Ex-Tory MP tears into ‘dictator’ Starmer as Labour accused of ripping up democratic process to cozy up to EU
Bill Cash criticised the Prime Minister for his decision
PA
Tory Grandee Sir Bill Cash has slammed Keir Starmer’s government for abolishing a committee that he chaired for 14 years, despite Labour’s plans to seek improved terms with the EU bloc which would require scrutiny.
Leader of the House of Commons Lucy Powell unveiled plans to reform some of the MP select committees, with the European Scrutiny committee being one of those to be scrapped.
The former Conservative MP for Stone claimed that the Prime Minister was acting like a "dictator" by having his government abolish a committee that has been in existence since 1973.
He claims that removing the committee with only a one-line whip and no statement from a government minister at the dispatch box is ‘unthinkable’, accusing the government of ‘ripping up the democratic process’ to cozy up to the EU.
Bill Cash criticised the Prime Minister for his decisionPAThe European Scrutiny Committee has scrutinised tens of thousands of laws since 1973 via the standing laws of Parliament using its sovereignty, including laws relating to important matters such as Northern Ireland.
Speaking to GB News, Cash said: “What’s happening today is a breach of Parliamentary sovereignty.
“This must be the most shocking thing that I have ever seen in Parliament, it’s outrageous.
“The government can’t just get rid of a standing order that’s been in place since 1973, and just say it’s been rescinded without any explanation, this committee is important and has held governments to account for years on a monumental scale.
“The Government are dumping the book, not turning the page on this one.”
LATEST DEVELOPMENTS:
Bill Cash claimed Keir Starmer was acting like a "dictator" by having his government abolish a committee that has been in existence since 1973
PA
Despite the Government seeking to re-open Brexit negotiations and broker a new relationship for the UK with the EU, the Leader of the House decided to abolish the committee completely.
Reacting to the news, former Conservative MP, John Redwood told GB News: “The European Scrutiny Committee did vital work in alerting us to the creeping powers of the EU.
“Given the unsatisfactory relationship for Northern Ireland which remains subservient to EU market rules, it is important the Committee carries on.
“It will also be needed if the government wish to give more powers away as they seek a closer relationship.”
Tory MP Mark Francois described the announcement by Labour as "Vandalism".
Keir Starmer has been accused of wanting to cosy up to the EU
PA
He added: “For many years, the European Scrutiny Committee, very ably led by Sir Bill Cash, did sterling work in scrutinising the flood of legislation emanating from the European Union.
“Now that Labour is apparently seeking to mirror much EU legislation, you can see why they want it abolished. Starmer remains a Remainer - and always will.”
GB News understands that the European Scrutiny Committee was originally set up to scrutinise EU legislation.
As we have left the EU, the committee has no clear function which is not carried out by others, so the Leader of the House has rescinded the standing order.
Committees may choose to scrutinise all aspects of the EU-UK relationship.
GB News has approached No10 for comment.