10 Rejected

Replace 'should' with 'must' in the Ministerial Code's general principle on announcements.

Recommendation
We consider the word ‘should’ in the general principle to be ambiguous without good cause. Replacing it with the word ‘must’ would send a clear signal to Ministers and others about the expectations of the House and give confidence to the electorate that Members can do their scrutiny jobs effectively. (Recommendation, Paragraph 35)
Government Response Summary
The government rejects the recommendation to change 'should' to 'must' in the Ministerial Code, arguing it is not always possible to make announcements to the House first, particularly when Parliament is not sitting.
Government Response
Rejected
HM Government Rejected
The Government rejects the recommendation at paragraph 35. As the Committee itself has recognised, it is not always possible for the Government to make announcements to the House first, for example, when the House is not sitting.
Source
Committee Public Administration and Constitutional Affairs Committee
Inquiry Ministerial Statements and the Ministerial Code
Report 4th Report - Ministerial Statements and the Ministerial Code 09 Jan 2026 HC 1036
View on Parliament website
Timeline
Recommendation age 0.6 yr
Report published 09 Jan 2026