DOCSLIB.ORG

Carrier Strike: the 2012 Reversion Decision

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Carrier Strike: the 2012 Reversion Decision House of Commons Committee of Public Accounts Carrier Strike: the 2012 reversion decision Eighteenth Report of Session 2013–14 Report, together with formal minutes, oral and written evidence Ordered by the House of Commons to be printed 10 July 2013 HC 113 Published on 3 September 2013 by authority of the House of Commons London: The Stationery Office Limited £10.00 Committee of Public Accounts The Committee of Public Accounts is appointed by the House of Commons to examine ‘‘the accounts showing the appropriation of the sums granted by Parliament to meet the public expenditure, and of such other accounts laid before Parliament as the committee may think fit’’ (Standing Order No 148). Current membership Rt Hon Margaret Hodge (Labour, Barking) (Chair) Mr Richard Bacon (Conservative, South Norfolk) Stephen Barclay (Conservative, North East Cambridgeshire) Guto Bebb (Conservative, Aberconwy) Jackie Doyle-Price (Conservative, Thurrock) Chris Heaton-Harris (Conservative, Daventry) Meg Hillier (Labour, Hackney South and Shoreditch) Mr Stewart Jackson (Conservative, Peterborough) Sajid Javid (Conservative, Bromsgrove) Fiona Mactaggart (Labour, Slough) Austin Mitchell (Labour, Great Grimsby) Nick Smith (Labour, Blaenau Gwent) Ian Swales (Liberal Democrats, Redcar) Justin Tomlinson (Conservative, North Swindon) Powers The committee is one of the departmental select committees, the powers of which are set out in House of Commons Standing Orders, principally in SO No 152. These are available on the internet via www.parliament.uk. Publications The Reports and evidence of the Committee are published by The Stationery Office by Order of the House. All publications of the Committee (including press notices) are on the internet at www.parliament.uk/pac. A list of Reports of the Committee in the present Parliament is at the back of this volume. Additional written evidence may be published on the internet only. Committee staff The current staff of the Committee is Adrian Jenner (Clerk), Sonia Draper (Senior Committee Assistant), Claire Cozens (Senior Committee Assistant), Ian Blair and James McQuade (Committee Assistants) and Alex Paterson (Media Officer). Contacts All correspondence should be addressed to the Clerk, Committee of Public Accounts, House of Commons, 7 Millbank, London SW1P 3JA. The telephone number for general enquiries is 020 7219 5708; the Committee’s email address is [email protected] 1 Contents Report Page Summary 3 Conclusions and recommendations 5 1 Strategic decision making on military capability 7 2 Risks to the delivery of the Carrier Strike programme 10 Formal Minutes 12 Witnesses 13 List of printed written evidence 13 List of Reports from the Committee during the current Parliament 14 3 Summary In October 2010, the Ministry of Defence (the Department) decided on the basis of deeply flawed information to change the type of aircraft to be flown from the two aircraft carriers under construction for the Carrier Strike programme. In 2012, when the Department realised that this decision would result in additional costs and delay, it decided to revert to the original choice of aircraft. Despite this change of mind, the Department still faces major challenges to the affordability of the Carrier Strike programme, particularly with the uncontrolled cost growth in the aircraft and carriers, and the misalignment of essential capabilities such as the radar system needed to protect the carriers. In addition, the Department might not have the skills or capability to manage the programme despite having some 400 staff working on it. 5 Conclusions and recommendations 1. The Carrier Strike programme comprises two new aircraft carriers, the aircraft that will operate from them, and a new helicopter-based early warning radar system (known as ‘Crowsnest’). As part of the 2010 Strategic Defence and Security Review, the Department decided to change the type of aircraft to be flown from the carriers from the Short Take-Off and Vertical Landing (STOVL) variant of the Joint Strike Fighter to the carrier variant. In 2010 the decision was justified by claiming the alternative aircraft would both save money and enhance capability. Yet 18 months on the Department yet again changed its mind. In May 2012, the Department asserted that the benefits expected from switching to the carrier variant of the aircraft would not be achieved, the costs of switching would be significantly higher than projected, and it would delay the operation of the new carriers. Accordingly, the Department decided to revert to the original aircraft type and announced that it would once again be buying the STOVL variant. That change of mind will cost the taxpayer at least £74 million more, though final costs will only be known in 2014. 2. The Department has a history of making poor decisions, based on inadequate information. In this case, the Department provided decision makers with deeply flawed information on the benefits of changing the type of aircraft which included basic errors, such as omitting VAT and inflation from the costs of converting the carriers. The Department attributed these mistakes, which have cost taxpayers at least £74 million, to the process being rushed and secret. Recommendation: For the 2015 Strategic Defence and Security Review, the Department must plan now to provide decision makers with improved information, sufficient time to consider options rationally and avoid repeating the mistakes of the 2010 decision. 3. In justifying its further changes the Department said it had altered its view on the urgency of securing the new capability in service and on how it was going to operate with our allies in deploying the aircraft carriers. It does not make for good planning to have a constant change of view which results in changes to specification and requirements. Recommendation: The Department must determine its needs and requirements thoroughly and transparently and then do all it can to stick to these over time. 4. The component elements of the programme will be delivered piecemeal, reducing the benefits from the sums invested. There is a two year gap between the planned delivery and initial operation of the first carrier and aircraft in 2020, and the early warning radar system Crowsnest in 2022, which is essential to protecting the carrier and its crew. In addition, some support shipping will be 30 years old when the carrier comes into service but the Department does not yet have funding to replace them. Recommendation: The Department needs to align the delivery of the various component projects of Carrier Strike to make the most effective use of its significant investment. It must provide decision makers with the necessary information to 6 prioritise and allocate appropriate funding for the programme and the support shipping to operate the carriers, as part of the 2015 Strategic Defence and Security Review. 5. Carrier Strike remains a high risk programme as the Department has little control over the technical risks and costs involved in acquiring the aircraft. Despite assurances from the Department, we are not convinced that it has the aircraft contract under control. Although Carrier Strike is over five years from planned operation, significant technical issues, costs and delivery dates for the aircraft are not resolved. There are also significant cost risks associated with in- service contracts for maintenance which have yet to be resolved. Recommendation: The Department must seek to minimise outstanding risks as soon as possible and it should, drawing on its experience of other aircraft programmes such as Tornado and Typhoon, exert its influence with international partners to ensure that the support arrangements take full account of UK requirements. 6. The Department has not yet completed crucial negotiations with industry over the carriers. The current carriers’ contract is not fit for purpose as it fails to provide industry with any real incentive to control costs. The Department has not been able to transfer delivery risks to contractors and has struggled to manage its relationship with UK industry. Recommendation: The Department must establish clear cost and time baselines for the completion of the carriers, which the Department must use to monitor progress. 7. Despite having some 400 staff working on Carrier Strike there is a risk the Department is not managing the programme effectively. Although the Department employs some 400 people on this programme, it may not have the right procurement skills to manage the risks in delivering Carrier Strike effectively. We recognise there have been cuts to this function, but question whether the team is now the right size or if further significant reductions are possible. We are concerned that the Department’s staff are wasting their time with bureaucracy and duplicated effort in having to make detailed checks on the operations of contractors, raising a question as to the quality of the contracting process. Recommendation: The NAO should examine whether the Department has the appropriate mix of staff, skills and capability in procuring equipment and support from industry and whether the Department’s processes for managing contracts are fit for purpose. 7 1 Strategic decision making on military capability 1. The Carrier Strike programme includes two new aircraft carriers, the aircraft that will operate from them, and a new helicopter-based early warning radar system (known as ‘Crowsnest’). In 2007, the Ministry of Defence, (the Department) decided to procure the Short Take-Off and Vertical Landing (STOVL) variant of the Joint Strike Fighter as the aircraft to operate from the carrier. In October 2010, as part of the Strategic Defence and Security Review, the National Security Council which is chaired by the Prime Minister, decided to switch to the carrier variant of the Joint Strike Fighter arguing this was a better value option, saving money and enhancing capability including ‘cross-decking’ (the ability to land on another countries’ aircraft carriers).1 This required the installation of additional equipment, supplied from the USA, on the carrier to launch and land the aircraft (by catapults or ‘cats’ and landing recovery equipment or ‘traps’).
Load more

Recommended publications
  • House of Commons Official Report Parliamentary Debates
    Monday Volume 652 7 January 2019 No. 228 HOUSE OF COMMONS OFFICIAL REPORT PARLIAMENTARY DEBATES (HANSARD) Monday 7 January 2019 © Parliamentary Copyright House of Commons 2019 This publication may be reproduced under the terms of the Open Parliament licence, which is published at www.parliament.uk/site-information/copyright/. HER MAJESTY’S GOVERNMENT MEMBERS OF THE CABINET (FORMED BY THE RT HON. THERESA MAY, MP, JUNE 2017) PRIME MINISTER,FIRST LORD OF THE TREASURY AND MINISTER FOR THE CIVIL SERVICE—The Rt Hon. Theresa May, MP CHANCELLOR OF THE DUCHY OF LANCASTER AND MINISTER FOR THE CABINET OFFICE—The Rt Hon. David Lidington, MP CHANCELLOR OF THE EXCHEQUER—The Rt Hon. Philip Hammond, MP SECRETARY OF STATE FOR THE HOME DEPARTMENT—The Rt Hon. Sajid Javid, MP SECRETARY OF STATE FOR FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH AFFAIRS—The Rt. Hon Jeremy Hunt, MP SECRETARY OF STATE FOR EXITING THE EUROPEAN UNION—The Rt Hon. Stephen Barclay, MP SECRETARY OF STATE FOR DEFENCE—The Rt Hon. Gavin Williamson, MP LORD CHANCELLOR AND SECRETARY OF STATE FOR JUSTICE—The Rt Hon. David Gauke, MP SECRETARY OF STATE FOR HEALTH AND SOCIAL CARE—The Rt Hon. Matt Hancock, MP SECRETARY OF STATE FOR BUSINESS,ENERGY AND INDUSTRIAL STRATEGY—The Rt Hon. Greg Clark, MP SECRETARY OF STATE FOR INTERNATIONAL TRADE AND PRESIDENT OF THE BOARD OF TRADE—The Rt Hon. Liam Fox, MP SECRETARY OF STATE FOR WORK AND PENSIONS—The Rt Hon. Amber Rudd, MP SECRETARY OF STATE FOR EDUCATION—The Rt Hon. Damian Hinds, MP SECRETARY OF STATE FOR ENVIRONMENT,FOOD AND RURAL AFFAIRS—The Rt Hon.
    [Show full text]
  • Full List of Her Majesty's Government Correct As of 30 June 2017
    Full list of Her Majesty’s Government Correct as of 30 June 2017 Cabinet Also attend Cabinet Foreign and Commonwealth Office Department for Education Department for Communities Department for Work PRIME MINISTER, FIRST LORD OF THE TREASURY CHIEF SECRETARY TO THE TREASURY SECRETARY OF STATE FOR FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH AFFAIRS SECRETARY OF STATE FOR EDUCATION AND and Local Government and Pensions AND MINISTER FOR THE CIVIL SERVICE MINISTER FOR WOMEN AND EQUALITIES Rt Hon Elizabeth Truss MP Rt Hon Boris Johnson MP SECRETARY OF STATE FOR COMMUNITIES AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT SECRETARY OF STATE FOR WORK AND PENSIONS Rt Hon Theresa May MP Rt Hon Justine Greening MP LORD PRESIDENT OF THE COUNCIL AND MINISTER OF STATE FOR EUROPE AND THE AMERICAS (MINISTERIAL CHAMPION FOR THE MIDLANDS ENGINE) Rt Hon David Gauke MP FIRST SECRETARY OF STATE AND MINISTER FOR THE CABINET OFFICE LEADER OF THE HOUSE OF COMMONS MINISTER OF STATE FOR SCHOOL STANDARDS Rt Hon Sajid Javid MP Rt Hon Sir Alan Duncan KCMG MP MINISTER OF STATE FOR EMPLOYMENT Rt Hon Damian Green MP Rt Hon Andrea Leadsom MP Rt Hon Nick Gibb MP MINISTER OF STATE FOR AFRICA MINISTER OF STATE Damian Hinds MP CHANCELLOR OF THE EXCHEQUER CHIEF WHIP (PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY TO THE TREASURY) MINISTER OF STATE Alok Sharma MP Rory Stewart OBE MP (jointly with Department for MINISTER OF STATE FOR DISABLED PEOPLE, HEALTH AND WORK Rt Hon Philip Hammond MP Rt Hon Gavin Williamson CBE MP International Development) Rt Hon Anne Milton MP PARLIAMENTARY UNDER SECRETARY OF STATE Penny Mordaunt MP SECRETARY OF STATE
    [Show full text]
  • Whole Day Download the Hansard
    Saturday Volume 666 19 October 2019 No. 5 HOUSE OF COMMONS OFFICIAL REPORT PARLIAMENTARY DEBATES (HANSARD) Saturday 19 October 2019 © Parliamentary Copyright House of Commons 2019 This publication may be reproduced under the terms of the Open Parliament licence, which is published at www.parliament.uk/site-information/copyright/. 569 19 OCTOBER 2019 570 House of Commons Prime Minister’s Statement 9.36 am Saturday 19 October 2019 The Prime Minister (Boris Johnson): Mr Speaker, I want to begin by echoing what you have just said and expressing my gratitude to all Members of the House The House met at half-past Nine o’clock for assembling on a Saturday for the first time in 37 years, and indeed to all members of our House of PRAYERS Commons staff who have worked to make this sitting possible. I know that it has meant people giving up their Saturday and breaking into their weekend at a time [MR SPEAKER in the Chair] when families want to be together, and of course it means missing at least the end of England’s world cup Speaker’s Statement quarter final. I apologise to the House for that; I wish I could watch it myself. I know that the hon. Member Mr Speaker: Before I call the Prime Minister to make for Cardiff West (Kevin Brennan) has postponed his a statement, I want to make a very few brief introductory 60th birthday party—if not his 60th birthday—to be here. remarks. The House has gone to a great deal of trouble to First, I want to thank—and I am sure that colleagues assemble here on a Saturday for the first time in a across the House want to join me in thanking—all the generation, and I do hope that in assembling for the staff of the House who have worked so hard to facilitate purposes of a meaningful vote, we will indeed be allowed to have a meaningful vote this evening.
    [Show full text]
  • Scotland, Brexit and Independence
    Scotland, Brexit and Independence Sionaidh Douglas-Scott 2019-11-02T12:46:30 The past month has been important for Brexit developments, with UK Prime Minister Johnson attempting a ‘last minute’ Brexit deal with the EU. In particular, arrangements concerning Northern Ireland have featured prominently. But now, all appears to have been set aside for a December UK general election. However, the UK is composed of four nations, and Scotland’s position in the UK union, often ignored in the Brexit context, now appears near to ‘tipping point’, especially after First Minister Sturgeon’s recent confirmation that Scotland would hold an independence referendum in 2020. There are two things to note here. First, Scotland’s desire to remain in the EU, with a 62% vote in favour of remaining in the 2016 EU referendum, and consequences flowing from this. Second, the apparent increase in support for Scottish independence since the first independence referendum in 2014. This increase partly results from support from those preferring an independent Scotland in the EU to membership of a UK embarked on a ‘hard Brexit’ seen as damaging to Scotland, although not every Scottish ‘remain’ supporter favours an independent Scotland. Scotland and Brexit To take the desire to remain in the EU first: In the 2016 EU referendum, in which overall the UK voted by 51.9% to leave the EU, Scotland voted by 62% : 38% to remain. (This was a bigger margin than the 55% of voting Scots voting to remain in the UK in 2014). The EU referendum was non-binding, but the UK Government declared that it would act on the result.
    [Show full text]
  • Ministerial Appointments, July 2018
    Ministerial appointments, July 2018 Department Secretary of State Permanent Secretary PM The Rt Hon Theresa May MP The Rt Hon Brandon Lewis MP James Cleverly MP (Deputy Gavin Barwell (Chief of Staff) (Party Chairman) Party Chairman) Cabinet Office The Rt Hon David Lidington The Rt Hon Andrea Leadsom The Rt Hon Brandon Lewis MP Oliver Dowden CBE MP Chloe Smith MP (Parliamentary John Manzoni (Chief Exec of Sir Jeremy Heywood CBE MP (Chancellor of the MP (Lord President of the (Minister without portolio) (Parliamentary Secretary, Secretary, Minister for the the Civil Service) (Head of the Civil Duchy of Lancaster and Council and Leader of the HoC) Minister for Implementation) Constitution) Service, Cabinet Minister for the Cabinet Office) Secretary) Treasury (HMT) The Rt Hon Philip Hammond The Rt Hon Elizabeth Truss MP The Rt Hon Mel Stride MP John Glen MP (Economic Robert Jenrick MP (Exchequer Tom Scholar MP (Chief Secretary to the (Financial Secretary to the Secretary to the Treasury) Secretary to the Treasury) Treasury) Treasury) Ministry of Housing, The Rt Hon James Brokenshire Kit Malthouse MP (Minister of Jake Berry MP (Parliamentary Rishi Sunak (Parliamentary Heather Wheeler MP Lord Bourne of Aberystwyth Nigel Adams (Parliamentary Melanie Dawes CB Communities & Local MP State for Housing) Under Secretary of State and Under Secretary of State, (Parliamentary Under Secretary (Parliamentary Under Secretary Under Secretary of State) Government (MHCLG) Minister for the Northern Minister for Local Government) of State, Minister for Housing of State and Minister for Faith) Powerhouse and Local Growth) and Homelessness) Jointly with Wales Office) Business, Energy & Industrial The Rt Hon Greg Clark MP The Rt Hon Claire Perry MP Sam Gyimah (Minister of State Andrew Griffiths MP Richard Harrington MP The Rt Hon Lord Henley Alex Chisholm Strategy (BEIS) (Minister of State for Energy for Universities, Science, (Parliamentary Under Secretary (Parliamentary Under Secretary (Parliamentary Under Secretary and Clean Growth) Research and Innovation).
    [Show full text]
  • The Rt Hon Stephen Barclay MP Secretary of State for The
    The Rt Hon Stephen Barclay MP Secretary of State for the Department for Exiting the European Union [email protected] [email protected] The Rt Hon Matt Hancock MP Secretary of State for Health and Social Care [email protected] [email protected] The Rt Hon Dr Sarah Wollaston MP Chair of Health and Social Care Committee [email protected] Brussels, 11 March 2019 Brexit and its impact on healthcare in the UK and the EU-27 Dear Mr Barclay, Dear Mr Hancock, Dear Dr Wollaston, Please allow us to contact you on behalf of European doctors with a sincere appeal to end the continuing uncertainty about the UK’s future relationship with the European Union. The lack of a clear guidance from the government represents a threat to patients, the medical workforce and health systems, both in the UK and the EU-27. The need to safeguard doctors’ mobility and the mutual recognition of doctors’ qualifications is especially important to us. We also strongly advocate for continued cooperation on medical research, and the exchange of information on public health risks, such as infectious diseases and antimicrobial resistance. Many of the problems addressed are most acute on the island of Ireland where cross-border cooperation on health occurs every day. Throughout the Brexit negotiations, we have called on the European Commission to find responsible and pragmatic solutions for these vital policies. Given the importance of the UK parliament’s decisions in the coming days, we now address you with the same appeal.
    [Show full text]
  • Joint Communique Joint Ministerial Committee
    OFFICIAL JOINT COMMUNIQUE JOINT MINISTERIAL COMMITTEE (PLENARY) 19 DECEMBER 2018 NO. 10 DOWNING STREET A plenary meeting of the Joint Ministerial Committee was held today in Downing Street, chaired by the Prime Minister, Rt Hon Theresa May MP. The participants were: ● from HM Government the Prime Minister, Rt Hon Theresa May, MP, the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, Rt Hon David Lidington MP, the Secretary of State for Exiting the European Union, Rt Hon Stephen Barclay MP, the Secretary of State for Scotland, Rt Hon David Mundell MP, the Secretary of State for Wales, Rt Hon Alun Cairns MP, and the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, Rt Hon Karen Bradley MP; ● from the Scottish Government the First Minister, Rt Hon Nicola Sturgeon MSP and the Cabinet Secretary for Government Business and Constitutional Relations, Michael Russell MSP; and ● from the Welsh Government the First Minister, Mark Drakeford AM and Jeremy Miles AM, Counsel General Designate and Brexit Minister. David Sterling, Head of the Northern Ireland Civil Service attended the meeting in the continued absence of a Northern Ireland Executive. The Prime Minister congratulated the First Minister of Wales on his appointment. The two principal agenda items at the meeting were exiting the European Union and the state of relations. Under the first item, the Prime Minister updated the First Ministers on negotiations with the European Union. The Committee discussed next steps on the UK’s exit from the EU. Under the second item, the Committee noted progress on the review on intergovernmental relations and remitted further work to officials.
    [Show full text]
  • A Guide to the Government for BIA Members
    A guide to the Government for BIA members Correct as of 29 November 2018 This is a briefing for BIA members on the Government and key ministerial appointments for our sector. It has been updated to reflect the changes in the Cabinet following the resignations in the aftermath of the government’s proposed Brexit deal. The Conservative government does not have a parliamentary majority of MPs but has a confidence and supply deal with the Northern Irish Democratic Unionist Party (DUP). The DUP will support the government in key votes, such as on the Queen's Speech and Budgets. This gives the government a working majority of 13. Contents: Ministerial and policy maker positions in the new Government relevant to the life sciences sector .......................................................................................... 2 Ministerial brief for the Life Sciences.............................................................................................................................................................................................. 6 Theresa May’s team in Number 10 ................................................................................................................................................................................................. 7 Ministerial and policy maker positions in the new Government relevant to the life sciences sector* *Please note that this guide only covers ministers and responsibilities pertinent to the life sciences and will be updated as further roles and responsibilities are announced.
    [Show full text]
  • Treasury Committee Oral Evidence: Economic Impact of Coronavirus, HC 271
    Treasury Committee Oral evidence: Economic impact of coronavirus, HC 271 Wednesday 29 April 2020 Ordered by the House of Commons to be published on 29 April 2020. Watch the meeting Members present: Mel Stride (Chair); Rushanara Ali; Mr Steve Baker; Harriett Baldwin; Anthony Browne; Felicity Buchan; Ms Angela Eagle; Julie Marson; Alison McGovern; Alison Thewliss. Questions 295 - 379 Witnesses I: Rt Hon Stephen Barclay MP, Chief Secretary to the Treasury, HM Treasury; Katharine Braddick, Director General Financial Services; Beth Russell, Director General Tax and Welfare. Examination of Witnesses Witnesses: Stephen Barclay, Katharine Braddick and Beth Russell. Q295 Chair: The Treasury Committee welcomes you to its further inquiry session into the economic impact of the coronavirus. We are very pleased to be joined this afternoon by a panel of three witnesses, whom I would now ask to briefly introduce themselves. Stephen Barclay: I am Steve Barclay, Chief Secretary to the Treasury and Member of Parliament for North-East Cambridgeshire. Katharine Braddick: I am Katharine Braddick. I am the director general for financial services at the Treasury. Beth Russell: I am Beth Russell. I am the director general for tax and welfare in the Treasury. Q296 Chair: Welcome, everybody, to this remote session. I think most of the questions, Steve, will inevitably be directed to you, but if either of your officials would like to come in on any particular question do please raise your hand. I or the technicians will then know that you would like to come in and I will bring you in accordingly. Let me kick off. We know that the Government have come forward with economic support in a bold, wide-ranging and very quick fashion.
    [Show full text]
  • List of Ministers' Interests
    LIST OF MINISTERS’ INTERESTS CABINET OFFICE DECEMBER 2017 CONTENTS Introduction 3 Prime Minister 5 Attorney General’s Office 6 Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy 7 Cabinet Office 11 Department for Communities and Local Government 10 Department for Culture, Media and Sport 11 Ministry of Defence 13 Department for Education 14 Department of Exiting the European Union 16 Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs 17 Foreign and Commonwealth Office 19 Department of Health 21 Home Office 22 Department for International Development 23 Department for International Trade 24 Ministry of Justice 25 Northern Ireland Office 26 Office of the Advocate General for Scotland 27 Office of the Leader of the House of Commons 28 Office of the Leader of the House of Lords 29 Scotland Office 30 Department for Transport 31 HM Treasury 33 Wales Office 34 Department for Work and Pensions 35 Government Whips – Commons 36 Government Whips – Lords 40 2 INTRODUCTION Ministerial Code Under the terms of the Ministerial Code, Ministers must ensure that no conflict arises, or could reasonably be perceived to arise, between their Ministerial position and their private interests, financial or otherwise. On appointment to each new office, Ministers must provide their Permanent Secretary with a list, in writing, of all relevant interests known to them, which might be thought to give rise to a conflict. Individual declarations, and a note of any action taken in respect of individual interests, are then passed to the Cabinet Office Propriety and Ethics team and the Independent Adviser on Ministers’ Interests to confirm they are content with the action taken or to provide further advice as appropriate.
    [Show full text]
  • New Government and Prime Minister – August 2019
    August 2019 New government and Prime Minister – August 2019 This briefing sets out an overview of the government appointments made by the new Prime Minister, Boris Johnson. Full profiles of the new ministerial team for health and social care are set out below, along with those for other key Cabinet appointments. This briefing also covers the election of the new Leader of the Liberal Democrats, Jo Swinson. Introduction In May 2019, Theresa May announced her intention to resign as Prime Minister and leader of the Conservative Party. Boris Johnson and Jeremy Hunt were the two leadership candidates chosen by Conservative MPs to be put to a ballot of their party membership. Boris Johnson received the largest number of nominations from Conservative MPs and 66% of the vote of party members. Theresa May officially resigned on Wednesday 24 July, with Boris Johnson becoming Prime Minister shortly afterwards. Boris Johnson made significant changes to the government, with less than half of Theresa May’s Cabinet remaining in post. Johnson did not maintain May’s approach of balancing those who voted leave and those who voted remain, instead promoting leading Brexit supporting figures to senior cabinet positions. A full list of Cabinet appointments is contained in Appendix 1. Matt Hancock remains in post as the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, with Caroline Dinenage and Baroness Blackwood also continuing in his ministerial team. They are joined by Chris Skidmore, Jo Churchill and Nadine Dorries. The Liberal Democrats also announced a new leader, Jo Swinson, on 22 July 2019. Swinson, previously the party’s deputy leader who held ministerial roles in the business and education departments under the Coalition government, takes over from former Business Secretary, Sir Vince Cable, who led the party for two years.
    [Show full text]
  • List of Ministers' Interests
    LIST OF MINISTERS’ INTERESTS CABINET OFFICE DECEMBER 2015 CONTENTS Introduction 1 Prime Minister 3 Attorney General’s Office 5 Department for Business, Innovation and Skills 6 Cabinet Office 8 Department for Communities and Local Government 10 Department for Culture, Media and Sport 12 Ministry of Defence 14 Department for Education 16 Department of Energy and Climate Change 18 Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs 19 Foreign and Commonwealth Office 20 Department of Health 22 Home Office 24 Department for International Development 26 Ministry of Justice 27 Northern Ireland Office 30 Office of the Advocate General for Scotland 31 Office of the Leader of the House of Commons 32 Office of the Leader of the House of Lords 33 Scotland Office 34 Department for Transport 35 HM Treasury 37 Wales Office 39 Department for Work and Pensions 40 Government Whips – Commons 42 Government Whips – Lords 46 INTRODUCTION Ministerial Code Under the terms of the Ministerial Code, Ministers must ensure that no conflict arises, or could reasonably be perceived to arise, between their Ministerial position and their private interests, financial or otherwise. On appointment to each new office, Ministers must provide their Permanent Secretary with a list in writing of all relevant interests known to them which might be thought to give rise to a conflict. Individual declarations, and a note of any action taken in respect of individual interests, are then passed to the Cabinet Office Propriety and Ethics team and the Independent Adviser on Ministers’ Interests to confirm they are content with the action taken or to provide further advice as appropriate.
    [Show full text]