Peers slam Dominic Raab for ‘unacceptable' refusal to update them until after Brexit deal
2 min read
Peers have accused Dominic Raab of “keeping them in the dark” on Brexit progress after his officials allegedly said he would not appear before them until after a deal has been finalised.
The Lords’ EU Select Committee said that an invitation requesting an update from the Brexit Secretary on talks following last week's European Council summit had been knocked back.
In a letter to the minister they said the claim he would “not be able to attend or to give evidence to the Committee until after a deal with the EU has been finalised" would stop proper scrutiny of the Government's position.
And they said the snub “flies in the face” of a commitment given by Mr Raab after he took up the role in July “to give evidence on a regular basis.”
Chair of the Lords EU Select Committee, Lord Boswell of Aynho, said: “Select Committees have a job to do.
“Lack of engagement from the Government, keeping us in the dark, means we can’t do that job.
“Brexit was supposed to be about enhancing the role of Parliament, not diminishing it – but that message doesn’t seem to have got through to Ministers.”
The group of peers also blasted the Government for "keeping committees in the dark" until after negotiations are concluded while the European Parliament’s own Brexit coordinator has “almost daily” contact with the EU's top Brussels negotiator, Michel Barnier.
They have urged ministers to ensure there is enough time between an agreement being reached and a vote in Parliament so that committees can make proper recommendations to MPs and peers.
The Department for Exiting the European Union has yet to respond to a request for comment.
The claim comes a day after Number 10 confirmed that Mr Raab will start giving his Cabinet colleagues weekly updates on the Government's plans.
A spokesperson for the Brexit department said: "We have always placed the utmost importance on proper parliamentary scrutiny which is why the Secretary of State has made ten parliamentary appearances since his appointment in July.
"DExEU Ministers and officials have given evidence to committees on more than 40 separate occasions and we remain committed to keeping Parliament updated as the negotiations continue."
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