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Written question asked by Nicholas Dakin (Labour) on Monday, 28 October 2019, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 31 October 2019 (named day). It was answered by Oliver Dowden (Conservative) on Thursday, 31 October 2019 on behalf of the Cabinet Office.

Civil Servants and Ministerial Policy Advisers: Security

Question

To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster and Minister for the Cabinet Office, with reference to the Answer of 30 September 2019 to Question 290323 on Civil Servants and Ministerial Policy Advisers, the Answer of 7 October 2019 to Question 291490 on Democracy: Subversion and pursuant to the Answer of 21 October 2019 to Question 529 on Ministerial Policy Advisers, what assessment he has made of compliance by (a) officials and (b) special advisers that (i) developed and (ii) recommended proposals on the unlawful prorogation of Parliament with National Security vetting requirements in relation to activities intended to undermine Parliamentary democracy by political means.

Answer

Over and above routine security practices in place for vetted individuals, no further assessment has been made. In relation to the decision to prorogue Parliament, at all times the Government acted in the good faith and belief that its approach was both lawful and constitutional.

With regards to security practices, it would be inappropriate to comment on the compliance of any individual as to their National Security Vetting outside of the proper channels for doing so; these being internal to the security vetting regime. All such channels are confidential in order to ensure the integrity of the process, and the privacy and confidentiality of the subject(s).

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
6352
Session
2019-19
Related items
Democracy: Subversion
Monday, 7 October 2019
Written questions
House of Commons
Free School Meals
Thursday, 13 February 2020
Written questions
House of Commons
Subjects
Disclosure of information Civil servants Special advisers Vetting Security
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk