4th Report - Ministerial Statements and the Ministerial Code
Select Committee
Public Administration and Constitutional Affairs Committee
HC 1036
9 January 2026
Government response
1st Special Report - Ministerial Statements and the Ministerial Code: Government Response · published 4 Jun 2026
Recommendations & Conclusions
5 results
6
Conclusion
Accepted in Part
House considered 'in session' outside recess, acknowledging ongoing government business
Conclusion
We consider the House to be ‘in session’ at all times outside of recess, prorogation and dissolution, not just when it is sitting. It is accepted that the business of government continues during recess and ministers will need to respond …
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Government Response Summary
The government explicitly states it "partially accepts" the recommendation and agrees with the Committee's definition of 'in session'. While committing to keep the House informed through various channels during recess, it acknowledges that notifying the House first is not always possible.
7
Recommendation
Accepted in Part
Restrict major policy announcements when Parliament is not sitting to exceptional circumstances.
Recommendation
However, major planned policy announcements when the House is not in session should be restricted to those which are time sensitive or otherwise exceptional. Where it is necessary to make a major announcement when the House is in session but …
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Government Response Summary
The government partially accepts this recommendation, agreeing with the committee's definition of 'in session' and committing to ensuring announcement details are made available to the House at the earliest opportunity through statements or letters. However, they maintain it is not always possible to notify the House first.
13
Recommendation
Accepted in Part
Comply with the Ministerial Code or substantially re-write it in consultation with Parliament.
Recommendation
The responsibility for complying with the Code rests with the Government. The Government should either make every effort to comply with the Code, or to re-write it. Although it is the Prime Minister’s document, we expect that any substantial re-writing …
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Government Response Summary
The government acknowledges concerns and commits to updating the language of the Ministerial Code, while reasserting that the Code's content is ultimately a matter for the Prime Minister, but also commits to working constructively with Members.
15
Recommendation
Accepted in Part
Require ministers to explain reasons for breaching 'Parliament first' principle at earliest opportunity.
Recommendation
Where an exceptional circumstance does arise and a major policy is announced first elsewhere, a minister must, as a sign of respect towards Parliament, make a statement to the House at the earliest opportunity, which would include the reasons for …
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Government Response Summary
The government partially accepts, committing to ensuring announcement details are made available to the House at the earliest appropriate opportunity when exceptions arise. However, it does not explicitly commit to including reasons for breaching the general principle in such statements.
26
Recommendation
Accepted in Part
Government commitment to Ministerial Code best addresses breaches and parliamentary dissatisfaction
Recommendation
An active commitment from the Government to adhere to the Ministerial Code and the ‘Parliament first’ principle is the easiest and most optimal solution to address the dissatisfaction of Parliament and the subsequent question of what constitutes adequate sanctions for …
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Government Response Summary
The government acknowledges concerns about the Ministerial Code and commits to updating its language, while reaffirming that the Code's content remains a matter for the Prime Minister. They also express commitment to constructive work with Members to ensure changes support parliamentary scrutiny.