be made in due course.

Julia Lopez
Minister of State (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology)
24th Mar 2021
To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster and Minister for the Cabinet Office, how much David Cameron has received from the public purse since he resigned as Prime Minister and hon. Member in 2016; and what the purpose was of such payments.

Former Prime Ministers are entitled to claim the Public Duty Cost Allowance, which is the reimbursement of incurred expenses for necessary office and secretarial costs arising from the fulfilment of public duties. Amounts claimed each year are set out in the Cabinet Office Annual Report and Accounts.

Ministers of the Crown are eligible to receive a severance payment of three months of their Ministerial salary, as outlined in the Ministerial and other Pensions and Salaries Act 1991 (as amended).

16th Mar 2021
To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster and Minister for the Cabinet Office, how much the Government has spent on settling legal disputes, including legal costs, with former employees and civil servants since 2019.

This information is not held centrally.

Julia Lopez
Minister of State (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology)
16th Mar 2021
To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster and Minister for the Cabinet Office, how many of the specialised committees and sub-committees established under the UK–EU Trade and Cooperation Agreement have (a) held meetings and (b) organised meetings for 2021.

The dates of the first meetings of the committees established under the UK - EU Trade and Cooperation Agreement have not yet been agreed with the EU. We are carefully considering the establishment of these committees, including the UK chairs and delegations, so that they can begin their formal business after ratification has been completed.

Penny Mordaunt
Lord President of the Council and Leader of the House of Commons
11th Mar 2021
To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster and Minister for the Cabinet Office, whether the total cost to the public purse of (a) refurbishments and (b) renovations to No.10 Downing Street since July 2019 has been notified to the Cabinet Secretary.

The Downing Street complex is a working building, as well as containing two Ministerial residences. As has been the case under successive administrations, refurbishments and maintenance are made periodically.

Works to the Downing Street estate are overseen by the Cabinet Office. It is not the practice of successive administrations to comment on which officials have been consulted or advised on matters.

1st Mar 2021
To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster and Minister for the Cabinet Office, how much has been spent engaging with UK businesses on how they adapt to the new UK-EU trading relationship since the end of the transition period.

Ministers across government have been speaking directly to hundreds of businesses across the country, including through the Business Brexit Task Force, to develop a shared vision and plan for the future. Such engagement has been integral to support businesses in adapting to our new trading relationship with the EU and to continue to successfully compete on the global stage.

The Cabinet Office is consistently tracking and reviewing spend on the UK Transition campaign to ensure our communications to businesses and citizens are efficient. The Cabinet Office is committed to scrutiny and transparency. Details of spend of over £500, including on public information campaigns, are published on a rolling basis on gov.uk - https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/cabinet-office-spend-data.

Penny Mordaunt
Lord President of the Council and Leader of the House of Commons
1st Mar 2021
To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster and Minister for the Cabinet Office, how much has been spent on adverts on news websites promoting the success of UK businesses in adapting to the new trading arrangements with the EU.

I refer the hon. Member to the answer given to PQ 33512.

The cross-government Transition communication campaign is guiding and supporting businesses and citizens to adapt to new arrangements since the end of the Transition Period. The campaign has used national advertising including TV, SMS, Radio, Press, Print, Digital and outdoor advertising across owned, earned and paid for channels.

The Cabinet Office is consistently tracking and reviewing spend on the Transition campaign to ensure our communications are efficient. Campaign spend is proportionate to ensure UK businesses and consumers know what they need to do to make sure they adapt and thrive under the new rules.

Details of spend over £500, including on public information campaigns, is published on a monthly basis on gov.uk - https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/cabinet-office-spend-data.

Penny Mordaunt
Lord President of the Council and Leader of the House of Commons
24th Feb 2021
To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster and Minister for the Cabinet Office, what assessment he has made of Public First’s performance in its contracts relating to the covid-19 response.

Further to my answer to PQ 77727 on 6 October 2020, public sector procurement is subject to a legal framework which encourages fair and open competition and value for money, in line with internationally and nationally agreed obligations and regulations. Public sector procurers are required to assess value for money using criteria linked to the subject matter of the contract, including compliance with the published specification.

Cabinet Office, like all departments, is responsible for the monitoring of its contracts. This research has helped us to understand public attitudes and behaviours to inform our vitally important public health messages and policies during the pandemic.

Julia Lopez
Minister of State (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology)
24th Feb 2021
To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster and Minister for the Cabinet Office, what voucher schemes the currently advertised £3.3 billion contract relates to.

The Government has a longstanding commitment to the principle of transparency in procurement.

We have recently launched our Green Paper on transforming the UK’s public procurement regulations. The proposals outline specific measures to strengthen transparency throughout the commercial lifecycle and make sure we can have a choice of direct award and more competitive tendering during crises.

The Crown Commercial Service aims to create a framework which will provide an efficient and compliant route to market for public sector bodies for a broad range of voucher schemes. A Prior Information Notice was issued to the market on 29th January 2021 and stakeholder engagement is ongoing, prior to the issuance of a formal contract notice. The maximum potential value of call offs by the public sector is anticipated to be £3.3bn over the lifecycle of this framework agreement.

The framework agreement will not deliver voucher based reward and recognition schemes to employees but will cover a wide range of voucher types, such as to reward and incentivise the general public (i.e. in response to completing surveys) and to provide support to those in times of need or distress.

Julia Lopez
Minister of State (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology)
24th Feb 2021
To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster and Minister for the Cabinet Office, what steps he is taking to adapt Government procurement strategies as a result of the High Court’s recent ruling on contract publication.

The Government has a longstanding commitment to the principle of transparency in procurement.

We have recently launched our Green Paper on transforming the UK’s public procurement regulations. The proposals outline specific measures to strengthen transparency throughout the commercial lifecycle and make sure we can have a choice of direct award and more competitive tendering during crises.

The Crown Commercial Service aims to create a framework which will provide an efficient and compliant route to market for public sector bodies for a broad range of voucher schemes. A Prior Information Notice was issued to the market on 29th January 2021 and stakeholder engagement is ongoing, prior to the issuance of a formal contract notice. The maximum potential value of call offs by the public sector is anticipated to be £3.3bn over the lifecycle of this framework agreement.

The framework agreement will not deliver voucher based reward and recognition schemes to employees but will cover a wide range of voucher types, such as to reward and incentivise the general public (i.e. in response to completing surveys) and to provide support to those in times of need or distress.

Julia Lopez
Minister of State (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology)
23rd Feb 2021
To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster and Minister for the Cabinet Office, whether he plans to consider Public First as a candidate for future covid-19 contracts.

Further to my answer to PQ 77727 on 6 October 2020, public sector procurement is subject to a legal framework which encourages fair and open competition and value for money, in line with internationally and nationally agreed obligations and regulations. Public sector procurers are required to assess value for money using criteria linked to the subject matter of the contract, including compliance with the published specification.

Cabinet Office, like all departments, is responsible for the monitoring of its contracts. This research has helped us to understand public attitudes and behaviours to inform our vitally important public health messages and policies during the pandemic.

Julia Lopez
Minister of State (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology)
11th Feb 2021
To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster and Minister for the Cabinet Office, what progress the UK has made in its engagement in the Open Government Partnership; and what assessment he has made of the implications for his policies of the latest independent report finding that the UK's latest open government commitments were limited in scope, did not take proper account of proposals from the public and charities, and did not address major issues like Freedom of Information processing and public procurement issues, as highlighted by the NAO.

The UK is a founding member of the Open Government Partnership (OGP) and is committed to upholding the organisation’s values of transparency, accountability and public participation. Work on the forthcoming National Action Plan will take place throughout 2021, with a model of engagement designed to encourage greater public participation, collaboration, and expert involvement.

Julia Lopez
Minister of State (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology)
11th Feb 2021
To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster and Minister for the Cabinet Office, with reference to his oral contribution of 2 February 2021, Official Report column 837 on Northern Ireland Protocol: Implementation, what the significant issues are that he would not describe as teething problems.

I refer the Honourable Member to the letter sent to Vice-President Sefcovic on 2 February.

The letter can be found here.

Penny Mordaunt
Lord President of the Council and Leader of the House of Commons
8th Feb 2021
To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster and Minister for the Cabinet Office, with reference to the oral contribution of the Prime Minister to the Liaison Committee on 13 January 2021, what teething problems are being experienced by UK exporters.

I refer the Hon. Member both to the letter by the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster of 11 February, a copy of which I have asked to be placed in the House of Commons Library and to the response, published on gov.uk, to erroneous claims made by the Road Haulage Association available here - https://www.gov.uk/government/news/response-to-points-raised-in-road-haulage-association-letter-to-the-chancellor-of-the-duchy-of-lancaster

I also refer the Hon. Member to the answers given by the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster to questions on 11 February.

Penny Mordaunt
Lord President of the Council and Leader of the House of Commons
8th Feb 2021
To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster and Minister for the Cabinet Office, how many lorries have been turned away at UK borders as a result of inadequate paperwork since 1 January 2021.

I refer the Hon. Member both to the letter by the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster of 11 February, a copy of which I have asked to be placed in the House of Commons Library and to the response, published on gov.uk, to erroneous claims made by the Road Haulage Association available here - https://www.gov.uk/government/news/response-to-points-raised-in-road-haulage-association-letter-to-the-chancellor-of-the-duchy-of-lancaster

I also refer the Hon. Member to the answers given by the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster to questions on 11 February.

Penny Mordaunt
Lord President of the Council and Leader of the House of Commons
8th Feb 2021
To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster and Minister for the Cabinet Office, how many lorries have been turned away at UK borders as a result of the driver failing to produce a negative covid-19 test since 1 January 2021.

I refer the Hon. Member both to the letter by the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster of 11 February, a copy of which I have asked to be placed in the House of Commons Library and to the response, published on gov.uk, to erroneous claims made by the Road Haulage Association available here - https://www.gov.uk/government/news/response-to-points-raised-in-road-haulage-association-letter-to-the-chancellor-of-the-duchy-of-lancaster

I also refer the Hon. Member to the answers given by the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster to questions on 11 February.

Penny Mordaunt
Lord President of the Council and Leader of the House of Commons
4th Feb 2021
To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster and Minister for the Cabinet Office, under what circumstances the Government would trigger Article 16 of the Northern Ireland Protocol.

I refer the Honourable Member to the letter my Right Honourable Friend the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster sent to Vice-President Maros Sefcovic on 2 February 2021.

Penny Mordaunt
Lord President of the Council and Leader of the House of Commons
4th Feb 2021
To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster and Minister for the Cabinet Office, if he will outline the steps taken by the Government to identify which parts of its response to the covid-19 outbreak should be outsourced to private companies.

This Government recognises that outsourcing is an important component in a “mixed economy” of public service provision and that the private sector has played a crucial role in the country’s response to the Covid-19 pandemic, including in relation to the development and procurement of the Government’s world-leading vaccine programme. Under the terms of the Public Contracts Regulations 2015, departments and other public authorities are able to use various applicable procedures. Public authorities across the United Kingdom including the devolved administrations and local authorities have made use of direct awards - this includes Leeds City Council. Similar approaches were adopted by many other countries, including Japan, Finland and New Zealand. It is unrealistic to suggest that the government ought to have run a full public procurement competition for PPE and other critical contracts at the height of the pandemic. The minimum number of days a competitive award could take place under the current rules is 25 days. This would have hugely slowed down the buying of vital PPE supplies.

Further to the Outsourcing Playbook, available on gov.uk, and as has been the case under successive administrations, public sector contracting authorities are responsible for their own commercial decisions, such as the award and monitoring of contracts. New commercial policy relating to the evaluation and delivery of social value outcomes through central government procurement did not come into force until 1 January 2021. It is therefore unlikely that a formal assessment of social value was made in relation to direct award contracts relating to the covid-19 response. Regarding cyber security, details of the Cyber Essentials scheme is available on gov.uk. The requested information on service credits is not held centrally.

I note that the Hon Member has not yet replied to the letter by my Rt Hon Friend the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster of 20 November 2020. As a courtesy, I will ensure that a further copy of the letter is sent to her office to ensure she has a chance to reply to the points raised.

Julia Lopez
Minister of State (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology)
4th Feb 2021
To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster and Minister for the Cabinet Office, what the process is for (a) identifying and (b) evaluating the capacity of companies being considered for contracts relating to the covid-19 response.

This Government recognises that outsourcing is an important component in a “mixed economy” of public service provision and that the private sector has played a crucial role in the country’s response to the Covid-19 pandemic, including in relation to the development and procurement of the Government’s world-leading vaccine programme. Under the terms of the Public Contracts Regulations 2015, departments and other public authorities are able to use various applicable procedures. Public authorities across the United Kingdom including the devolved administrations and local authorities have made use of direct awards - this includes Leeds City Council. Similar approaches were adopted by many other countries, including Japan, Finland and New Zealand. It is unrealistic to suggest that the government ought to have run a full public procurement competition for PPE and other critical contracts at the height of the pandemic. The minimum number of days a competitive award could take place under the current rules is 25 days. This would have hugely slowed down the buying of vital PPE supplies.

Further to the Outsourcing Playbook, available on gov.uk, and as has been the case under successive administrations, public sector contracting authorities are responsible for their own commercial decisions, such as the award and monitoring of contracts. New commercial policy relating to the evaluation and delivery of social value outcomes through central government procurement did not come into force until 1 January 2021. It is therefore unlikely that a formal assessment of social value was made in relation to direct award contracts relating to the covid-19 response. Regarding cyber security, details of the Cyber Essentials scheme is available on gov.uk. The requested information on service credits is not held centrally.

I note that the Hon Member has not yet replied to the letter by my Rt Hon Friend the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster of 20 November 2020. As a courtesy, I will ensure that a further copy of the letter is sent to her office to ensure she has a chance to reply to the points raised.

Julia Lopez
Minister of State (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology)
4th Feb 2021
To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster and Minister for the Cabinet Office, what assessment he has made of the (a) social value, (b) ethnic diversity and (c) gender diversity in the awarding of public sector contracts relating to the covid-19 response.

This Government recognises that outsourcing is an important component in a “mixed economy” of public service provision and that the private sector has played a crucial role in the country’s response to the Covid-19 pandemic, including in relation to the development and procurement of the Government’s world-leading vaccine programme. Under the terms of the Public Contracts Regulations 2015, departments and other public authorities are able to use various applicable procedures. Public authorities across the United Kingdom including the devolved administrations and local authorities have made use of direct awards - this includes Leeds City Council. Similar approaches were adopted by many other countries, including Japan, Finland and New Zealand. It is unrealistic to suggest that the government ought to have run a full public procurement competition for PPE and other critical contracts at the height of the pandemic. The minimum number of days a competitive award could take place under the current rules is 25 days. This would have hugely slowed down the buying of vital PPE supplies.

Further to the Outsourcing Playbook, available on gov.uk, and as has been the case under successive administrations, public sector contracting authorities are responsible for their own commercial decisions, such as the award and monitoring of contracts. New commercial policy relating to the evaluation and delivery of social value outcomes through central government procurement did not come into force until 1 January 2021. It is therefore unlikely that a formal assessment of social value was made in relation to direct award contracts relating to the covid-19 response. Regarding cyber security, details of the Cyber Essentials scheme is available on gov.uk. The requested information on service credits is not held centrally.

I note that the Hon Member has not yet replied to the letter by my Rt Hon Friend the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster of 20 November 2020. As a courtesy, I will ensure that a further copy of the letter is sent to her office to ensure she has a chance to reply to the points raised.

Julia Lopez
Minister of State (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology)
3rd Feb 2021
To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster and Minister for the Cabinet Office, what estimate he has made of the length of extensions required to the proposed grace periods for traders moving goods between Great Britain and Northern Ireland.

I refer the Honourable Member to the letter my Right Honourable Friend the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster sent to Vice-President Maros Sefcovic on 2 February 2021.

Penny Mordaunt
Lord President of the Council and Leader of the House of Commons
3rd Feb 2021
To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster and Minister for the Cabinet Office, whether he plans to reintroduce open tendering processes when awarding contracts relating to the Government’s covid-19 response.

This Government recognises that outsourcing is an important component in a “mixed economy” of public service provision and that the private sector has played a crucial role in the country’s response to the Covid-19 pandemic, including in relation to the development and procurement of the Government’s world-leading vaccine programme. Under the terms of the Public Contracts Regulations 2015, departments and other public authorities are able to use various applicable procedures. Public authorities across the United Kingdom including the devolved administrations and local authorities have made use of direct awards - this includes Leeds City Council. Similar approaches were adopted by many other countries, including Japan, Finland and New Zealand. It is unrealistic to suggest that the government ought to have run a full public procurement competition for PPE and other critical contracts at the height of the pandemic. The minimum number of days a competitive award could take place under the current rules is 25 days. This would have hugely slowed down the buying of vital PPE supplies.

Further to the Outsourcing Playbook, available on gov.uk, and as has been the case under successive administrations, public sector contracting authorities are responsible for their own commercial decisions, such as the award and monitoring of contracts. Regarding cyber security, details of the Cyber Essentials scheme is available on gov.uk. The requested information on service credits is not held centrally.

I note that the Hon Member has not yet replied to the letter by my Rt Hon Friend the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster of 20 November 2020. As a courtesy, I will ensure that a further copy of the letter is sent to her office to ensure she has a chance to reply to the points raised.

Julia Lopez
Minister of State (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology)
3rd Feb 2021
To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster and Minister for the Cabinet Office, what assessment he made of a company’s vulnerability to cyberattacks when awarding contracts relating to the Government’s covid-19 response.

This Government recognises that outsourcing is an important component in a “mixed economy” of public service provision and that the private sector has played a crucial role in the country’s response to the Covid-19 pandemic, including in relation to the development and procurement of the Government’s world-leading vaccine programme. Under the terms of the Public Contracts Regulations 2015, departments and other public authorities are able to use various applicable procedures. Public authorities across the United Kingdom including the devolved administrations and local authorities have made use of direct awards - this includes Leeds City Council. Similar approaches were adopted by many other countries, including Japan, Finland and New Zealand. It is unrealistic to suggest that the government ought to have run a full public procurement competition for PPE and other critical contracts at the height of the pandemic. The minimum number of days a competitive award could take place under the current rules is 25 days. This would have hugely slowed down the buying of vital PPE supplies.

Further to the Outsourcing Playbook, available on gov.uk, and as has been the case under successive administrations, public sector contracting authorities are responsible for their own commercial decisions, such as the award and monitoring of contracts. Regarding cyber security, details of the Cyber Essentials scheme is available on gov.uk. The requested information on service credits is not held centrally.

I note that the Hon Member has not yet replied to the letter by my Rt Hon Friend the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster of 20 November 2020. As a courtesy, I will ensure that a further copy of the letter is sent to her office to ensure she has a chance to reply to the points raised.

Julia Lopez
Minister of State (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology)
2nd Feb 2021
To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster and Minister for the Cabinet Office, what the value is of service credits applied to contracts awarded without tender since 1 March 2020 for failure to meet performance standards; and how much has been returned to the public purse to date.

This Government recognises that outsourcing is an important component in a “mixed economy” of public service provision and that the private sector has played a crucial role in the country’s response to the Covid-19 pandemic, including in relation to the development and procurement of the Government’s world-leading vaccine programme. Under the terms of the Public Contracts Regulations 2015, departments and other public authorities are able to use various applicable procedures. Public authorities across the United Kingdom including the devolved administrations and local authorities have made use of direct awards - this includes Leeds City Council. Similar approaches were adopted by many other countries, including Japan, Finland and New Zealand. It is unrealistic to suggest that the government ought to have run a full public procurement competition for PPE and other critical contracts at the height of the pandemic. The minimum number of days a competitive award could take place under the current rules is 25 days. This would have hugely slowed down the buying of vital PPE supplies.

Further to the Outsourcing Playbook, available on gov.uk, and as has been the case under successive administrations, public sector contracting authorities are responsible for their own commercial decisions, such as the award and monitoring of contracts. Regarding cyber security, details of the Cyber Essentials scheme is available on gov.uk. The requested information on service credits is not held centrally.

I note that the Hon Member has not yet replied to the letter by my Rt Hon Friend the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster of 20 November 2020. As a courtesy, I will ensure that a further copy of the letter is sent to her office to ensure she has a chance to reply to the points raised.

Julia Lopez
Minister of State (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology)
1st Feb 2021
To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster and Minister for the Cabinet Office, what additional support his Department plans to provide to tackle the problems experienced by hauliers at UK borders since 1 January 2021.

The Government is monitoring freight flow across UK ports through the Border Operations Centre in the Cabinet Office. November 2020 is not a baseline for 'normal' flow levels but freight levels have been increasing over recent weeks.

The Government has announced a wide range of support for businesses, traders and hauliers - full details are available on gov.uk. Future announcements will be made in the usual way.

Penny Mordaunt
Lord President of the Council and Leader of the House of Commons
1st Feb 2021
To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster and Minister for the Cabinet Office, what the total sum is that (a) the Government has assessed for claw back following unsatisfactory delivery of covid-19 related contracts, (b) has been instigated and (c) returned to date.

This information is not held centrally.

Julia Lopez
Minister of State (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology)
1st Feb 2021
To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster and Minister for the Cabinet Office, what assessment his Department has made of when the volume of GB-EU freight crossings may return to the level at 1 November 2020.

The Government is monitoring freight flow across UK ports through the Border Operations Centre in the Cabinet Office. November 2020 is not a baseline for 'normal' flow levels but freight levels have been increasing over recent weeks.

The Government has announced a wide range of support for businesses, traders and hauliers - full details are available on gov.uk. Future announcements will be made in the usual way.

Penny Mordaunt
Lord President of the Council and Leader of the House of Commons
27th Jan 2021
To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster and Minister for the Cabinet Office, what assessment he has made of the preparedness of the UK's new Border Control Posts and related infrastructure for the new customs procedures coming into force on 1 July 2021.

The UK announced that it would introduce new border controls on imports coming into Great Britain from the EU in three stages up until 1 July 2021, as set out by the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancester by Written Ministerial Statement on 15 June 2020. Government is supporting the infrastructure needed for these changes through £470m of investment, including £200 million for the Port Infrastructure Fund (PIF) and a further £270m allocated to the provision of inland facilities. We are keeping progress on infrastructure and wider preparedness continually under review.

Julia Lopez
Minister of State (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology)
26th Jan 2021
To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster and Minister for the Cabinet Office, how long it has taken on average for haulage lorries to cross the (a) GB-NI and (b) NI-GB route in each week since 1 January 2021.

Goods are moving effectively between Great Britain and Northern Ireland and there are no significant queues at Northern Ireland ports.

Border Force has put in place additional resource in Northern Ireland to manage any operational requirements following the end of the Transition Period, including under the terms of the Northern Ireland Protocol. The UK Government is working closely with the Northern Ireland Executive on the implementation of the requirements of the Protocol.

Goods also continue to move effectively between Great Britain and the European Union. Compliance with new border requirements continues to improve. The numbers of HGV freight turned back at the Short Straits, either for lack of border readiness or inability to present a negative COVID test has been low and decreasing over time, with an average of less than 5% over the period from 20-26 January. The Government is working with industry to ensure traders understand the new border requirements.

Penny Mordaunt
Lord President of the Council and Leader of the House of Commons
26th Jan 2021
To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster and Minister for the Cabinet Office, how many empty haulage lorries have made the (a) GB-NI and (b) GB-EU crossings each week since 1 January 2021.

Goods are moving effectively between Great Britain and Northern Ireland and there are no significant queues at Northern Ireland ports.

Border Force has put in place additional resource in Northern Ireland to manage any operational requirements following the end of the Transition Period, including under the terms of the Northern Ireland Protocol. The UK Government is working closely with the Northern Ireland Executive on the implementation of the requirements of the Protocol.

Goods also continue to move effectively between Great Britain and the European Union. Compliance with new border requirements continues to improve. The numbers of HGV freight turned back at the Short Straits, either for lack of border readiness or inability to present a negative COVID test has been low and decreasing over time, with an average of less than 5% over the period from 20-26 January. The Government is working with industry to ensure traders understand the new border requirements.

Penny Mordaunt
Lord President of the Council and Leader of the House of Commons
26th Jan 2021
To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster and Minister for the Cabinet Office, how many haulage lorries have successfully made the (a) GB-NI and (b) GB-EU crossings each week since 1 January 2021.

Goods are moving effectively between Great Britain and Northern Ireland and there are no significant queues at Northern Ireland ports.

Border Force has put in place additional resource in Northern Ireland to manage any operational requirements following the end of the Transition Period, including under the terms of the Northern Ireland Protocol. The UK Government is working closely with the Northern Ireland Executive on the implementation of the requirements of the Protocol.

Goods also continue to move effectively between Great Britain and the European Union. Compliance with new border requirements continues to improve. The numbers of HGV freight turned back at the Short Straits, either for lack of border readiness or inability to present a negative COVID test has been low and decreasing over time, with an average of less than 5% over the period from 20-26 January. The Government is working with industry to ensure traders understand the new border requirements.

Penny Mordaunt
Lord President of the Council and Leader of the House of Commons
26th Jan 2021
To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster and Minister for the Cabinet Office, how many haulage lorries have been delayed at UK borders as a result of inadequate paperwork each week since 1 January 2021.

Goods are moving effectively between Great Britain and Northern Ireland and there are no significant queues at Northern Ireland ports.

Border Force has put in place additional resource in Northern Ireland to manage any operational requirements following the end of the Transition Period, including under the terms of the Northern Ireland Protocol. The UK Government is working closely with the Northern Ireland Executive on the implementation of the requirements of the Protocol.

Goods also continue to move effectively between Great Britain and the European Union. Compliance with new border requirements continues to improve. The numbers of HGV freight turned back at the Short Straits, either for lack of border readiness or inability to present a negative COVID test has been low and decreasing over time, with an average of less than 5% over the period from 20-26 January. The Government is working with industry to ensure traders understand the new border requirements.

Penny Mordaunt
Lord President of the Council and Leader of the House of Commons
25th Jan 2021
To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster and Minister for the Cabinet Office, what discussions the Cabinet Office has had with organisations representing the creative industries since the UK-EU Trade and Cooperation Agreement was agreed.

The Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport leads on the relationship with the UK's creative industries. Where appropriate, officials from Cabinet Office and other departments, participate in discussions. Details of ministerial meetings are published on gov.uk.

Penny Mordaunt
Lord President of the Council and Leader of the House of Commons
19th Nov 2020
To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster and Minister for the Cabinet Office, on how many occasions the (a) Exit Strategy and (b) Exit Operations Cabinet Committees have met since 1 January 2020.

I refer the hon. Member to the answer given to PQ105615 on 22 October.

Penny Mordaunt
Lord President of the Council and Leader of the House of Commons
19th Nov 2020
To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster and Minister for the Cabinet Office, on which dates the (a) Exit Strategy and (b) Exit Operations Cabinet Committees have met since 1 January 2020.

I refer the hon. Member to the answer given to PQ105615 on 22 October.

Penny Mordaunt
Lord President of the Council and Leader of the House of Commons
10th Nov 2020
To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster and Minister for the Cabinet Office, how many orders through contracts awarded by his Department are currently unfulfilled.

Departmental contracts are not managed centrally. Therefore, the information requested could only be obtained at disproportionate cost. It is Cabinet Office policy that all contract managers have appropriate skills to ensure contracts are managed correctly. Any potential unfulfilled orders would be dealt with in accordance with the contract’s terms and conditions.

Julia Lopez
Minister of State (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology)
9th Nov 2020
To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster and Minister for the Cabinet Office, how many consultants have been seconded to his Department with security clearance since 1 March 2020.

In line with the practice of successive administrations, details of security clearance are not normally disclosed.

Julia Lopez
Minister of State (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology)