Standards in Public Life

Debate between Valerie Vaz and Michael Ellis

Tuesday 7th June 2022 Commons Chamber

[Michael Ellis]

Of course I agree that the truth is an important and paramount object in public life. That goes without saying. Sanctions are another matter. This is a question of fact and degree in each individual case. The right hon. Lady is pursuing this line that somehow truth has been removed from this iteration of the ministerial code. It has not—it is still there at paragraph 1.3.c—so she is pursuing an imaginary problem.

Let me turn to the letter on the application of the ministerial code to the Prime Minister. Before I talk about the detail of the letter, it is important that I touch on the recent communication between the Prime Minister and the independent adviser in relation to the fixed penalty notice received by the Prime Minister and the application of the ministerial code.

[Valerie Vaz (Walsall South) (Lab)]

Before the Minister does that, will he give way?

[Michael Ellis]

I am giving way quite frequently, but I will give way to the right hon. Lady.

[Valerie Vaz]

I thank the Minister for giving way. Will he say what the position is if the Prime Minister has broken the law? Does he accept that that is a breach of the ministerial code?