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<p>I have been asked to reply on behalf of Her Majesty’s Government.</p><p> </p><p>From
time to time, there will be challenging public policy decisions to be made, where
there are issues in tension with another. It for Ministers to then decide what is
in the public interest. Our democracy works on the basis that elected representatives
make those tough decisions in the national interest, and are then accountable to Parliament
and the British people. The Ministerial Code includes the (Nolan) Principles on Standards
in Public Life, which are a guide to how Ministers should act.</p><p> </p><p>After
careful consideration, the Government has collectively concluded this approach is
in the public interest, and meets all these Principles – in particular, objectivity,
accountability, openness and leadership. The Government has set out its approach openly
to Parliament, the press and the public. We also note the cross-party support for
the Government’s actions.</p>
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