Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, pursuant to the Answer of 25 October 2018 to Question 182118 on Department for Work and Pensions: Contracts, how her Department distinguishes between (a) legitimate statements which are critical of government policy or politicians and (b) statements which may bring the Authority into disrepute or otherwise harm the confidence of the public in Government.

Contractual provisions that impose obligations on suppliers not to harm the reputation of the purchasing authority or otherwise bring it into disrepute are widely used in both the public and private sector and are transparent throughout the tendering process. These provisions ensure that contractors adhere to good working practices and governance, for example by ensuring they do not break employment law or use dangerous, unfair or unethical practices which may bring the Authority into disrepute or harm public confidence. Such provisions do not stop any contract holders or affiliates from criticising any specific government department or government policy.