8
Acknowledged
Defining 'most important' policy announcements remains subjective for ministers.
Recommendation
The term ‘most important’ is inevitably subjective. However, it is the responsibility of ministers individually and the Government collectively to be aware of the expectations of Parliament and maintain the confidence of the House. We do not believe that it is practical to produce rigid criteria to make decision-making more objective but believe the membership of the House can assess the Government’s compliance with this aspect of the principle on a case-by-case basis. Government should pay close attention to the mood of the House and, where concern is raised, give serious consideration to adjusting the thresholds they are using to evaluate the importance of policy or other announcements. (Conclusion, Paragraph 29)
Government Response Summary
The government fully recognises the House's scrutiny role and outlines current considerations for oral statements, stating the Leader of the House will continue working with ministers to ensure timely updates. However, it does not commit to specifically adjusting thresholds for importance based on the mood of the House.
Government Response
Acknowledged
Government Response
Acknowledged
HM Government
Acknowledged
5. The Government fully recognises that the House should have the opportunity to scrutinise and debate decisions, particularly those which are important to Parliament and the public. The Speaker’s role in granting Urgent Questions is another important mechanism in enabling that scrutiny. 6. The Government takes a number of factors into consideration when making decisions about oral statements, including the interests of the House, and the business of the day. The Leader of the House of Commons, alongside the Chief Whip and No.10, will continue to work with Ministers across government to ensure departments are updating the House in the most appropriate and timely ways. In addition to oral statements, there are a number of ways that the Government keeps the House updated, including written ministerial statements, responses to oral and written parliamentary questions, debates, and responses and appearances at select committees.
Source
Report
4th Report - Ministerial Statements and the Ministerial Code
09 Jan 2026
HC 1036
Timeline
Recommendation age
0.6 yr
Report published
09 Jan 2026