AS the year draws to a close, and Parliament enters recess, we decided to take a look at some of the things the Tories have managed to sneak out in the run up to Christmas while (they think) no one is looking.
Parliament entered recess on Tuesday, meaning MPs are taking a break until January 7.
See the full list below.
Around 700 documents released to the Covid Inquiry on Monday
The Government released around 700 documents to the Covid Inquiry on Monday, after hearings have been concluded for the year.
The move comes as Parliament entered a recess the following day, on Tuesday, meaning the documents are less likely to be scrutinised or receive attention.
The Covid Inquiry concluded hearings on the UK Government’s decision-making on December 14, with a report due to be published in 2024.
Hearings on political and administrative decision-making in Scotland are due to commence in the new year, on January 16.
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The documents include internal emails, evidence from key scientific advisers, as well as information on the impact of the pandemic on vulnerable groups.
MPs set to get more than £6000 pay rise
MPs are soon to earn more than £90k a year, after receiving a pay rise above the rate of inflation. A 7.1% salary increase from £86,584 to £92,731 is way ahead of inflation, which is currently running at 4.6%.
The expected rise is as a result of changes in average public sector earnings in the October before a pay rise takes effect the following April.
MPs do not set their own pay – the level is set by watchdog Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority (Ipsa).
Sunak refuses to declare interests during committee meeting
Before appearing in front of the Liaison Committee on Monday, it was reported that the Prime Minister sent a letter to the chair of the committee saying he would be unable to declare all interests during the meeting.
The letter, sent to committee chair Sir Bernard Jenkyn on Sunday, and which has since been leaked, states: “Dear Sir Bernard,
“I am unable to anticipate all areas of questioning that will be put to me during my appearance at the Liaison Committee.
“Therefore, it may not always be possible for me to declare during the meeting an interest that later, on reflection, appears to me to satisfy the relevance test as set out in paragraph 6 of Chapter 2 of the Guide to the Rules relating to the Conduct of Members.
“Should that contingency arise, I shall write to the Committee as soon as reasonably possible after my appearance to declare any interest that I consider meets that test.
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“I have previously discussed this approach with the Parliamentary Commissioner for Standards and the Registrar of Members’ Financial Interests who was satisfied that it is appropriate.”
The Liaison Committee scrutinises the Government on the decisions it makes.
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