VerbatimParliament, as it happens

Budgets: Disclosure of Information

Asked by Alex BurghartConservativeTreasuryTabled Answered 2 March 2026UIN 114070

The question

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, with reference to the Budget Information Security Review, February 2026, paragraph 4.7, whether the new rules that media contact must be authorised by the communications team will (a) allow or (b) prohibit, the pre-Budget briefing of Budget announcements or speculation by HM Treasury special advisers to the media where that briefing has been authorised by Treasury Ministers, but not authorised by Civil Servants.

Answered by James Murray

As explained by the Budget Information Security Review (BISR), the information security policies at para 4.7 are not new


The approach that applies to briefing is set out in paras 5.19 and 5.20 of the BISR, which notes that they apply to all staff including Special Advisers.

Verbatim has judged this answer against the question that was actually asked — answered, partly answered, or evaded. Sign in to see the verdict →

Open this question in Verbatim →

Every written question, searchable

155,000 questions tabled since the election, with the answer each department gave — and the ones still unanswered, with the clock running. Free to search.

Search written questions →Read on Verbatim