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Scrutiny of Secretaries of State in the House of Lords
20 March 2024
Lead MP
Patrick Grady
Debate Type
Adjournment Debate
Tags
Foreign Affairs
Other Contributors: 2
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.
How the Debate Unfolded
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:
Lead Contributor
Opened the debate
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.
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
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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About House of Commons Debates
House of Commons debates take place in the main chamber of the House of Commons. These debates cover a wide range of topics including government policy, legislation, and current affairs. MPs from all parties can participate, question ministers, and hold the government accountable for its decisions.