Committee publication · Correspondence · 20 July 2026
Response from the Leader of the House in relation to Ministerial availability for select committee sessions, dated 15 July 2026
Summary
The Leader of the House responds to the Liaison Committee's concerns about ministerial availability for select committee sessions. He acknowledges the importance of select committee scrutiny, notes the balance required between multiple committee demands, and commits to reminding ministers of their obligation to engage with committees. He confirms the Home Secretary will appear before the Home Affairs Committee on 15 September 2026.
Key findings
- Leader of the House confirms select committee scrutiny is 'extremely important' and ministers must balance multiple committee appearances across both Houses
- Government commits to reminding ministers and departments of the importance of engaging with select committees, particularly for cross-cutting inquiries
- Home Secretary confirmed to have appeared before Home Affairs Committee in February 2026, with next session scheduled for Tuesday 15 September 2026
- Leader states departments and committees must 'work together effectively' to resolve scheduling tensions
Tone
ProceduralTopics
Key actors
Sir Alan Campbell MP (Lord President of the Council and Leader of the House of Commons), Dame Meg Hillier MP (Chair, Liaison Committee), Home Secretary, Chair of the Home Affairs Select Committee
Notable line
“The work of select committees is extremely important and the scrutiny of Ministers is an essential part of that.”
Key Quotes
“The work of select committees is extremely important and the scrutiny of Ministers is an essential part of that.”
“However, it is vital that departments and committees are able to work together effectively, and I will continue to remind Ministers and departments of the importance of engaging with committees, particularly where there are cross-cutting inquiries.”
Source · parliament.uk record ↗