I am pleased to announce that the Government will update the Cabinet Manual.

The Cabinet Manual sets out the main laws, rules, and conventions affecting the operation of government. It is intended primarily as an authoritative reference for Ministers and civil servants, but it also has a role in making the operation of government more accessible to Parliament and the public.

The Manual was first published in 2011 and has not been updated since. As a result, it has become significantly out of date, most notably in its descriptions of general elections, the UK’s relationship with the EU, and the devolution settlements. Its value for Ministers and officials, helping them navigate the UK’s constitutional arrangements, has been diminished by this lack of accuracy. An update will therefore restore the Manual’s status as an authoritative guide.

This update will also restate and underline the rules and conventions that underpin our democracy. Alongside wider work to strengthen the operation of government, including the Fundamental Review into the Organisation, Performance, and Transformation of the permanent Civil Service, it will provide an opportunity to demonstrate the Government’s commitment to high standards in public life.

The Government will seek feedback from the Public Administration and Constitutional Affairs Committee in the House of Commons and the Constitution Committee in the House of Lords on draft text. As the Manual sets out constitutional arrangements from the view of the Executive, the Government will not seek Parliament’s approval of the text, following the approach established in 2010-11. Nevertheless, we hope this engagement will be a meaningful opportunity for MPs and peers to support the drafting process so that the Manual continues to be a non-party political document that provides a record of fact.

An update is long overdue and will serve to benefit Ministers, officials, Parliament, and the public.

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