Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, with reference to his Department's press release entitled Government-branded merchandise and away days banned, published on 6 April 2025, whether this ban will extend to banning Progress Flag-branded lanyards.

The announcement sets out the requirements for all departments to review their policies on procuring corporate-branded and non-essential merchandise, with a view to restricting future purchases. These stricter rules will permit government merchandise only when essential, for example, in overseas trade and diplomacy, or to promote growth.

As also set out in the announcement, these measures will require departments to ensure that external venues for away days are only used when space in government buildings is unavailable.

This guidance applies at all staff levels. Staff will continue to be able to wear existing lanyards.