44 Acknowledged

While we recognise that not all things can be negotiated in the open, there is...

Conclusion
While we recognise that not all things can be negotiated in the open, there is a tension between exposing one’s hand and the transparency necessary for good parliamentary scrutiny. The Government will be better equipped to conduct the negotiations with the EU if it is well-informed through consultation and engagement, both with Parliament and with other stakeholders. Its approach to transparency of, and consultation on, the UK’s objectives for the sector-specific negotiations foreseen by the Common Understanding has been haphazard. More systematic outreach as the negotiations progress, or new negotiating strands are added, will also aid in the implementation of new arrangements with the EU in due course, as those affected will be prepared for them. By extension, this should help the benefits Government expects to accrue from these new agreements to materialise more rapidly. (Conclusion, Paragraph 119)
Government Response Summary
The government states that it takes its commitment to scrutiny very seriously and is committed to being open and transparent in its engagement with Parliament, including through formal evidence sessions, correspondence and private briefings.
Government Response
Acknowledged
HM Government Acknowledged
The Government takes its ongoing commitment to scrutiny very seriously – it is a vital part of the Government’s accountability to Parliament. We are committed to being open and transparent in our engagement with Parliament regarding implementation of the Summit outcomes and further negotiations to put into effect what the UK and EU have agreed, including through formal evidence sessions, correspondence and private briefings to this Committee. This was demonstrated ahead of the first UK-EU Summit, where the Minister for the Cabinet Office met with the Foreign Affairs Committee Chair and wrote to the Committee. Following the summit, Minister Doughty and the Minister for the Cabinet Office jointly appeared before the Committee to provide further insights and updates. The Prime Minister also made an Oral Statement to Parliament the day after the Summit, with Ministers continuing to make oral and written statements on progress in negotiations since. We will use the annual summit process to drive forward implementation of the Common Understanding, and will continue to be open and transparent in our engagement with Parliament regarding future Summits.