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Sandeels: Conservation

Asked by Joe RobertsonConservativeAttorney GeneralTabled Answered 5 February 2025UIN 27037

The question

To ask the Solicitor General, what discussions she has had with Cabinet colleagues on the UK’s compliance with the Trade and Cooperation Agreement with the EU in relation to the ban on sandeel fishing.

Answered by Lucy Rigby

Paragraph 21.27 of Erskine May states:

“By long-standing convention, observed by successive Governments, the fact of, and substance of advice from, the law officers of the Crown is not disclosed outside government. This convention is referred to in paragraph [5.14] of the Ministerial Code [updated on 6 November 2024]. The purpose of this convention is to enable the Government to obtain frank and full legal advice in confidence.”

This is known as the Law Officers’ Convention and it applies to your questions.

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