Speeches by Baker.

“The attacks by Hezbollah must cease, but the wholly disproportionate response in Lebanon by the Israeli military is bringing untold suffering to those least able to bear the consequences: women and children; and older and disabled people. What can UK Ministers do, alongside international partners and agencies, to ensur…”

“What you are saying is that, in fact, it is inevitable in some ways that you will comment on the appropriateness of the decision if you find maladministration. You accept that that is—”

“In relation to both these cases, the PHSO has said that it considers it is “not commenting on the appropriateness of the regulatory decision made by the Commission”. However, as far as decision making is concerned, the PHSO has stated that it considers that it has a remit to determine maladministration if the wrong fac…”

“That is an issue for that organisation, rather than the work of the PHSO.”

“Finally from me, please give an example of any aspect of an organisation’s decision-making process that the PHSO would never comment on.”

“Earlier this month I joined the workers, apprentices and management at the Methil yard in my constituency, where they christened the Seahorse barge. At 85 metres long, 25 metres wide, weighing approximately 1,400 tonnes, Seahorse is an impressive achievement and will play a critical role in enabling the construction of…”

“Will my hon. Friend assure me that this Government’s increased investment in our armed forces and the defence investment plan will offer huge opportunities for the defence sector in Scotland, not least at the Methil yard in my constituency, which was saved from closure by Labour Ministers? That will build on the huge s…”

“Do you think it would be something that you might consider mentioning in your first letter to the Prime Minister, given other areas of your work?”

“What was the reason for that, can I ask? No? Okay. It is interesting to know that the prospect of that was there, but one party was not able to sign up to it.”

“My final question is on the Cabinet Manual. It was published with the purpose of making our political system more transparent and more accountable, but it has never been updated since it was developed first by Gordon Brown’s Government and then published by the coalition, which is now over a decade ago. Do you think it…”

“You mentioned some of the existing research and polls that are out there. The British Social Attitudes Survey indicates that trust in government has fallen to its lowest point since the survey began. You have raised issues around what impact your work can have, what the cut-through might be, and how long it might take.…”

“It might be worth revisiting that issue as a Committee at some point, Chair, given that it is pretty fraught at the moment.”

“You said there was not an ability to create consensus between all the parties on taking that work forward. What was a particular barrier that existed?”

“That is a very helpful answer. Thank you very much indeed. It leads me neatly on to my next question. The British Social Attitudes Survey also indicates that the public thinks politicians are putting party before the nation, so they are not seeing improvements in public services in their perception because we are not p…”

“Good morning, Doug. The EIC now has a responsibility to engage and inform the wider public on the values, rules and oversight mechanisms that govern standards in public life. How do you intend to carry this work out?”

“Thank you. It is great that you will be able to share with us that engagement strategy. Can I ask how you will measure the impact and success of that engagement? The Committee on Standards in Public Life published a report on public perceptions of standards in public life in the UK as it monitored this area between 200…”

“Do you think there is ultimately, though, a connection between standards in politics and our system to ensure that standards are robust and the trust of the public in politicians?”

“We shall remain intrigued until your investigation is concluded, Chair.”

“Later today I am meeting Inclusion International, which supports people with learning disabilities throughout the world. The focus on women and girls that my right hon. Friend referred to is welcome and important, but there is great concern among disability organisations over the impact of widespread cuts to internatio…”

“My hon. Friend is completely correct, and as always makes the point eloquently. It is vital that Royal Mail management listen to her and CWU. The hon. Member for Cheadle (Mr Morrison) was absolutely right about hospital appointments. Appointments letters arriving on the day of the appointment or after the appointment h…”