Written questions by Wood.

Whether the Cabinet Secretary has delegated any of his role or functions in relation to (a) the Cabinet Secretary review into Lord Mandelson and (b) advising on the Government response to the Humble Address on Lord Mandelson.

The former Cabinet Secretary was asked to review available information regarding Peter Mandelson’s contacts with Jeffrey Epstein during his period as a Minister. After an initial review of some documents, the matter was referred to the police. In light of the ongoing criminal investigation that was announced, that review has now been paused. The government is cooperating fully with the police investigation and providing any assistance required. In respect of the Government's response to the Humble Address motion, I refer you to the Oral Statement on the 23 February in the name of the Chief Secretary to the Prime Minister which confirms that the Cabinet Office Permanent Secretary is leading this process.

If he will publish the investigation in the then Consul General in New York in 2017.

The allegations were dismissed 9 years ago on the basis that there was no case to answer. We do not release confidential documents relating to internal HR processes.

What advice the Civil Service Commission provides on departures and appointments of Cabinet Secretaries.

The Cabinet Manual, sets out that the Cabinet Secretary is appointed by the Prime Minister on the advice of the First Civil Service Commissioner. In the Government response to the House of Lords Constitution Committee report into the appointment and removal of Permanent Secretaries, the First Civil Service Commissioner confirmed that the Civil Service Commission does not play a role in Permanent Secretary departures.

With reference to the No10 press release entitled Appointment of Victoria Buhler as the Prime Minister’s Deputy Adviser on Business, Investment, and Trade and Hannah Bronwin as the Prime Minister’s Expert Adviser on Energy and Net Zero, of 2 February 2026, whether each of them are (a) Tier 1 or (b) Tier 2 Direct Ministerial Appointments, as set out in the Cabinet Office guidance on direct ministerial appointments.

We do not routinely comment on individual HR matters.

With reference to the No10 press release entitled Appointment of Victoria Buhler as the Prime Minister’s Deputy Adviser on Business, Investment, and Trade and Hannah Bronwin as the Prime Minister’s Expert Adviser on Energy and Net Zero, of 2 February 2026, and and with reference to the Announcements: Direct Ministerial Appointments portal on gov.uk, what is the renumeration of Hannah Bronwin, and whether she has been seconded from a third party organisation.

Details of Direct Ministerial Appointments are made available on gov.uk, alongside press releases announcing their appointments.

What role the Cabinet Office had in relation to the investigation into the then Consul General in New York in 2017.

The allegations were dismissed 9 years ago on the basis that there was no case to answer. These allegations were considered by the Cabinet Office as the individual was a permanent member of staff of that Department.

What recent progress he has made on updating the Cabinet Manual.

The Government takes the function of the Cabinet Manual seriously and we will keep it under review.

When Ministerial private office records are transferred to National Archives; and whether some files are retained by the Department.

The Cabinet Office Records Selection Policy under the Public Records Act 1958 is available at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/cabinet-office-records-selection-policy/cabinet-office-records-selection-policy-html#:~:text=The%20Cabinet%20Office%20Records%20Selection,selection%20of%20historic%20public%20records.At the time of transfer to The National Archives, redactions can be made by the application of FOI exemptions that persist beyond 20 years or by provision of Section 3(4) of the Public Records Act. Any closures or retentions are made clear either within the open file or on The National Archives catalogue, which is available on line.

With reference to the policy paper entitled Explanatory Memorandum on a UK/EU Withdrawal Agreement or Trade And Cooperation Agreement Governance Document, COM(2025)804, published on 4 February 2026, for what reason the Government proposes to make payments to help reduce economic and social disparities in the EU.

The Explanatory Memorandum considers a proposal by the European Commission to the European Council to open negotiations with the UK on an electricity agreement and on “the financial contribution of the United Kingdom towards reducing economic and social disparities between the regions of the Union”. It does not represent a proposal by the Government. In line with the outcome from exploratory talks on an electricity agreement, we are prepared to make an appropriate financial contribution to support the relevant costs associated with the European Union’s work in this policy area, for example to access EU agencies or databases. The details of any contribution are subject to negotiation.

Pursuant to the Answer of 9 February 2026 to Question 110416 on Government Departments: Publicity, what the cost was of the re-branding of HM Government as UK Government.

I refer the Hon. Member to the answer given to questions HL14450, HL14451 and HL14452.

Whether the creation of a peerage can be stopped following the (a) announcement of the King signifying his intention to confer a peerage and (b) issuing of a Letters Patent under the Great Seal.

There is no established precedent for withdrawing a peerage nomination after it has been announced.

If he will publish Tim Allan's declaration of interests.

I refer the Hon. Member to the answer of 5 February 2026, Official Report, PQ 110814.

With reference to the oral contribution of the Minister for Courts and Legal Services of 10 February 2026, Official Report, Column 707, for what reason the data protection breach was sufficient to terminate the contract but did not meet the threshold for an Information Commissioner referral.

The Ministry of Justice is committed to protecting the personal and sensitive information entrusted to us. The agreement which Courtsdesk entered into with HMCTS specified that it would not pass data on to any party other than journalists without the permission of HMCTS. Courtsdesk acted outside the terms of that agreement by sharing data with a third party AI company. It did not seek HMCTS’ permission to use the data in that way. In those circumstances, it was entirely appropriate to suspend the arrangement between HMCTS and Courtsdesk.Data protection officials considered that the circumstances did not meet the threshold required for referral to the Information Commissioner’s Office. The Ministry of Justice is committed to open justice as well as the responsible use of data and protecting data privacy. Our approach in this matter vindicates those principles.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, if she will publish the declaration of interest form completed by Lord Mandelson when Ambassador to the United States.

I refer the Hon. Member to the Government's response to the Urgent Question tabled on 12 February, the Written Ministerial Statement in the name of the Chief Secretary to the Prime Minister that same day, and Oral Statement on the 23 February which set out an update on the Government's process. We will set out further details in due course. The Government wishes to ensure that Parliament's instruction is met with the urgency and transparency that it deserves.

Whether there was any communication between his Department and Global Counsel in relation to the visit by the Prime Minister to the Washington offices of Palantir.

In line with the Humble Address motion agreed on 4 February, any information relevant to this and other questions regarding Mr Mandelson's appointment to, employment in, and withdrawal from, his posting as His Majesty's Ambassador to the United States will be published according to the process and provisions set out in the motion.

Pursuant to the answer of 27 January 2026 to Question 106522, on Business: Codes of Practice, whether the correct process she outlined in the answer will require a Regulatory Impact Assessment to be produced under the Better Regulation Framework; and whether she has had discussions with the Regulatory Policy Committee on a potential Regulatory Impact Assessment.

The EHRC has submitted a draft Code of Practice to Ministers, and we are reviewing it with the care it deserves, engaging with the EHRC to ensure that it provides clarity for service providers.We have always been clear that the proper process needs to be followed, which includes understanding the potential impact on businesses, public functions and services, as well as engaging with relevant committees.The Code will have implications for service providers up and down the country so it is important that we get this right.

Who will be conducting the investigation into Lord Doyle, and what are the terms of reference.

The Government is not conducting an investigation into Lord Doyle. An investigation is being carried out by the Labour Party.

When the Prime Minister was made aware of the alleged involvement of Lord Doyle with Sean Morton; and whether this was raised during due diligence for the nomination of a political peerage.

As a matter of policy, the Government does not publish information relating to individuals' peerage nominations.

Pursuant to the Answer 5 February 2026 to Question 108662 on WPP Media: Contracts, whether the RM6364 framework replaces both RM6125 (media services) and RM6123 (advertising); and whether there will be a further replacement for RM6123 in whole or in part in parallel with the new RM6364.

The Crown Commercial Service (CCS) has introduced the RM6364 Media and Creative Services agreement for the procurement of marketing, media, and communication services to replace both RM6125 and RM6123.There are no further replacement agreements planned for RM6123, in whole or in part, to run in parallel with RM6364.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, with reference to the press release entitled Dr Christian Turner CMG appointed as His Majesty’s Ambassador to the United States of America, of 18 December 2025, whether Dr Turner was a Direct Ministerial Appointment; and whether he was appointed by open and fair competition.

Dr Turner was appointed following an open, fair and competitive recruitment process.