European Scrutiny Committee

In the House of Commons debate, the Government, represented by the Leader of the House, Lucy Powell, proposed to rescind Standing Order No. 143, which established the European Scrutiny Committee. Powell argued that since the UK has now left the European Union, the principal function of the committee to examine EU documents is no longer required. She suggested that other parliamentary committees and departments can now take on the job of considering such issues in detail. The official opposition, represented by Ms. Stella Creasy of the Labour/Co-op party, acknowledged the concerns raised by the previous speaker, Richard Tice of the Reform party. Creasy recognized that there may now be a gap in the parliamentary process for scrutinizing the UK's evolving relationship with the EU, and she sought clarification on what would happen to the European Statutory Instruments Committee, which had been dissolved. The debate that followed saw a range of views expressed. Tice argued passionately that the European Scrutiny Committee was crucial for scrutinizing the government's negotiations with the EU, as it was the only committee with the word "scrutiny" in its name. He urged the Leader of the House to withdraw the motion and reflect on the contributions, suggesting that the committee should be retained. Sir David Davis, a Conservative MP, agreed with Tice's concerns, stating that it was important for the government to maintain the trust of the British people as the UK's relationship with the EU evolves. He asked what mechanism would replace the European Scrutiny Committee to ensure proper oversight. Greg Smith, another Conservative MP, highlighted the committee's valuable work in the previous Parliament, including its cross-government scrutiny of retained EU law and the trade and cooperation agreement. In response, the Leader of the House, Lucy Powell, expressed confusion over Tice's position, noting that he had spent his life and efforts getting the UK to leave the EU, and therefore the principal function of the committee was no longer required. She declined to withdraw the motion, suggesting that Tice could reflect on his "confusion" while enjoying his European holiday.