Oral QuestionCabinet Office

What progress he has made on joining up government.

Tabled: 22 May 2025Answered: 5 June 2025

Asked by

Dr Peter Prinsley

LabourBury St Edmunds and Stowmarket

Answering Minister

the Minister for the Cabinet Office

Answer from Hansard

The Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster (Pat McFadden)

We have been clear from the outset that we want to govern in a joined-up way, though as we all know the DNA in the departmental system is strong and has lasted a long time. Delivering our plan for change will require Departments to work together, whether that is to build more houses, give children the best start in life—today we announced access to free school meals for children of people on universal credit—or to protect the country against crime and security threats. It is very important that these are not goals of Departments but of the Government, and that is why we work together to achieve them.