Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask His Majesty's Government whether Ministers may make personal statements that do not reflect Government policy.

The Ministerial Code sets out the standards of conduct expected of ministers and how they discharge their duty. Notably:

• Section 8.3: Ministers should ensure that their statements are consistent with collective Government policy;

• Section 6.5: Ministers are free to make their views about constituency matters known to the responsible Minister by correspondence, leading deputations or by personal interview provided they make clear that they are acting as their constituents’ representative and not as a Minister.

The Ministerial Code can be viewed here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/ministerial-code