Disinformation
The question
To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, if he will create an offence of (a) lying in office and (b) using (i) media and (ii) social media to mislead (A) followers and (B) the public.
Answered by Ms Abena Oppong-Asare
The Cabinet Office has no plans to create such an offence. All public office-holders are expected to adhere to the Seven Principles of Public Life which includes the principle of honesty.
In addition, ministers are expected to uphold the high standards of conduct set out in the Ministerial Code. MPs and members of the House of Lords must adhere to the relevant parliamentary code of conduct and in the course of their parliamentary duties have a responsibility to provide accurate information to the public and to Parliament, correcting any errors at the earliest opportunity.
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