74
Acknowledged
We ask the Government to commit to making time for a debate and vote in...
Recommendation
We ask the Government to commit to making time for a debate and vote in the House of Commons for each new formal treaty with the EU that is subject to the process in section 20 of the Constitutional Reform and Governance Act 2010 prior to its ratification. Currently there are at least four such treaties expected. When doing so, the Government should commit to extend the scrutiny period Parliament has to consider these new Agreements prior to ratification, as it has already done for Free Trade Agreements. (Recommendation, Paragraph 212)
Government Response Summary
The government acknowledges Parliament's role in scrutinizing its work and states that scrutiny commitments are under review, indicating that legislation to implement new agreements will be brought forward, but does not commit to a debate and vote for each new formal treaty or extend the scrutiny period.
Government Response
Acknowledged
Government Response
Acknowledged
HM Government
Acknowledged
The Government takes very seriously the role of Parliament in scrutinising its work. As set out above, we recognise that some of these agreements made at the May 2025 Summit will mean a different relationship with the EU and its institutions and laws, and we will keep scrutiny commitments under review to ensure that these are right as we move forwards. Parliament will scrutinise the legislation that implements these new agreements where legislation is required. As the Minister for the Cabinet Office has confirmed, we intend to bring forward primary legislation to implement the treaties.
Source
Committee
Foreign Affairs Committee
Addressee Bodies
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
Timeline
Recommendation age
0.2 yrs
Report published
04 Mar 2026