Recommendation 3

Whilst we accept the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care’s defence of the length of the sunset clause, we have concerns over the lack of ability to amend provisions at subsequent points. The Committee welcomes Mr Javid’s acknowledgment that Parliament not being able to amend at least some individual provisions after the initial passing of the Act should be included as part of the ‘lessons learned’ process. The Committee urges the Government to ensure that greater consideration is given in future to Parliament’s ability to scrutinise and amend emergency provisions whilst not affecting the overall integrity of the legislation.