House of Commons · General Debate
20 May 2020 · 8 other contributors
Opened by Jacob Rees-Mogg Con North East Somerset
Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.
Jacob Rees-Mogg raised concerns about liaison (membership) in the House of Commons. Other MPs contributed to the debate.
Key points
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said.
Opened the debate
Moves a motion to establish the membership of the Liaison Committee, including the appointment of Sir Bernard Jenkin as chairman. The Government asserts that the motion is democratic and respects the work of Select Committees in holding the Government to account.
Supports the setting up of the Liaison Committee but opposes paragraph (3) due to concerns over composition, responsibilities and precedent. Valerie argues that the proposed nominee lacks accountability and criticises the decision as autocratic.
Appointed chair of the Liaison Committee if elected, promises to hold Prime Minister accountable and enhance scrutiny of cross-departmental policies. Emphasises his independence and impartiality.
I wish to support the amendment, emphasising that the legislature should be separate from the Executive. Criticising a Government-appointed Chairman of the Liaison Committee for lacking independence, Sheppard argues that such an appointment undermines Parliament's ability to hold the Government accountable and maintains that elected Members should appoint Committee Chairs.
She acknowledges Tommy Sheppard's speech but does not provide substantial argumentation or statistics in her brief comment.
He disagrees with Tommy Sheppard, arguing that the proposed Chairman will effectively scrutinise the Government. Peter Bone supports Sir Bernard Jenkin's appointment and believes it will increase scrutiny, contrary to arguments about diminished independence.
She moves an amendment proposing that the Liaison Committee Chair should be a current Select Committee Chair. Harriet argues against Government interference in appointing the Chairman and advocates for robust, independent scrutiny as essential to better governance.
She briefly announces that Harriet Harman's amendment is moved but does not provide further comments or arguments.
Critiques the argument from the Opposition, emphasising Sir Bernard Jenkin's independence and long-standing support for the House of Commons. Argues against the amendment by stating that allowing a vote of the whole House is more democratic than a smaller group decision. Asserts the Government's motion to widen democracy and scrutiny by letting all Members decide on the Liaison Committee Chair, emphasising Sir Bernard Jenkin's impartiality.