Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, what guidance the (a) Cabinet Office and (b) the Government Car Service have issued to Ministers on the provision of official cars for travel inside London.

Answered by Nick Thomas-Symonds - Paymaster General and Minister for the Cabinet Office

The arrangements relating to the usage of vehicles in the Government Car Service are set out in the Civil Service Management Code and the Ministerial Code.

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, whether 10 Downing Street had discussions with representatives of Global Counsel over the visit of the Prime Minister to the offices of Palantir with Lord Mandelson.

Answered by Chris Ward - Parliamentary Secretary (Cabinet Office)

The visit was part of the Prime Minister's trip to Washington. During this visit the Prime Minister listened to a short presentation about Palantir’s work, followed by a tour of the premises and an introduction to members of staff.

In December 2025, the MOD signed an extension to the Enterprise Agreement with Palantir that had been initially awarded in November 2022, by the previous Government, and via a direct award. This extension covered existing services and ensured there was no drop-off in MOD capability in critical areas.

This contract - and all other contracts for any firm - go through the usual rigorous departmental processes and their decision makers.

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, pursuant to the answer of 13 October 2025 to Question 77563 on Palantir, whether there is a record of who the Prime Minister (a) met and (b) spoke to during that visit.

Answered by Chris Ward - Parliamentary Secretary (Cabinet Office)

The visit was part of the Prime Minister's trip to Washington. During this visit the Prime Minister listened to a short presentation about Palantir’s work, followed by a tour of the premises and an introduction to members of staff.

In December 2025, the MOD signed an extension to the Enterprise Agreement with Palantir that had been initially awarded in November 2022, by the previous Government, and via a direct award. This extension covered existing services and ensured there was no drop-off in MOD capability in critical areas.

This contract - and all other contracts for any firm - go through the usual rigorous departmental processes and their decision makers.

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, whether the Prime Minister discussed UK defence procurement of services from Palantir during his visit in February 2025.

Answered by Chris Ward - Parliamentary Secretary (Cabinet Office)

The visit was part of the Prime Minister's trip to Washington. During this visit the Prime Minister listened to a short presentation about Palantir’s work, followed by a tour of the premises and an introduction to members of staff.

In December 2025, the MOD signed an extension to the Enterprise Agreement with Palantir that had been initially awarded in November 2022, by the previous Government, and via a direct award. This extension covered existing services and ensured there was no drop-off in MOD capability in critical areas.

This contract - and all other contracts for any firm - go through the usual rigorous departmental processes and their decision makers.

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, what his policy is on grants being awarded to bodies with terms of reference that permit lobbying using grant funds.

Answered by Chris Ward - Parliamentary Secretary (Cabinet Office)

Grant funding should be used for its intended purpose and deliver value for money. Undertaking lobbying activity using government grant funding is not permitted, except in rare cases where lobbying activity is expressly part of the purpose of the award of the grant.

This policy does not impinge on an organisation's ability to use funding from other, non-government sources, however they see fit.

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, when he plans to publish the Public Bodies Directory for 2025-26.

Answered by Anna Turley - Minister without Portfolio (Cabinet Office)

An updated version of the Public Bodies landscape, covering data from 2024-25 will be published on gov.uk before the end of May 2026.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether Lord Mandelson was involved in the China Audit.

Answered by Seema Malhotra - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)

I refer the Hon. Member to the Government's response to the Urgent Question tabled on 12 February, the Written Ministerial Statement in the name of the Chief Secretary to the Prime Minister that same day, and Oral Statement on the 23 February which set out an update on the Government's process. We will set out further details in due course. The Government wishes to ensure that Parliament's instruction is met with the urgency and transparency that it deserves.

Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology:

To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, whether she has issued guidance to departments on publishing regular lists of Areas of Research Interest.

Answered by Kanishka Narayan - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology)

The Government Office for Science manages the guidance for departments on the development, publication and use of Areas of Research Interest (ARIs). The guidance sets out best practice for publishing ARIs and is available on GOV.UK at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/writing-and-using-areas-of-research-interest/writing-and-using-areas-of-research-interest.

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, whether the guidance entitled Rules on lobbying for non-departmental public bodies, published in October 2010, remains Government policy.

Answered by Anna Turley - Minister without Portfolio (Cabinet Office)

The principles of the Rules on lobbying for non-departmental public bodies (NDPBs) guidance, published in October 2010, remain Government policy.

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, whether political due diligence is undertaken as part of a Developed Vetting security check.

Answered by Dan Jarvis - Minister of State (Cabinet Office)

National Security Vetting is made up of multiple checks from a variety of sources, these checks are designed to identify risk and mitigations as well as verifying information provided by the vetting applicant. A comprehensive description of the Developed Vetting process can be found on gov.uk.

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, whether the National Security Adviser (a) is and (b) was a member of the 48 Group.

Answered by Dan Jarvis - Minister of State (Cabinet Office)

As stated in the House on 13 October 2025, the National Security Adviser does not have any links to the 48 Group.

Question to the Department for Business and Trade:

To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of the EU's Industrial Accelerator Act on non-tariff barriers with (a) Great Britain and (b) the United Kingdom.

Answered by Chris Bryant - Minister of State (Department for Business and Trade)

This government is closely following the Commission's proposals for the Industrial Accelerator Act, and the EU’s Made in Europe agenda more widely and has engaged directly with Member States, the Commission and industry on the issue.

We have been clear in discussions with EU counterparts that the UK is a close and trusted European partner, and that the UK and EU must work together to boost growth, resilience, and economic security. We are considering the Act as published earlier this week and engaging with industry on its contents.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, with reference to the Budget Information Security Review, published on 9 February 2026, whether monitoring and recording of access to documents classified as Budget - Market Sensitive will include Ministers.

Answered by James Murray - Chief Secretary to the Treasury

Yes.

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, pursuant to the answer of 2 March 2026, to Question 115433, on Cabinet Office: Social Media, when the Cabinet Office answers to Parliamentary Questions on departmental spending by the Cabinet Office, whether expenditure relating to the Prime Minister’s Office are (a) included or (b) excluded.

Answered by Nick Thomas-Symonds - Paymaster General and Minister for the Cabinet Office

The figures provided on Cabinet Office spending do not include the Prime Minister’s Office.

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, with reference to the Answer of 23 February 2026 to Question HL14053 on Public Appointments: Political Activities, if he will place in the Library a copy of the full political activity data for each public appointment where political activity was declared for the 2024-25 year.

Answered by Nick Thomas-Symonds - Paymaster General and Minister for the Cabinet Office

I refer the Hon. Gentleman to PQ 103784.

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, pursuant to the answer of 12 February 2026 to question 110013, whether the incorrect expenditure was included in the audited financial statements within the Cabinet Office Annual Report and Accounts 2024 to 2025.

Answered by Nick Thomas-Symonds - Paymaster General and Minister for the Cabinet Office

The expenditure is included in the audited financial statements. However, an administrative error meant this amount was not disclosed in the separate, unaudited breakdown of Cabinet away day costs provided on page 67. This will be explained in next year's annual report.

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, further to the letter from the Cabinet Secretary to the Foreign Affairs Select Committee of 11 November 2025, and with reference to the Updated Desk Note: Making Direct Ministerial Appointments issued in 27 June 2024, whether a Minister authorised the document in June 2024.

Answered by Nick Thomas-Symonds - Paymaster General and Minister for the Cabinet Office

The Cabinet Office regularly provides advice and information to help departments implement government policy. Routine support by officials is part of the normal workings of government.

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, whether there is a standing policy that Permanent Secretaries should receive a knighthood or damehood after a set number of years.

Answered by Nick Thomas-Symonds - Paymaster General and Minister for the Cabinet Office

All honours nominees are considered by one of ten independent honours committees, each chaired by an independent member and comprising a majority of independent members. Permanent Secretaries are considered by the State Committee, with each case considered on its merits.

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, pursuant to the answer of 7 January 2025 to Question 21399 on Cabinet Office: Staff, how many headcount staff work in the EU Relations Secretariat as of 20 February 2026; and how many are EU citizens.

Answered by Nick Thomas-Symonds - Paymaster General and Minister for the Cabinet Office

As of February 2026, there are around 80 members of staff in the EU Relations Secretariat. A detailed breakdown for the structure for the European Relations Secretariat is available as part of the Cabinet Office organogram of Staff Roles & Salaries on gov.uk.

Data is not held regarding the citizenships of staff members, however, data on the wider Civil Service, including on nationality, is published regularly on gov.uk.

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, what guidance the Propriety and Ethics Team has issued to Departments on accepting hospitality from consultant lobbyist firms.

Answered by Nick Thomas-Symonds - Paymaster General and Minister for the Cabinet Office

The Ministerial Code sets out the principles ministers must consider when deciding whether to accept hospitality.

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, whether (a) his Department and (b) the Government Property Agency (i) has made since July 2024 and (ii) plans to make changes to government property spending controls.

Answered by Anna Turley - Minister without Portfolio (Cabinet Office)

The Office of Government Property, within the Cabinet Office, administers the property spend control on behalf of HM Treasury. The last changes to the property spend control were made in May 2024.

At Budget 2025 the government announced reforms to the public spending control and accountability framework. Controls currently delegated to the central government functions, will be replaced by a multi-disciplinary single approval point in HM Treasury for above delegated authority limit spend (DAL).

For below DAL spend, departments will be responsible for ensuring they draw on appropriate functional expertise in their decision-making processes.

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, if he will issue guidance to Arm’s Length Bodies on stopping the recruitment of Government Relations Advisers to influence central government bodies.

Answered by Anna Turley - Minister without Portfolio (Cabinet Office)

The Cabinet Office does not issue specific guidance on this matter and does not intend to do so.

However, Section 4.1 of the Code of Conduct for Board Members of Public Bodies states that ‘it will always be an improper use of public funds for public bodies to employ consultants or other companies to lobby Parliament, government or political parties.”

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, pursuant to the answer of 13 November 2025, to Question 87332, on Lord Mandelson, on what specific date did the Cabinet Office complete its due diligence into Lord Mandelson in relation to his proposed appointment as Ambassador to the United States.

Answered by Nick Thomas-Symonds - Paymaster General and Minister for the Cabinet Office

I refer you to the Government's response to the Urgent Question tabled on 12th February, and the Written Ministerial Statement in the name of the Chief Secretary to the Prime Minister that same day, which set out an update on the Government's process. We will set out further details in due course. The Government wishes to ensure that Parliament’s instruction is met with the urgency and transparency that it deserves.

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, when he will answer Question 98795, tabled on 10 December 2025, on Deputy Prime Minister: Admiralty House.

Answered by Anna Turley - Minister without Portfolio (Cabinet Office)

A response has been issued here 98795

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, further to the Answer of 21 November 2025 to Questions 90250 and 90239 on Deputy Prime Minister: Admiralty House, what was the specific date in May that Westminster City Council were notified by the Government that the Ministerial residence of the then Deputy Prime Minister was liable for the second homes premium and the March council tax bill should be re-issued with the premium.

Answered by Anna Turley - Minister without Portfolio (Cabinet Office)

The Government Property Agency (GPA), an executive agency of the Cabinet Office, is responsible for the administration and payment of any tax liabilities for Admiralty House. The Government Property Agency wrote to Westminster City Council in June to confirm that the former Deputy Prime Minister was residing in Admiralty House on a second home basis. Westminster City Council issued a bill applying the second home premium in July, which was paid in full the same day. The bill was paid for the full year of 1 April 2025 - 31 March 2026.

The Cabinet Office accepts that it was delayed in notifying Westminster City Council that the Admiralty House flat allocated to the former Deputy Prime Minister was being used on a second home basis. This was not the former Deputy Prime Minister’s error or responsibility. It is regrettable that this delay occurred. The Cabinet Office is taking steps to change its internal processes to ensure this does not happen again.

Question to the Department for Education:

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, whether there is a minimum age to participate in the (a) Turing and (b) Erasmus+ scheme.

Answered by Josh MacAlister - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Education)

Most Erasmus+ activities do not have a specific age limit, except for youth activities which are only available to 18 to 30-year-olds. Erasmus+ is designed for a wide range of participants, including learners, trainees, and staff across higher education (HE), further education, vocational education and training, schools, adult education, youth programmes and sport programmes.

Students can participate in Turing Scheme placements if they are receiving education from an eligible provider from primary school through to HE.

Question to the Department for Education:

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, whether the Turing scheme will be renewed for (a) 2027-28 and (b) 2028-29.

Answered by Josh MacAlister - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Education)

Guidance on the Turing Scheme for the 2026/27 academic year has been published on GOV.UK, and applications for funding are open until 16 March 2026. The budget for 2026/27 will be confirmed in due course.

​The Turing Scheme is a demand led, competitive programme, so providers can shape applications to the needs of their students. We do not set targets for the number of Turing Scheme placements in each year, as this is highly dependent on the numbers of students that individual providers intend to send, where they intend to go and how long for. Instead, we allocate funding to prioritise the participation of students from disadvantaged backgrounds and those with special educational needs and disabilities.​

The UK has agreed in principle to associate with Erasmus+ from 2027, and decisions on the Turing Scheme for 2027/28 will be shared in due course.

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, when he plans to respond to Question 110814, tabled on 5 February 2026.

Answered by Satvir Kaur - Parliamentary Secretary (Cabinet Office)

A response has been issued here.

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, on what matters Tim Allan has recused himself.

Answered by Satvir Kaur - Parliamentary Secretary (Cabinet Office)

I refer the Hon Member to the answer given by my Noble Friend on 04 March, Official Report (PQ HL13871).

Question to the Department for Education:

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what the budget is for the Turing scheme in 2026-27; and what the target number of UK students supported is.

Answered by Josh MacAlister - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Education)

Guidance on the Turing Scheme for the 2026/27 academic year has been published on GOV.UK, and applications for funding are open until 16 March 2026. The budget for 2026/27 will be confirmed in due course.

​The Turing Scheme is a demand led, competitive programme, so providers can shape applications to the needs of their students. We do not set targets for the number of Turing Scheme placements in each year, as this is highly dependent on the numbers of students that individual providers intend to send, where they intend to go and how long for. Instead, we allocate funding to prioritise the participation of students from disadvantaged backgrounds and those with special educational needs and disabilities.​

The UK has agreed in principle to associate with Erasmus+ from 2027, and decisions on the Turing Scheme for 2027/28 will be shared in due course.

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, pursuant to the oral answer of Baroness Smith of Basildon of 5 February 2026, Official Report, Column 1737, in what specific circumstances would the Government's proposed legislation remove an individual of their peerage title, and whether the legislation will be retrospective in relation to the peerages of (a) Peter Mandelson and (b) Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor; and whether it will apply to hereditary peers who have never been a sitting member of the House of Lords in receipt of the Writ of Summons.

Answered by Nick Thomas-Symonds - Paymaster General and Minister for the Cabinet Office

The Government will provide further details about the proposed legislation in due course.

The title of Duke of York has been removed from the Roll of the Peerage and can no longer be used officially.

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, whether Departments are required to disclose the renumeration of existing Direct Ministerial Appointments.

Answered by Nick Thomas-Symonds - Paymaster General and Minister for the Cabinet Office

The responsibility for the publication of information on Direct Ministerial Appointments rests with individual sponsor departments, as it has done under successive administrations. In order to promote transparency and consistency, the newly published Guidance on Making Direct Ministerial Appointments now makes specific reference to remuneration details - where they are incurred - being included in the information that should form an announcement of a new appointment. However, the guidance does not require departments to revisit past announcements for existing appointments which are already in the public domain.

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, what his policy is on disclosing the remuneration of individual direct ministerial appointments who were appointed prior to the creation of the Direct Ministerial Appointment portal.

Answered by Nick Thomas-Symonds - Paymaster General and Minister for the Cabinet Office

The responsibility for the publication of information on Direct Ministerial Appointments rests with individual sponsor departments, as it has done under successive administrations. In order to promote transparency and consistency, the newly published Guidance on Making Direct Ministerial Appointments now makes specific reference to remuneration details - where they are incurred - being included in the information that should form an announcement of a new appointment. However, the guidance does not require departments to revisit past announcements for existing appointments which are already in the public domain.

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, with reference to the answer of 24 February 2026 to Question HL13416 on Cabinet Office: Public Appointments, what the remuneration and end date is of Michael Barber.

Answered by Nick Thomas-Symonds - Paymaster General and Minister for the Cabinet Office

Information related to Direct Ministerial Appointments is available on the Direct Ministerial Appointments page on the HMG Public Appointments website.

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, pursuant to the answer of 24 February 2026 to Question 113587,on Government departments: social media, whether the (a) Government Communications Service and (b) the sponsoring department monitor paid social influencers compliance with Advertising Standards Authority guidance.

Answered by Nick Thomas-Symonds - Paymaster General and Minister for the Cabinet Office

The Government works closely with its creative agency to ensure all partnerships with creators comply with ASA guidance. This requirement is built into creators' contracts.

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, pursuant to the answer of 19 March 2025 to Question 37424 on Parliamentary and Political Service Honours Committee: Public Appointments, whether the competition for the Parliamentary and Political Service honours Committee is ongoing.

Answered by Nick Thomas-Symonds - Paymaster General and Minister for the Cabinet Office

The campaign for the Parliamentary and Political Service Independent Honours Committee Member recruitment is under active consideration.

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, pursuant to the answer of 24 February 2026 to Question 113608 on Government Communication Service, whether departmental efficiency savings agreed at the Spending Review 2025 will reduce the net size of the Government Communication Service.

Answered by Nick Thomas-Symonds - Paymaster General and Minister for the Cabinet Office

I refer the Hon Gentleman to the answer given to Question 113608.

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, through what legal mechanism will the UK sign up to the Erasmus+ scheme, and whether it will require UK Parliamentary legislation or authorisation.

Answered by Nick Thomas-Symonds - Paymaster General and Minister for the Cabinet Office

The legal mechanism for the UK’s association to Erasmus+ in 2027 is a decision of the UK-EU Specialised Committee on Participation in Union Programmes which will amend Protocol I of the Trade and Cooperation Agreement. Once the Specialised Committee decision is adopted, this will be made publicly available on gov.uk.

The Department for Education will also lay a Statutory Instrument to implement personal data processing aspects of the Erasmus+ programme in due course.

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, pursuant to the answer of 19 January 2026, to Question 104191, on Ministers: Public Appointments, whether new or amended desk notes are formally approved by Ministers.

Answered by Nick Thomas-Symonds - Paymaster General and Minister for the Cabinet Office

I refer the Hon. Gentleman to PQ 117763.

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, how many safes are there in offices of the Constitution and Propriety Group in 70 Whitehall.

Answered by Nick Thomas-Symonds - Paymaster General and Minister for the Cabinet Office

We do not comment on security matters.

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, pursuant to the Answer of 2 December 2025 to Question 92580, how many of the 39 business cases were approved without conditions.

Answered by Nick Thomas-Symonds - Paymaster General and Minister for the Cabinet Office

Of the 39 business cases, one business case was approved without being subject to conditions. This is not unusual for significant levels of spending.

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, pursuant to the Answer of 5 January 2026 to Question 92580, how many of the 39 business cases approved related to projects within the Government Major Projects Portfolio.

Answered by Nick Thomas-Symonds - Paymaster General and Minister for the Cabinet Office

Between July 2024 and November 2025, seven of the 39 business cases related to projects that are part of the Government Major Projects Portfolio.

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, for what reason the Downing Street Press Office no longer holds afternoon lobby media briefings.

Answered by Nick Thomas-Symonds - Paymaster General and Minister for the Cabinet Office

As the media landscape has transformed over the last few years, the previous lobby arrangements were no longer fit for purpose. The afternoon lobby was sparsely attended, repetitious of morning lobby, and not a good use to taxpayer-funded Government communications resource. It has therefore been replaced with more technical briefings which allow journalists a greater ability to access information about government policies

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, what steps he is taking to improve the delivery confidence assessment by the National Infrastructure and Service Transformation Authority of the Transforming Public Procurement programme.

Answered by Chris Ward - Parliamentary Secretary (Cabinet Office)

The delivery confidence assessment of the Transforming Public Procurement programme is rated “Green”, which demonstrates high confidence for delivery already.

Information on delivery confidence assessments is available in the National Infrastructure and Service Transformation Authority’s Annual Report for 2024-25 which is published on gov.uk.

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, with reference to the publication, Expenditure Over £25,000 - December 2025 (Cabinet Office Core), of 29 January 2026, what the purpose was of the £40 million payment to Cabinet Office entitled ROCE Dividend.

Answered by Chris Ward - Parliamentary Secretary (Cabinet Office)

The £40 million relates to the dividend that the Crown Commercial Service (CCS) pays to the Cabinet Office (CO) as detailed in CCS's Annual Report and Accounts.

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, what steps he is taking to improve the delivery confidence assessment by the National Infrastructure and Service Transformation Authority of the Falcon programme.

Answered by Chris Ward - Parliamentary Secretary (Cabinet Office)

The Cabinet Office continues to receive support from the National Infrastructure and Service Transformation Authority for the Falcon Programme.

All key recommendations from the review have been addressed including:

• Appointing a new Senior Responsible Owner (SRO) supported by an experienced Programme Director.

• Additional specialist resources have been deployed including an experienced programme planner and a comprehensive plan has been produced.

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, what guidance has been given to Ministers on whether they may pro-actively disclose their communications with Lord Mandelson prior to the publication of the Government’s response to the Humble Address.

Answered by Nick Thomas-Symonds - Paymaster General and Minister for the Cabinet Office

I refer you to the Government's response to the Urgent Question tabled on 12th February, the Written Ministerial Statement in the name of the Chief Secretary to the Prime Minister that same day, and Oral Statement on the 23 February which set out an update on the Government's process for complying with the Humble Address motion. We will set out further details in due course. The Government wishes to ensure that Parliament’s instruction is met with the urgency and transparency that it deserves.

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, whether his Department archived emails (a) sent by and (b) received from John Pond between 2007 and 2010.

Answered by Nick Thomas-Symonds - Paymaster General and Minister for the Cabinet Office

Yes. The Cabinet Office archives official communications in line with its obligations under the Public Records Act 1958, the Code of Practice on the Management of Records issued under section 46 the Freedom of Information Act 2000, and the Guidance for the management of Private Office information and records.

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, whether the Cabinet Secretary has received representations from Gordon Brown on communications between Lord Mandelson and Jeffery Epstein.

Answered by Nick Thomas-Symonds - Paymaster General and Minister for the Cabinet Office

I refer the Hon Member to the Chief Secretary to the Prime Minister’s words to the House during the debate on the ‘US Department of Justice Release of Files’ on Monday 2 February (Hansard Vol 780, Col 49).

https://hansard.parliament.uk/Commons/2026-02-02/debates/10A2B314-165E-4992-A7BF-0F30739D7BBD/USDepartmentOfJusticeReleaseOfFiles

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, whether the Prime Minister had a formal meeting with Palantir during his visit (a) with Lord Mandelson to their offices and (b) to the White House.

Answered by Nick Thomas-Symonds - Paymaster General and Minister for the Cabinet Office

I refer the Hon Member to the answer given on the 16 September 2025, Official Report, PQ 77563, and to the press release entitled "PM meeting with President Trump: 27 February 2025", available on gov.uk

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, if he will make it his policy to ensure that the Government will publish a list of the categories of documents within scope, identifying (a) which have been disclosed, (b) which have been referred to the ISC and (c) which have been temporarily withheld because of a police investigation in the context of the humble Address relating to Peter Mandelson.

Answered by Nick Thomas-Symonds - Paymaster General and Minister for the Cabinet Office

I refer you to the Government's response to the Urgent Question tabled on 12th February, the Written Ministerial Statement that same day, and the Oral Statement on the 23rd February, in the name of the Chief Secretary to the Prime Minister, which set out an update on the Government's process. We will set out further details in due course. The Government wishes to ensure that Parliament’s instruction is met with the urgency and transparency that it deserves

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, pursuant to the urgent question of 23 February 2026, Official Report, Column 43, on Lord Mandelson: Government Response to Humble Address, which individual is ultimately determining and interpreting the scope of the Humble Address, in terms of what information would then be considered for publication or review by the ISC.

Answered by Nick Thomas-Symonds - Paymaster General and Minister for the Cabinet Office

I refer you to the Government's response to the Oral Statement on the 23 February which set out an update on the Government's process for complying with the Humble Address motion. We will set out further details in due course. The Government wishes to ensure that Parliament’s instruction is met with the urgency and transparency that it deserves.

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, with reference to the publications entitled No10 special advisers hospitality, October to December 2024 and No10 special advisers hospitality, January to March 2025, updated 27 March and 26 June 2025, whether clients of Global Counsel attended the dinners with Matthew Doyle and Global Counsel on (a) 3 October 2024 and (b) 19 February 2025.

Answered by Nick Thomas-Symonds - Paymaster General and Minister for the Cabinet Office

The Code of Conduct for Special Advisers requires special advisers to declare details of hospitality received.

The Special Advisers’ Transparency Guidance available on GOV.UK provides further details of requirements for reporting of gifts, hospitality, and meetings with senior media figures.

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, with reference to the transparency data entitled Cabinet Office special advisers hospitality, January to March 2025, published on 26 June 2025, who attended the Global Counsel (a) dinner on 27 February and (b) drinks on 20 January 2025.

Answered by Nick Thomas-Symonds - Paymaster General and Minister for the Cabinet Office

The Code of Conduct for Special Advisers requires special advisers to declare details of hospitality received.

The Special Advisers’ Transparency Guidance available on GOV.UK provides further details of requirements for reporting of gifts, hospitality, and meetings with senior media figures.

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, pursuant to the Answer of 17 February 2026 to Question 110807 on Hannah Bronwin, when his Department plans to publish her entry on the Announcements: Direct Ministerial Appointments portal.

Answered by Nick Thomas-Symonds - Paymaster General and Minister for the Cabinet Office

All entries can be found on the Direct Ministerial Appointments portal.

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, whether Direct Ministerial Appointments can be seconded from third party organisations, and what arrangements govern how secondees are paid.

Answered by Nick Thomas-Symonds - Paymaster General and Minister for the Cabinet Office

The government published its Guidance on Making Direct Ministerial Appointments at the following link: https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/6902476e3650bacb01af7091/Guidance_on_Making_Direct_Ministerial_Appointments__October_2025_.pdf.

There is precedent from previous administrations for Direct Ministerial Appointments to work on secondment. Remuneration arrangements are at the discretion of and with the agreement of the relevant Accounting Officer.

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, whether Jonathan Powell was involved in the appointment of Lord Mandelson as Ambassador to the United States.

Answered by Nick Thomas-Symonds - Paymaster General and Minister for the Cabinet Office

I refer the Hon. Member to the Government's response to the Urgent Question tabled on 12th February, and the Written Ministerial Statement in the name of the Chief Secretary to the Prime Minister that same day, which set out an update on the Government's process. We will set out further details in due course. The Government wishes to ensure that Parliament’s instruction is met with the urgency and transparency that it deserves.

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, if he will publish a register of withheld and delayed documents as part of the response to the Humble Address on Lord Mandelson.

Answered by Nick Thomas-Symonds - Paymaster General and Minister for the Cabinet Office

I refer you to the Government's response to the Urgent Question tabled on 12th February, the Written Ministerial Statement in the name of the Chief Secretary to the Prime Minister that same day, and Oral Statement on the 23 February which set out an update on the Government's process for complying with the Humble Address motion. We will set out further details in due course. The Government wishes to ensure that Parliament’s instruction is met with the urgency and transparency that it deserves.

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, if he plans to review (a) the Guidance on Making Direct Ministerial Appointments, updated 16 January 2026, and (b) UK Security Vetting process.

Answered by Nick Thomas-Symonds - Paymaster General and Minister for the Cabinet Office

The current version of the Guidance on Making Direct Ministerial Appointments is found on the Gov.uk website and was published on 30 October 2025.

NSV is, of course, kept under constant review to ensure it remains fit for purpose.

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, what is the anticipated timetable for the Government to provide a substantive response to the Humble Address passed by the House on 4 February 2026.

Answered by Nick Thomas-Symonds - Paymaster General and Minister for the Cabinet Office

I refer you to the Government's response to the Urgent Question tabled on 12th February, the Written Ministerial Statement in the name of the Chief Secretary to the Prime Minister that same day, and Oral Statement on the 23 February which set out an update on the Government's process for complying with the Humble Address motion. We will set out further details in due course. The Government wishes to ensure that Parliament’s instruction is met with the urgency and transparency that it deserves.

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, with reference to the Humble Address passed by the House on 4 February 2026, Official Report, Column 374, whether (a) Ministers and (b) special advisers, will be (i) sighted or (ii) consulted on the redactions or exemptions in the material that will be released to Parliament, prior to publication, and whether there will be a Maxwellisation process.

Answered by Nick Thomas-Symonds - Paymaster General and Minister for the Cabinet Office

I refer you to the Government's response to the Urgent Question tabled on 12th February, the Written Ministerial Statement in the name of the Chief Secretary to the Prime Minister that same day, and Oral Statement on the 23 February which set out an update on the Government's process for complying with the Humble Address motion. We will set out further details in due course. The Government wishes to ensure that Parliament’s instruction is met with the urgency and transparency that it deserves.

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, with reference to the Contractfinder contract, Expert report - Resolution Foundation - Smith / Brewer, published 25 November 2025, ref: C19SF08RF25, what the terms of reference are for the expert report for the Inquiry.

Answered by Nick Thomas-Symonds - Paymaster General and Minister for the Cabinet Office

The requirements for the Expert report - Resolution Foundation - Smith / Brewer contract (ref: C19SF08RF25) can be found at Annex 2 – Specification of the redacted Short Form Contract attached to the Contracts Finder notice. Annex 2 states the requirements as being an independent and expert opinion on...Labour Market Inequality and the Welfare System, and Macroeconomic Policy and Public Finances and the contract involves the analysis and input of 2 expert witnesses.

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, with reference to the Contractfinder contract, Expert report - Resolution Foundation - Smith / Brewer, published 25 November 2025, ref: C19SF08RF25, whether the Resolution Foundation was selected via competitive tendering.

Answered by Nick Thomas-Symonds - Paymaster General and Minister for the Cabinet Office

The Expert report - Resolution Foundation - Smith / Brewer contract (ref: C19SF08RF25) was not procured via competitive tendering and instead via a below threshold direct award. The direct award was made in accordance with the Procurement Rules and associated policies.

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, with reference to the publication, Expenditure Over £25,000 - December 2025 (Cabinet Office Core), of 29 January 2026, what the purpose was of the payments to Accenture UK Ltd under the heading GCS New Media Unit Prog.

Answered by Nick Thomas-Symonds - Paymaster General and Minister for the Cabinet Office

Unlimited was acquired by Accenture. Accenture is now the agency responsible for delivering comprehensive, end-to-end campaign solutions for public service campaigns.

Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, pursuant to the answer of 9 February 2026 to Question 110416 on Government Departments: Publicity, whether she plans to remove the HM reference in the public branding of (a) HM Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire and Rescue Services and (b) HM Passport Office.

Answered by Sarah Jones - Minister of State (Home Office)

Section 54(1) of the Police Act 1996 sets out that Inspectors are known as HM Inspectors of Constabulary and there are no plans to change this.

There are no plans for HM Passport Office to remove the “HM” reference from its public branding.

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, with reference to paragraph 1.3 of the Budget Information Security Review, published on 9 February 2026, if he will publish the recommendations from his Department's leak inquiry.

Answered by Dan Jarvis - Minister of State (Cabinet Office)

The recommendations from the Cabinet Office leak inquiry have been published and are included in the HM Treasury Budget Information Security Review.

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, what is the maximum amount of time an individual can remain on a Reserve List for a Senior Civil Service job without having to re-apply with full open and fair competition.

Answered by Satvir Kaur - Parliamentary Secretary (Cabinet Office)

As per the Civil Service Commission's Recruitment Principles, where a competition identifies more appointable candidates than there are available vacancies, a reserve list may be created. This can be used for up to 12 months to fill the same role or other similar roles with closely matching essential criteria. With approval from the Commission, a reserve list can be extended by up to eight weeks.

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, whether applicants to the Summer Intelligence Internship self-certify their ethnicity; and whether the SIS undertakes an audit.

Answered by Dan Jarvis - Minister of State (Cabinet Office)

Applicants for the UKIC Summer Internship state their ethnicity as part of the application process. We do not comment on what checks are conducted by UKIC during the recruitment process.

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, whether the material to be disclosed pursuant to Humble Address of 4 February 2026 relating to Lord Mandelson will include internal communications conducted via (a) Signal, (b) Telegraph, (c) Microsoft Teams, including chat messages, group chats, channel conversations, private messages, meeting chat logs and associated message histories.

Answered by Nick Thomas-Symonds - Paymaster General and Minister for the Cabinet Office

I refer you to the Government's response to the Urgent Question tabled on 12th February, and the Written Ministerial Statement, and the Oral Statement on the 23rd February, in the name of the Chief Secretary to the Prime Minister that same day, which set out an update on the Government's process. We will set out further details in due course. The Government wishes to ensure that Parliament’s instruction is met with the urgency and transparency that it deserves.

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, to which public inquiries his Department has submitted (a) documents and (b) other communications created between June 2007 and May 2010.

Answered by Nick Thomas-Symonds - Paymaster General and Minister for the Cabinet Office

This information is not centrally held. Over 40 statutory public inquiries have been announced since 2006. The question potentially brings into scope all public inquiries that have taken place since June 2007. However, there is no centrally held data on documents or other communications created over the period specified and submitted to public inquiries by the Cabinet Office. Unfortunately, the cost to the public purse of accurately determining this information to would significantly exceed the current disproportionate cost threshold for answering written parliamentary questions set out in the Cabinet Office’s Guide to Parliamentary Work (available at: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/guide-to-parliamentary-work).

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, with reference to the Guidance on Making Direct Ministerial Appointments, updated 16 January 2026, paragraph 8, what steps are taken if the National Security Vetting raises concerns about an appointee after the individual has been appointed.

Answered by Nick Thomas-Symonds - Paymaster General and Minister for the Cabinet Office

The Guidance on Making Direct Ministerial Appointments sets out the processes departments should follow when national security vetting is required. The final decision on whether to proceed with an appointment rests with the appointing minister.

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, whether Lord Mandelson's (a) Fellowship of the 48 Group and (b) work for Global Counsel was considered during his Department's due diligence prior to appointment as Ambassador of the United States.

Answered by Nick Thomas-Symonds - Paymaster General and Minister for the Cabinet Office

I refer the Hon Member to the former Cabinet Secretary’s letter to the Public Administration and Constitutional Affairs Committee of 30 October 2025, which sets out the information that was considered as part of the due diligence exercise.

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, pursuant to the answer of 2 February 2026 to Question 108242 on Senior Civil Servants: Recruitment, if he will publish any new guidance on the recruitment and retention of Senior Civil Servants.

Answered by Satvir Kaur - Parliamentary Secretary (Cabinet Office)

There are no plans to publish internal-facing guidance to the public domain, as it constitutes HR-to-HR guidance designed for departments to integrate into their respective policies and processes.

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, whether the Civil Service Coffee Connect programme still operates.

Answered by Satvir Kaur - Parliamentary Secretary (Cabinet Office)

I refer to PQ 105699, answered on 21 January, 2026. We have been unable to identify any such central Civil Service initiative.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, pursuant to the Answer of 24 February 2026 to Question 113596 on Mission Boards: Cabinet Committees, if she will publish the terms of reference of the Kickstarting Economic Growth Mission Board.

Answered by Lucy Rigby - Economic Secretary (HM Treasury)

As previously published on GOV.UK, the Growth Mission Board was established 'to oversee and drive progress on the growth mission’.

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, if he will amend his Department's public sector facility time data collection to include trade union diversity time.

Answered by Satvir Kaur - Parliamentary Secretary (Cabinet Office)

Departments facility time data publications, were based on Schedule 2 of the Trade Union (Facility Time Publication Requirements) Regulations 2017, which specified what data needed to be collected and reported.

This did not include a specific category for the collection and reporting of time spent by trade union representatives on diversity matters. The Regulations were repealed under Section 66 of the Employment Rights Act 2025.

Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, with reference to page 124 of the DHSC annual report and accounts 2024-25, HC1446, whether Alan Milburn is required to recuse himself from involvement in NHS and private sector health policy relating to (a) AM Strategy Ltd, (b) Bridgepoint Capital Ltd, (c) Human Therapeutic Ltd, (d) Mars Incorporated and (e) PWC.

Answered by Karin Smyth - Minister of State (Department of Health and Social Care)

Prior to appointment, non-executive candidates are required to declare all relevant interests. Appropriate mitigations are then put in place and approved by the Department.

This process was carried out for the Rt Hon. Alan Milburn, whose interests, and any updates to them, are available in the Department’s Annual Report and Accounts and on the GOV.UK website in alignment with Government policy.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, pursuant to the answer of 12 January 2026 to Question 101767 on Jeffery Epstein, what information her Department holds on Lord Mandelson's representations on the disposal of RBS Sempra Commodities to JP Morgan in 2009-10.

Answered by Lucy Rigby - Economic Secretary (HM Treasury)

The government is cooperating fully with a Metropolitan Police investigation and is providing any assistance required.

Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, for what reason PIP claimants can provide their identity through providing foreign national identity cards.

Answered by Stephen Timms - Minister of State (Department for Work and Pensions)

To be awarded Personal Independence Payment (PIP), claimants must satisfy the Residence and Presence conditions, a person must:

• be habitually resident in the Common Travel Area (UK, Republic of Ireland, Isle of Man or the Channel Islands).
• be present in GB.
• have been present in GB for a period or periods amounting to 104 weeks out of the 156 weeks immediately before that date (unless Special Rules End of Life (SREL)).
• not be subject to immigration control.

In some circumstances a European Economic Area (EEA) national, or British or Swiss citizen arriving in the UK, from the EEA or Switzerland may satisfy the past presence test from a date earlier than 104 weeks.

DWP follows government identity verification standards, verifying identities before paying benefits, updating systems, or sharing claimant information. These rules apply to all channels and services, including PIP.

A claimant’s identity can be verified in several ways, including by requesting identification documents. Foreign nationals from EU or European Economic Area (EEA) countries may use their national identity cards as part of the DWP’s identity verification (IDV) process for PIP. These cards are accepted as photographic ID when accompanied by two additional forms of identification.

Question to the Leader of the House:

To ask the Leader of the House, if he will make an assessment of the adequacy of Departmental answers to written Parliamentary Questions where information is refused because a document is not already in the public domain.

Answered by Alan Campbell - Lord President of the Council and Leader of the House of Commons

As set out in the Ministerial Code, Ministers "should be as open as possible with Parliament and the public, refusing to provide information only when disclosure would not be in the public interest".

I have written to all Members of Cabinet and spoken with Departmental Parliamentary Clerks and Permanent Secretaries to remind departments and Ministers about the importance of providing full and helpful responses to Written Parliamentary Questions (WPQs).

In addition, the House of Commons Procedure Committee is currently undertaking an inquiry into WPQs, and I look forward to working with the Committee as this work progresses.

Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, with reference to the DHSC annual report and accounts 2024-25, HC1446, what the payment of £18,000 of gross benefits for the Second Permanent Secretary relates to.

Answered by Karin Smyth - Minister of State (Department of Health and Social Care)

As stated in the Department’s Remuneration Report, that forms part of the annual report and accounts 2024/25, the Department’s Second Permanent Secretary, Tom Riordan, received £18,000 benefits in kind during 2024/25, to cover the dual location of his role.

Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what assessment his Department has made of the value for money of providing equipment and technology through the Flexible Support Fund, and whether alternative models have been considered.

Answered by Diana Johnson - Minister of State (Department for Work and Pensions)

There is clear guidance in place for work coaches to follow when making awards. Work coaches must explore all other potential sources of financial support before using the Flexible Support Fund (FSF), so that spend does not duplicate provision which is funded elsewhere by government, partners or commercial providers. Post-award checks are in place to confirm funded items, including equipment and technology, are being used as intended, with explanations or repayment sought where concerns arise.

A new digital FSF application system, due to launch nationally by the end of March, will strengthen oversight by providing improved data and enabling more detailed scrutiny of awards. This will ensure funding is used appropriately and delivers value for money.

Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what guidance is issued to work coaches on the provision of equipment through the Flexible Support Fund.

Answered by Diana Johnson - Minister of State (Department for Work and Pensions)

There is clear guidance in place for work coaches to follow when making awards. Work coaches must explore all other potential sources of financial support before using the Flexible Support Fund (FSF), so that spend does not duplicate provision which is funded elsewhere by government, partners or commercial providers. Post-award checks are in place to confirm funded items, including equipment and technology, are being used as intended, with explanations or repayment sought where concerns arise.

A new digital FSF application system, due to launch nationally by the end of March, will strengthen oversight by providing improved data and enabling more detailed scrutiny of awards. This will ensure funding is used appropriately and delivers value for money.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, pursuant to the answer of 23 February 2026, to Question 113125, on Erasmus+ programme, if he will publish or provide a relevant hyperlink to the technical amendments made.

Answered by James Murray - Chief Secretary to the Treasury

The text of the Decision will be published on the GOV.UK, at the following link: https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/specialised-committee-on-participation-in-union-programmes.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, further to the Summary of the UK Government legal position: The legality of defensive action in respect of Iranian regional attacks, of 1 March 2026, whether it is the policy position of HM Government that UK Government could have given permission to permit the use of the US Diego Garcia military base on the Chagos Islands for the United States to launch its pre-emptive strikes on Iran.

Answered by Al Carns - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence) (Minister for Veterans)

The United States' operational use of Diego Garcia is governed by an Exchange of Notes between the UK and the USA.

The potential use of any UK base or base on UK sovereign territory by foreign military forces for operational purposes is closely considered to ensure that we are content with their proposed activities taking place on/from those bases.

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, pursuant to the Answer of 31 March 2025 to Question 40911 on Government Departments: Social Media, if he will update the guidance to require Ministers to declare (a) hospitality and (b) other meetings with senior media executives from (i) X, (ii) Meta and (iii) Tiktok.

Answered by Nick Thomas-Symonds - Paymaster General and Minister for the Cabinet Office

I refer the Hon Member to my previous answers [41868 and 40911]. Details of ministers’ official meetings with all external individuals and organisations are published on a quarterly basis.The Cabinet Office also publishes a monthly register of all gifts and hospitality received by ministers in a ministerial capacity. There are no current plans to include representatives of social media companies under the guidance for senior media figures.

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