Letter to the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, from the Chairman of the Committee, 30 May 2007

 

 

 

Evidence on the Future of Europe

 

As you know, the Foreign Affairs Committee has since February been seeking to hear oral evidence on the Future of Europe debate, preferably from yourself but failing that from the Minister for Europe. We have consistently requested an early date for this evidence, so that Parliament could be better informed on the Government's approach to the discussions taking place and so that Ministers could hear the views of the Committee.

 

You made it clear at an early stage that you did not feel it would be appropriate for you to give evidence on the Future of Europe debate in May, in addition to giving evidence immediately before the June European Council. Reluctantly, the Committee accepted this and decided to invite the Minister for Europe to give evidence on the Future of Europe at an earlier date instead.

 

Initially, Geoff Hoon responded positively to this request and two possible dates in May were identified. However, on 8 May I had to write to Geoff, when it became apparent that he was no longer prepared to offer a date in May. The dates he did offer in June either coincided with the Committee's visit to Russia or were within 7 days of your own appearance before the Committee. It is the strong view of the Committee that an evidence session in June is too late. By then, decisions concerning the approach to be followed by government Ministers and officials will effectively have been taken and the opportunity for Parliament to influence the debate will have passed.

 

The Committee regards the refusal of the FCO to provide a Minister to give oral evidence during this crucial phase of the discussions on the future of Europe as a failure of accountability to Parliament.

 

I have therefore been asked to write to you to express the deep concern of the Committee.

 

I look forward to your response.

 

 

 

Mike Gapes MP