B

Baroness Chakrabarti (Lab)

Speaking in the House of Lords on 12 October 2026

Debate

Public Office (Accountability) Bill

Contribution

My Lords, I am grateful for the quality of this short debate. The issues remain very clear, including concerns about the amendments. Just briefly, the duty of candour and assistance under Clause 2 sits on two sets of shoulders. It sits with the individual leader of the public authority, and it also sits with the body corporate. That is not changed by either amendment. My amendment just says taking reasonable steps is not enough; it has to be that they are responsible. What I do not quite understand about the concern of the noble and learned Lord, Lord Keen of Elie, is why for the individual to be liable they had to intend not to comply with the duty of candour or be reckless. It seems to me that intention and the issue of recklessness are enough to protect the decent public servant who is doing their best. We do not need to add another layer of taking reasonable steps. But that is perhaps for further discussion. In the meantime, I am grateful to everyone and beg leave to withdraw the amendment.

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