Cabinet Secretary to give evidence on revision of the Cabinet Manual

The committee will quiz Mr Case on several topics relating to the Manual, such as its use amongst ministers, the process for updating it, the role of Parliament in updating it and the need for recent changes in devolution arrangements, as well as Brexit to be reflected.

The committee will also question the Cabinet Secretary on Civil Service Union capability for its inquiry into the future governance of the UK. The committee will explore topics such as the progress with opening UK Government hubs in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, the understanding of devolution arrangements across Whitehall and the role of the territorial offices.

Likely questions include:

• Does the Government intend to update the Cabinet Manual in the short term? What is the process for doing so?
• Should the Manual be updated as a matter of routine at the beginning of each new Parliament?
• What there be any challenges when updating the Manual if the Fixed-term Parliaments Act 2011 is repealed? What other updates are required as a priority?
• What are Sue Gray’s priorities as the new permanent secretary for the Union in the Cabinet Office?
• How are the Union and devolution arrangements considered when developing policy in Whitehall?

The session will take place virtually on Monday 17 May at 11.00am and can be followed on Parliament TV.