UK Government to Tighten Ministerial Hospitality Rules

The UK government is set to overhaul transparency rules regarding ministerial hospitality, addressing a 'loophole' that previously allowed ministers to avoid declaring certain gifts and hospitality received while in office. Cabinet Office Minister Pat McFadden stated that ministers will now be required to declare such hospitality in the same way that MPs and shadow ministers do, ensuring uniformity in transparency requirements. This move comes in light of recent criticisms related to gifts received by Labour ministers from major donors, prompting calls for greater accountability. The changes aim to close the gap that allowed ministers to report hospitality less frequently and without specifying its value, a situation highlighted by past incidents involving former ministers like Priti Patel. McFadden emphasized the need to restore trust in politics, while former Tory minister Penny Mordaunt contested the accuracy of the claims regarding the existing rules. The updated ministerial code is expected to be released soon, detailing these new requirements.