29 Accepted

We also note that the House of Lords International Agreement Committee reported that the statutory...

Conclusion
We also note that the House of Lords International Agreement Committee reported that the statutory framework under CRAG is insufficient to facilitate robust and effective scrutiny of international agreements. As stated in the NAO report, the International Agreement Committee has called for Parliament to strengthen its formal role earlier in the process and for provision of the agreement text ahead of signature, and that Parliament’s consent should be required prior to ratification through a new mechanism beyond CRAG.80 80 C&AG’s Report, para 3.19 Progress with trade negotiations 19
Government Response Summary
The government agrees with the implied recommendation to strengthen parliamentary scrutiny, stating it already implements measures like publishing strategic approaches and providing updates to committees, while committing to continuously review arrangements.
Government Response
Accepted
HM Government Accepted
6.1 The government agrees with the Committee’s recommendation. Recommendation implemented 6.2 The government publishes, and provides to the relevant select committees, its strategic approach to each new FTA at the outset of negotiations; this includes negotiation objectives. This is published alongside the response to the public call for input, and an initial scoping assessment. The government remains committed to sharing these documents with the relevant select committees in advance of publication where time allows. 6.3 Furthermore, the government provides oral updates to the relevant select committees and is happy to reiterate its offer to make Chief Negotiators available to brief the committees in private should they wish. In 2021, the department’s ministers and senior officials briefed the International Trade Committee on 17 occasions, six of these times specifically focussed on Australia and New Zealand FTA negotiations. The government always endeavours to share relevant information with the Committees where possible, whilst being mindful of the need to protect UK negotiating interests and the Department’s negotiating partners’ legitimate expectations of confidentiality. 6.4 Nonetheless, the government will continue to review arrangements, ensuring they remain fit for purpose.
Addressee Bodies
HM Treasury
Timeline
Recommendation age 4.4 yrs
Report published 18 Mar 2022