Thank you for contacting me about the World Economic Forum.
The Government will always govern in the national interest. Where collaboration or partnership occurs between the Government and a non-governmental international organisation, such as the World Economic Forum, this is fully declared in line with transparency requirements.
I do not know individual Cabinet members’ opinions on this subject, likewise, I do not know how many MPs support the WEF agenda. However, the WEF has no influence over the decision-making of the Cabinet. Accordingly, I would suggest that Young Global Leaders have little influence over national affairs.
Under the terms of the Ministerial Code, Ministers must ensure that no conflict arises, or could reasonably be perceived to arise, between their Ministerial position and their private interests, financial or otherwise. On appointment to each new office, Ministers must provide their Permanent Secretary with a list, in writing, of all relevant interests known to them, which might be thought to give rise to a conflict.
Individual declarations, and a note of any action taken in respect of individual interests, are then passed to the Cabinet Office Propriety and Ethics team and the Independent Adviser on Ministers’ Interests to confirm they are content with the action taken or to provide further advice as appropriate.
Thank you again for taking the time to contact me.
