Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether civil servants in his Department are required to disclose membership of a political party.

There is no requirement for civil servants in the Ministry of Defence (MOD) to disclose membership of a political party. However, under the Civil Service Code, civil servants are required to conduct themselves with integrity, honesty, objectivity and impartiality, including in relation to political activity. Restrictions on the involvement of MOD civil servants in political activities are set out in the Civil Service Management Code. In addition, MOD civil servants are required to declare any political interests relevant to their Civil Service role in accordance with the Cabinet Office Declaration and Management of Outside Interests Guidance for Departments.