Security Vetting Debate

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Department: Cabinet Office

Security Vetting

Steve Darling Excerpts
Monday 20th April 2026

(1 day, 11 hours ago)

Commons Chamber
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Keir Starmer Portrait The Prime Minister
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Yes, I will look at that. I want to assert again that thousands of civil servants act with professionalism and integrity every day. On this occasion, this information should have been brought to my attention. Had it been, the appointment would not have been proceeded with.

Steve Darling Portrait Steve Darling (Torbay) (LD)
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During this Session of Parliament, we have seen the head of the Office for Budget Responsibility carry the can and resign due to an error by a member of his team. What will it take for this Prime Minister to carry the can?

Keir Starmer Portrait The Prime Minister
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I was not provided with the information that I should have been provided with. Had I been provided with it, I would not have made the same decision. It was not negligence; it was a deliberate decision not to tell me.