However, the Public Administration and Constitutional Affairs Committee’s demand for a mere Commons vote on every treaty is a poor substitute for the real, much less fashionable solution.
If politicians come to believe that the civil service is preoccupied with speaking truth to power at the expense of doing its job, Francis Maude-type solutions will be imposed, regardless of which party is in power.
There could be constituencies where the majority is smaller than the numbers turned away.
Yesterday, he bent the passage of time – by giving the Commons the chance to carry out a Covid reckoning before the inquiry is up and running.
The rush towards Something Must Be Done should be paused. How about having a fresh look at ethics and values, as well as the concept of trust?
Liam Fox has confirmed this week that they are part of the Home Civil Service, and thus answerable to the House of Commons and its Ministers.
What use a large majority if the Prime Minister cannot, or will not, prevail over an electorally insignificant lobby of progressive constitutionalists?
If only 6,000 people, with 45 contacts each, are infected every day, we will need a capacity of 276,000 tests just to keep up.
The Public Administration and Constitutional Affairs Select Committee has today issued a report which casts light on the question.
There are slender means for discussion, coaching and mentoring us about the particular dangers and pressures of public life.
Leaders must be expected to lead by example. That includes ministers. Lasting change cannot be achieved without a clear example from the top.