Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, with reference to The Prime Minister’s response to Lord Geidt, 21 December 2021, published by his Department on 6 January 2022, what (a) instruction to Ministers, (b) amendment to the Ministerial Code or (c) other legal instrument has been proposed to help ensure that the Independent Adviser on Ministerial Interests has access to (i) all information he considers necessary and (ii) prompt, full answers to questions.

As set out in the Prime Minister’s letter of 21 December 2021, work has been underway to make sure that the Independent Adviser and his office receive the highest standards of support and attention - whether by way of Instruction to Ministers, Ministerial Code or clearer legal instrument. That work continues, and the Government will provide an update in due course.

Additional dedicated support for the Independent Adviser’s office has been allocated through the annual Cabinet Office business planning process. This support includes the provision of a dedicated team of civil service staff who will provide day-to-day support under the direction of the Independent Adviser. Further information will be set out in the Independent Adviser’s annual report.