Oral Answers to Questions Debate

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Department: Cabinet Office

Oral Answers to Questions

Jim Shannon Excerpts
Thursday 23rd April 2026

(1 day, 16 hours ago)

Commons Chamber
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Lindsay Hoyle Portrait Mr Speaker
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It’s time for “Buy local, Strangford” with Jim Shannon.

Jim Shannon Portrait Jim Shannon (Strangford) (DUP)
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Thank you, Mr Speaker. I thank the Minister for his answers and for his endeavours to try to do better. The Minister and this House must recognise that public confidence is incredibly low due to repeated failures by the Government, I say respectfully, to do the right thing. How can the Government and the Minister ensure that changes take effect that restore confidence and remove any shade from areas of government? We have an obligation as elected representatives to openness and transparency.

Chris Ward Portrait Chris Ward
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The hon. Gentleman is right to flag that concern, and it is something that the Chief Secretary to the Prime Minister is working hard on with a package of reforms around transparency. On procurement changes, I emphasise that I am trying to work with businesses, unions, charities, the voluntary sector and as many people as I can to bring them in. The more we listen to them, the more we will get this right, but he makes a broader point that I know my colleagues are working hard on, too.