Written questions by Hatton.

When he plans to publish a new Ministerial Code of Conduct; and whether it will include (a) an explicit commitment to the seven Principles of Public Life, (b) an ability for the Independent Adviser on Ministerial Interests to initiate investigations into breaches of the code without needing the consent of the Prime Minister and (c) new restrictions on former ministers taking up outside employment through a deed of undertaking.

The Prime Minister intends to issue and publish an updated version of the Ministerial Code shortly, in which he will set out his expectations for the conduct of all who serve in Government as Ministers.

Communities and Local Government, whether she plans to take steps to strengthen the rules on donations to political parties.

I refer my Hon Friend to my answer to Question UIN 7510 on 15 October 2024.

When he plans to publish a new terms of reference for the Independent Advisor on Ministerial Interests; and whether this will include the power to initiate investigations.

I refer to the answer to UIN 5293.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, if the Government will raise the case of Dr. Gubad Ibadoghlu with Azerbaijani officials during pre-COP 29 discussions to help secure his release from detention.

Since Dr Gubad Ibadoghlu's arrest in July 2023, the UK has consistently advocated for appropriate medical access and the right to a fair legal process, including ahead of COP29. The UK has also called on the Azerbaijani Government to protect the human rights and freedoms of all of its citizens, and we will continue to work to ensure Dr Ibadoghlu's rights are upheld.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether he intends to publish a deadline for the implementation public registers of beneficial ownership in the Overseas Territories per the requirements in the Sanctions and Anti-Money Laundry Act.

Overseas Territories' (OTs) commitments to delivering publicly accessible registers of beneficial ownership were outlined in a Written Ministerial Statement of 18 December 2023. This month, as Minister for the OTs, I wrote to OT Governments to set out UK transparency expectations. I noted that full public accessibility remains our expectation. Access filtered to those with 'legitimate interest' should be delivered to a clear timetable, as an interim step. I also outlined a set of minimum requirements that the UK Government would expect to see in any 'legitimate interest' regime. At the UK-OT Illicit Finance Dialogue earlier this month, officials discussed OTs' progress towards their commitments and technical assistance to support implementation. I expect to continue discussions, including on ambitious deadlines for implementation, at the Joint Ministerial Council in November.

Pursuant to the Answer of 10 September 2024 to Question 4157 on Financial Services, if she will set a target date for making a decision on the creation of a Financial Inclusion Strategy.

Ensuring all individuals have access to the appropriate financial services and products they need is a key priority for Government and is vital to supporting people’s financial resilience and wellbeing. It is also an essential part of achieving inclusive growth and ensuring individuals are able to fully participate in the economy. I will be providing an update on Government’s financial inclusion agenda in due course.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what steps he is taking to help (a) recover and (b) repatriate funds linked to corruption investigations involving former members of the government of Bangladesh.

The UK is committed to assisting investigative, prosecuting and judicial authorities in combating international crime. The UK has robust illicit finance legislation and instruments which can be used to support asset recovery requests. Requests require significant domestic political, as well as cooperation from law enforcement agencies and the judiciary. We stand ready to support in these recoveries to the extent that we can. We are in discussions with the International Anti-Corruption Coordination Centre hosted by the UK's National Crime Agency and the International Centre for Asset Recovery on how to support the Interim Government of Bangladesh.