No 10 accused of ‘control freakery’ over ban on civil servants speaking at events

Guidance issued to ensure ministers are the only government spokespeople, but critics say move damages public discourse

No 10 has been accused of “control freakery” after issuing guidance that bans civil servants from any level of speaking at events where journalists are present or from answering questions.

The guidance, sent out from No 10 several weeks ago, was issued to ensure that ministers, rather than senior civil servants, were the spokespeople for the government and at the forefront of communications with the public.