Lord Bew has replied welcoming the Government’s assurance that transparency around lobbying is a key priority and the acceptance of a number of recommendations the Committee believes are important. In particular, the Committee welcomes the commitment to improving the timeliness and accessibility of the published information about Ministers’ and Permanent Secretaries’ official meetings with outside interest groups and hospitality received by ministers and members of departmental boards. Read the Government’s response and accompanying letters.
The Committee will continue to monitor developments in this area in order to promote the highest standards of propriety in public life. Read Lord Bew’s blog post ‘Current arrangements aren’t enough’.