Commons Sense

House of Commons · Adjournment Debate

Scrutiny of Secretaries of State in the House of Lords

20 March 2024 · 2 other contributors

Opened by Patrick Grady SNP Glasgow North

Foreign AffairsParliamentary Procedure

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Patrick Grady raised concerns about scrutiny of secretaries of state in the house of lords in the House of Commons. A government minister responded. Other MPs also contributed.

Key points

  • The hon. Member for Glasgow North raised concerns about the appointment of David Cameron as Foreign Secretary in the House of Lords, focusing on practical implications and accountability issues.
  • Grady emphasized that the decision undermines the ability of elected MPs to hold the Government accountable and questioned constituents' opportunities to voice concerns about global issues.
  • The Minister acknowledged the debate's importance but argued that current scrutiny mechanisms, such as appearances in the House of Lords and correspondence with FCDO Ministers in the Commons, are sufficient.

How the debate unfolded

MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said.

Opened the debate

Patrick Grady SNP Glasgow North

The hon. Member for Glasgow North (Patrick Grady) raised concerns about the appointment of David Cameron as Foreign Secretary in the House of Lords, highlighting practical implications and accountability issues. He emphasised that this decision undermines scrutiny by Members of Parliament who are directly elected to hold the Government accountable. The speech detailed how the lack of direct questioning opportunities impacts constituents' ability to voice their concerns regarding critical global issues like the Israel-Gaza conflict. Grady argued for enhanced scrutiny mechanisms, including appearances before Commons committees or the main Chamber, and questioned broader principles about the relationship between the two Houses and the accountability of unelected parliamentarians.

Other contributors (2)
  • George Galloway Ind Rochdale

    Congratulated Grady on his speech and highlighted that having an unelected Foreign Secretary is absurd, especially during a time of great international peril. Emphasised the need for accountability.

  • Nigel Mills Con Amber Valley

    Agreed with Grady's points about finding ways to hold Lords Ministers accountable but noted that no perfect solution exists. Suggested conducting question sessions in the Chamber, potentially at the Bar of the House.

Government Response

Alex Burghart

The Minister responded by acknowledging the debate's importance but suggested that current scrutiny mechanisms are sufficient. He pointed out that Lord Cameron has appeared in the House of Lords to answer questions multiple times since his appointment, and Members can write letters or ask questions of FCDO Ministers present in the Commons who have Cabinet-level access. The Minister also cited historical precedents where peers answered questions before this House but noted these instances were rare and invited by the Commons rather than a routine practice. He concluded that while history provides examples of peers answering questions, regular such sessions would require a change initiated by the Commons.

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