Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask Her Majesty's Government what plans they have to review the positive vetting procedures for ministers and special advisers; and whether any such plans will include a review of the impact of attending events abroad where foreign intelligence agents were also in attendance.

In line with long-standing practice, Her Majesty's ministers are not subject to security vetting. Advice and support is available to ministers on relevant security matters, including when attending events.

All civil servants, including special advisers, are subject to vetting as appropriate. The UK’s vetting regime is undergoing review by the Cabinet Office, which of course includes consideration of the threat posed by foreign intelligence activity.