24 Accepted

Enhance use of written ministerial statements to inform Members of document publication

Recommendation
We encourage the Government to make more effective use of written ministerial statements to inform Members about the publication of documents related to major government announcements, even when those announcements may themselves be the subject of an oral statement. (Recommendation, Paragraph 72) Ministerial accountability and sanctions
Government Response Summary
The government accepts the recommendation, committing to update the House through written ministerial statements and encouraging departments to table written statements alongside oral ones.
Government Response
Accepted
HM Government Accepted
17. The Government accepts this recommendation. The Government is committed to updating the House and written ministerial statements remain an appropriate mechanism for doing so. As set out in the Guide to Parliamentary Work, Departments bidding for an oral statement are encouraged to also table a written ministerial statement for the same day, ensuring departments fulfil their obligations to Parliament.
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