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Written question asked by Mike Wood (Conservative) on Tuesday, 14 July 2026, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 16 July 2026. It was answered by Nick Thomas-Symonds (Labour) on Friday, 17 July 2026 on behalf of the Cabinet Office.


Lobbying: Finance

Question

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, pursuant to the answer of 6 July 2026 to Question 14931 on National Highways: Public Relations, what is the definition of lobbying for the purposes of the guidance on not using public funds to lobby.

Answer

The "Rules on lobbying for Non-Departmental Public Bodies" (NDPBs) guidance establishes an operational boundary for lobbying NDPBs. NDPBs must never employ external firms or consultants to influence or attempt to influence Parliament, Government, or political parties. This ban explicitly includes attempts to influence the awarding or renewal of contracts and grants and attempts to influence legislative or regulatory action.


Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
18647
Session
2026-27
Related items
National Highways: Public Relations
Monday, 6 July 2026
Written questions
House of Commons
Subjects
Finance Lobbying
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk