Weak Government Accountability & Scrutiny
Lack of clear departmental responsibility for budgeting tax reliefs and insufficient parliamentary scrutiny of government non-executives.
Strongest theme matches
Mixed across source types and ranked by classifier confidence plus text match strength.
Committee recommendation
78match
#11 - 2nd Report - Accountability for Daesh crimes
The UK uses deprivation of citizenship orders more than almost any country in the world. At the same time that it is important for the Government to be able to take steps such as citizenship stripping in the interests of public safety, there is a serious lack of transparency and oversight when it comes to the use of...
Matched on
terms: accountability, government
Committee recommendation
78match
#10 - 2nd Report - Accountability for Daesh crimes
We urge the Government to use its influence to ensure that such valuable evidence is not lost and that it is kept safe from both state and non- state actors who could put the lives of survivors at risk. The Government should also employ efforts to ensure that this evidence, as well as any future evidence collected of...
Matched on
terms: accountability, government
Committee recommendation
78match
#140 - 4th Report - Legislative Scrutiny: Border Security, Asylum and Immigration Bill
The Government maintains that in any event it is justified for legislation to take away these claims, because it is fair and in the public interest that service users should pay a reasonable fee for the service, and it is legitimate to rectify a technical mistake in the legal framework.182 The case law suggests that something more is...
Matched on
terms: government, scrutiny
Committee recommendation
74match
#17 - 2nd Report - Accountability for Daesh crimes
The Government should undertake every effort to prosecute British individuals held in camps in NES where there is evidence that they were involved in Daesh crimes. (Recommendation, Paragraph 98) 34
Matched on
terms: accountability, government
Committee recommendation
74match
#12 - 2nd Report - Accountability for Daesh crimes
The Government must provide greater transparency as to the use of deprivation of citizenship powers, including by providing regularly updated data to the public. The Chief Inspector of Borders and Immigration, or the Independent Reviewer of Terrorism Legislation if his remit is expanded, should periodically review the use of deprivation of citizenship powers, including for national security reasons,...
Matched on
terms: accountability, government
Committee recommendation
74match
#6 - 2nd Report - Accountability for Daesh crimes
The Government should amend the International Criminal Court Act 2001 to remove the requirements of UK nationality and residency. The relevant guidelines should also be amended to ensure that presence in the UK is not 32 a prerequisite to initiating an investigation. This would help to close the impunity gap by ensuring that the UK can exercise universal...
Matched on
terms: accountability, government
Committee recommendation
74match
#3 - 2nd Report - Accountability for Daesh crimes
The Government has told us that the most appropriate forums for prosecuting individuals are the jurisdictions where the crimes were committed. Given the concerns with regard to fair trial rights, capacity, and resources, we must not rely on other countries to investigate and prosecute individuals for international crimes. Where the UK has jurisdiction over international crimes, the UK...
Matched on
terms: accountability, government
Committee recommendation
74match
#1 - 2nd Report - Accountability for Daesh crimes
We welcome the Government’s commitment to achieve justice for survivors of Daesh crimes. However, not a single Daesh fighter has been successfully prosecuted in the UK for committing international crimes, such as genocide. (Conclusion, Paragraph 36)
Matched on
terms: accountability, government
Committee recommendation
74match
#25 - 3rd Report - Legislative Scrutiny: Mental Health Bill
The Mental Health Bill should be amended to ensure that the Human Rights Act, and the protection it provides, applies whenever people receive publicly funded mental health treatment or after–care, or are deprived of their liberty on mental health grounds. This protection should not depend on whether or not the provider itself is public or private. The Government...
Matched on
terms: government, scrutiny
Committee recommendation
74match
#7 - 3rd Report - Legislative Scrutiny: Mental Health Bill
We therefore welcome the Government’s commitment to provide a Written Ministerial Statement to both Houses of Parliament on an annual basis, updating on progress on implementation. (Conclusion, Paragraph 60)
Matched on
terms: government, scrutiny
Committee recommendation
74match
#16 - 4th Report - Legislative Scrutiny: Border Security, Asylum and Immigration Bill
The Government has provided for the retrospective validation of fees charged without any statutory basis. We ask the Government to clarify its justification for the retrospective validation of these fees. (Conclusion, Paragraph 141) 63 Conditions on leave and bail
Matched on
terms: government, scrutiny
Committee recommendation
74match
#12 - 4th Report - Legislative Scrutiny: Border Security, Asylum and Immigration Bill
We agree with our predecessor Committee that section 29 IMA, which broadens the public order disqualification in section 63 of the Nationality and Borders Act, is not compatible with the UK’s obligations under ECAT and Article 4 of the ECHR. We recommend that the Government repeal this provision. (See Amendment 14, Annex). (Recommendation, Paragraph 114)
Matched on
terms: government, scrutiny
Committee recommendation
74match
#3 - 4th Report - Legislative Scrutiny: Border Security, Asylum and Immigration Bill
In relation to clauses 13 and 14: a. The Government should give consideration to amending the scope of the offences to ensure that they only apply to persons involved in the smuggling of persons for direct or indirect financial or material gain. (See Amendments 1 and 2, Annex). b. The mental threshold should be changed from “knows or...
Matched on
terms: government, scrutiny
Committee recommendation
74match
#2 - 4th Report - Legislative Scrutiny: Border Security, Asylum and Immigration Bill
We support the Government’s intention to disrupt and deter organised immigration crime and to safeguard life. However, we are concerned that the precursor offences, as currently drafted, create uncertainty, extend beyond the Government’s stated legitimate aim, and risk inadvertently criminalising persons who ought to be protected from criminal penalty. The scope is broad, the thresholds are low, and...
Matched on
terms: government, scrutiny
Committee recommendation
74match
#148 - 4th Report - Legislative Scrutiny: Border Security, Asylum and Immigration Bill
We note the Minister’s comments that these powers are intended to be used in cases involving, amongst other things, serious international crimes. Where there is sufficient evidence that persons have been involved in serious international crimes such as genocide, such persons must be investigated and prosecuted. We reiterate the previous recommendation of this Committee in its report on...
Matched on
terms: accountability, scrutiny
Committee recommendation
74match
#141 - 4th Report - Legislative Scrutiny: Border Security, Asylum and Immigration Bill
conclusion The Government has provided for the retrospective validation of fees charged without any statutory basis. We ask the Government to clarify its justification for the retrospective validation of these fees. 181 Ipswich Town v Suffolk Chief Constable [2017] EWHC 375 (QB), at [77]; see also [80]-[81] (claim for restitution based on mistake of law). 182 European Convention...
Matched on
terms: government, scrutiny
Committee recommendation
74match
#139 - 4th Report - Legislative Scrutiny: Border Security, Asylum and Immigration Bill
The ECHR memorandum suggests that a claim to recover fees would not meet this test, because its legal basis would be too uncertain.179 The Government argues that the relevant case law180 only covers claims wrongly levied by the State, and that it is open to question whether it would apply to claims against third party contractors. This seems...
Matched on
terms: government, scrutiny
Committee recommendation
74match
#137 - 4th Report - Legislative Scrutiny: Border Security, Asylum and Immigration Bill
Clause 57 of the Bill also has retrospective effect. It “establishes retrospective power for the charging of fees for services related to the comparability, recognition or assessment of qualifications obtained outside and within the United Kingdom”.176 Such fees have been charged by the Government without any statutory basis.177 This clause seeks to retrospectively provide a legal basis for...
Matched on
terms: government, scrutiny
Committee recommendation
74match
#123 - 4th Report - Legislative Scrutiny: Border Security, Asylum and Immigration Bill
recommendation We share the concerns of our predecessor Committee that, whilst the states listed may be considered safe in general, this does not guarantee the safety of all individuals from these states, especially those who are members of particular social groups facing persecution. It must be possible for such individuals who face a real risk of persecution upon...
Matched on
terms: government, scrutiny
Committee recommendation
74match
#120 - 4th Report - Legislative Scrutiny: Border Security, Asylum and Immigration Bill
In relation to Georgia, the Refugee Council notes that “in December 2024 the current Government sanctioned five Georgian officials for serious human rights violations. This included the Minister for Interior and the Director of the Tbilisi Police Department. The press release issued by the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development office at the time noted that ‘UN experts have condemned...
Matched on
terms: government, scrutiny
Committee recommendation
70match
#119 - 4th Report - Legislative Scrutiny: Border Security, Asylum and Immigration Bill
Section 59 includes a Henry VIII clause that permits the Secretary of State to add to the list of safe countries by regulations. This power is in force and has already been used to add Georgia and India to the list.156 There are serious 151 Under Article 7(1) TEU 152 Article 2 TEU: “The Union is founded on...
Matched on
terms: scrutiny
Inquiry recommendation
65match
60 - Independent school governance standards
The Department for Education and the Welsh Government should: amend the Independent School Standards to include the requirements that there is an effective system of governance, based on three principles of openness to external scrutiny, transparency and honesty within the governance arrangements, and the ability of governors to have difficult conversations both internally and with those providing external...
Matched on
terms: government, scrutiny
Inquiry recommendation
65match
P2-25 - Maintain public record of inquiry recommendations
That it be made a legal requirement for the government to maintain a publicly accessible record of recommendations made by select committees, coroners and public inquiries together with a description of the steps taken in response. If the government decides not to accept a recommendation, it should record its reasons for doing so. Scrutiny of its actions should...
Matched on
terms: government, scrutiny
Inquiry recommendation
65match
RHI-42 - Ministerial Code Revision
The Code of Conduct issued to Northern Ireland Ministers in 2007 (contained within the Northern Ireland Ministerial Code 2006) should be revised and brought up to date reflecting the findings of the RHI Inquiry and drawing on relevant best practice standards from ministerial codes of conduct used elsewhere in the UK and indeed from Northern Ireland's earlier Ministerial...
Matched on
terms: government
NAO recommendation
65match
Lessons learned: tackling fraud and protecting propriety in government spending during an emergency
q) We recommend that the Cabinet Office and HM Treasury: embed into their guidance and training the expectations of how decisions on public spending are to be recorded during an emergency to uphold accountability. Use this to emphasise to staff the importance of maintaining transparency during an emergency.
Matched on
terms: accountability, government
Committee recommendation
62match
#5 - 2nd Report - Accountability for Daesh crimes
The UK legal framework applicable to international crimes is inconsistent. Whilst it is possible to prosecute individuals for torture and grave breaches of the Geneva Conventions committed abroad, it is not possible to prosecute individuals for genocide, crimes against humanity, or other war crimes committed abroad, unless the individuals are UK nationals, UK residents, or subject to service...
Matched on
terms: accountability
Committee recommendation
62match
#4 - 2nd Report - Accountability for Daesh crimes
Where the UK has jurisdiction over international crimes, the UK should seek to investigate and prosecute such crimes. (Recommendation, Paragraph 44)
Matched on
terms: accountability
Committee recommendation
62match
#2 - 2nd Report - Accountability for Daesh crimes
Terrorism charges do not capture the nature and scale of crimes committed against victims. Where there is sufficient evidence to provide a realistic prospect of conviction for international crimes, individuals should be prosecuted for such crimes. (Recommendation, Paragraph 37)
Matched on
terms: accountability
Committee recommendation
62match
#24 - 3rd Report - Legislative Scrutiny: Mental Health Bill
The Human Rights Act provides legal protection against, and redress for, human rights violations in the UK. Recent case law has highlighted a gap in that human rights protection for mental health patients in state commissioned but privately provided care. (Conclusion, Paragraph 136)
Matched on
terms: scrutiny
Committee recommendation
62match
#20 - 4th Report - Legislative Scrutiny: Border Security, Asylum and Immigration Bill
Given that the threshold for imposing interim SCPOs is substantially lower than for full SCPOs, there is a risk that they could be imposed in circumstances that do not justify a full SCPO. (Conclusion, Paragraph 166) To ensure respect for Convention rights, the prosecuting authorities and the courts must be careful to only seek and impose these interim...
Matched on
terms: scrutiny
Committee recommendation
62match
#166 - 4th Report - Legislative Scrutiny: Border Security, Asylum and Immigration Bill
conclusion Given that the threshold for imposing interim SCPOs is substantially lower than for full SCPOs, there is a risk that they could be imposed in circumstances that do not justify a full SCPO. recommendation To ensure respect for Convention rights, the prosecuting authorities and the courts must be careful to only seek and impose these interim orders...
Matched on
terms: scrutiny
Committee recommendation
62match
#147 - 4th Report - Legislative Scrutiny: Border Security, Asylum and Immigration Bill
Following an analysis of clause 43, the House of Lords Constitution Committee, in its report on the Bill, concluded: “[w]e draw the attention of the House to the broad and subjective power in clause 43. We recommend narrowing the power to impose ‘such other conditions as the Secretary of State thinks fit’ and that safeguards on the use...
Matched on
terms: scrutiny
Committee recommendation
62match
#146 - 4th Report - Legislative Scrutiny: Border Security, Asylum and Immigration Bill
Amnesty describes this as an “extraordinary overreach of power”.190 Public Law Project notes that these restrictions are akin to those imposed on national security grounds (Terrorism Prevention and Investigation Measures), and that the same types of restrictions would be used against those who have lawful immigration status.191
Matched on
terms: scrutiny
Committee recommendation
62match
#145 - 4th Report - Legislative Scrutiny: Border Security, Asylum and Immigration Bill
The Minister for Border Security and Asylum, Dame Angela Eagle MP, said during the Bill’s passage through the House of Commons that: “The powers will be used only in cases involving conduct such as war crimes, crimes against humanity, extremism or serious crime, or where the person poses a threat to national security or public safety”.189 Clause 43...
Matched on
terms: scrutiny
Committee recommendation
62match
#144 - 4th Report - Legislative Scrutiny: Border Security, Asylum and Immigration Bill
The safeguards are limited to a prohibition that these powers cannot be used in relation to a British citizen or settled person. Other than this, they can be used by immigration officers with no threshold and no time limit. The ECHR memo states: “The fact guidance will need to specifically set out what circumstances need to exist to...
Matched on
terms: scrutiny
Committee recommendation
62match
#138 - 4th Report - Legislative Scrutiny: Border Security, Asylum and Immigration Bill
There may be a breach of Article 1 of Protocol 1 if legislation deprives potential claimants of the value of their claim. To constitute a property right protected by the ECHR, the claim must have a sufficient basis in national law, for example where there is settled case-law of the domestic courts confirming that a claim of that...
Matched on
terms: scrutiny
Committee recommendation
62match
#131 - 4th Report - Legislative Scrutiny: Border Security, Asylum and Immigration Bill
We note that the House of Lords Constitution Committee has frequently raised concerns about retrospective provisions, arguing that retrospective legislation “is unacceptable other than in very exceptional circumstances” and that, when used, “measures with retrospective effect must have the strongest possible justification”.170 Compatibility with Convention rights
Matched on
terms: scrutiny
Committee recommendation
62match
#122 - 4th Report - Legislative Scrutiny: Border Security, Asylum and Immigration Bill
In its observations on the Bill, the UNHCR states: “while designation of safe countries may be used as a procedural tool to prioritise or accelerate the examination of applications in carefully circumscribed situations, it does not displace the requirement for an individualised assessment of an asylum claim. Section 59 therefore gives rise to a risk of refoulement, and...
Matched on
terms: scrutiny
Committee recommendation
62match
#121 - 4th Report - Legislative Scrutiny: Border Security, Asylum and Immigration Bill
In relation to India, Rainbow Migration shared two examples of clients who have been granted asylum in the UK: a. “A trans woman from India came out to her parents at age fourteen. They reacted very negatively, locking her in the house and refusing to let her out. They forced her to undergo harmful conversion practices, which the...
Matched on
terms: scrutiny
NAO recommendation
61match
A planning and spending framework that enables long-term value for money
Parliament expects to be able to hold the government to account for its delivery of value for taxpayers? money. To do so, Parliament needs timely, complete and transparent information on the government?s objectives, business planning, funding allocations, performance against objectives, spending, and outcome evaluations. The government should inform Parliament what changes it will make to achieve this from...
Matched on
terms: government
Inquiry recommendation
57match
FR-3 - Cabinet-Level Minister for Children
The Inquiry recommends that the UK government creates a cabinet-level ministerial position for children. The Inquiry recommends that the Welsh Government ensures that there is cabinet-level ministerial responsibility for children.
Matched on
terms: government
Inquiry recommendation
57match
COVID-M2.6 - Enact Socio-economic Duty
The UK government should bring into force in England section 1 of the Equality Act 2010, implementing the socio-economic duty. The Northern Ireland Assembly and Northern Ireland Executive should consider an equivalent provision within section 75 of the Northern Ireland Act 1998.
Matched on
terms: government
Inquiry recommendation
57match
COVID-M2.5 - Advisory Group Terms of Appointment
The Government Office for Science (GO-Science), the Scottish Government, the Welsh Government and the Department of Health (Northern Ireland) should each develop standard terms of appointment for all participants in scientific advisory groups. These terms should include: clarity around the nature of an individual's role and the extent of their responsibility, as well as the likely time commitment;...
Matched on
terms: government
Committee recommendation
57match
#12 - 1st Report - Proposal for a Draft Northern Ireland Troubles (Legacy and Reconciliation) Act 2023 (Remedial)...
We recommend that the Government is clearer about its timetable for consultation and bringing forward primary legislation to resolve the remaining matters arising from the Re Dillon case and fulfilling its other pledges on Northern Ireland Legacy, including the restarting of Legacy inquests. As a minimum, we recommend that the Government firmly commits to bringing forward the primary...
Matched on
terms: government
Committee recommendation
57match
#11 - 1st Report - Proposal for a Draft Northern Ireland Troubles (Legacy and Reconciliation) Act 2023 (Remedial)...
Victims, their families, and all the communities affected by the Troubles deserve greater clarity about the timetable of the Government’s plans to finally address Legacy issues. We agree that the Government is right to consult with the affected parties. However, the Government’s undertaking to bring forward primary legislation “when parliamentary time allows” is vague and does not reflect...
Matched on
terms: government
NAO recommendation
57match
Dangerous cladding: the government’s remediation portfolio
MHCLG should consider whether there is additional information and data that it could publish about the portfolio that would: enhance the level of transparency for Parliament and the public over portfolio performance ? and therefore whether it is achieving value for taxpayers? money or whether it needs to change approach. For example, it could publish data on the...
Matched on
terms: government
PFD report
53match
Charles Stringer
The council demonstrated a lack of reflection and action on pothole management, with insufficient information for inspectors, mechanistic risk assessments, poor communication, and slow repairs.
Matched on
classifier match
Inquiry recommendation
53match
COVID-M2.4 - Publish Technical Advice During Emergencies
During a whole-system civil emergency, the UK government and devolved administrations should each routinely publish technical advice on scientific, economic and social matters at the earliest opportunity, as well as the minutes of expert advisory groups – except where there are good reasons that prevent publication, such as commercial confidentiality, personal safety or national security, or because legal...
Matched on
terms: government
Inquiry recommendation
53match
COVID-M2.2 - Devolved Nations SAGE Attendance
The Government Office for Science (GO-Science) should invite the governments of Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland to nominate a small number of representatives to attend meetings of the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (SAGE) from the outset of any future emergency. The status of those representatives as either 'participant' or 'observer' should depend upon their expertise and should...
Matched on
terms: government
Inquiry recommendation
53match
POH-17 - Establish standing public body to administer future redress schemes
As soon as is reasonably practicable, HM Government shall establish a standing public body which shall, when called upon to do so, devise, administer and deliver schemes for providing financial redress to persons who have been wronged by public bodies.
Matched on
terms: government