Question
1. What discussions she has had with Cabinet colleagues on the co-ordination of fire and search and rescue services.
Answer
Earlier this month, at the UK’s first wildfires summit, the Prime Minister and I announced that military aircraft will tackle wildfires that ground crews cannot reach. The RAF Chinook helicopters and other aircraft will be available to fight fires and help crews across the UK. My hon. Friend will be aware that fire and rescue services are devolved in Scotland, but Ministers and officials will work across Government, including with the Cabinet Office, and engage with the Scottish Government to strengthen our collective approach.
Verdict: AMBER (71/100)
The reply addresses the single part of the question, describing how ministers and officials work across government. It gives a concrete example, joint ministerial work with the Prime Minister at a wildfires summit, and mentions engagement with the Cabinet Office and devolved administrations. The description of the Cabinet-level working is fairly general, so a reader would get a clear picture of the arrangements but might still want more detail on specifics.
How we got there
| Question item | Coverage | Specificity | Rationale |
|---|---|---|---|
| What is the nature of the Minister's engagement with Cabinet colleagues on the co-ordination of fire and search and rescue services? | Addressed | Direct | Statement 4 describes the nature of the engagement, with ministers and officials working across Government including with the Cabinet Office, and statement 1 gives a concrete instance of joint ministerial work with the Prime Minister at the wildfires summit. Statements 2 and 5 add specific cross-government and devolved-administration engagement, so the item is answered in substance, though the Cabinet-level framing is fairly general. |