29
Acknowledged
Adhering to Ministerial Code principles would reduce need for urgent parliamentary questions.
Conclusion
By adhering to the general principle in the Ministerial Code and making the most important announcements of government policy in the first instance in Parliament, the need for Members to seek redress through the mechanism of the urgent question will likely reduce. (Conclusion, Paragraph 86) 39
Government Response Summary
The government recognises the importance of House scrutiny and states the Leader of the House will continue to work with Ministers to ensure timely and appropriate updates. They also list various existing mechanisms for keeping the House informed.
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