The European Union Committee of the House of Lords considers EU documents and other EU-related matters in advance of decisions being taken on them. It does this to influence the Government's position in negotiations in Brussels, and to hold them to account for their actions at EU level.
The Government has committed not to agree to anything in the EU Council of Ministers until the Committee has completed its scrutiny. This is called the Scrutiny Reserve Resolution. The Resolution is contained in appendix L of the Companion to the Standing Orders and Guide to the proceedings of the House of Lords.
The work of the Select Committee is assisted by six Sub-Committees dealing with different policy areas. The Sub-Committees scrutinise proposals, correspond with Ministers outlining any concerns or queries about proposals, conduct inquiries and prepare reports. The Sub-Committees are:
As well as the Scrutiny Reserve, the Government has made a number of other commitments to the Committee including;
- Replying to letters from the Committee within 10 working days;
- Explaining any overrides of the Scrutiny Reserve as soon as possible; and
- Responding to any recommendations in a published report within two months.
Details of the Government's responsibilities to the Committee are contained in the Cabinet Office's Parliamentary Scrutiny of EU Documents: Guidance to Departments.
The Select Committee's role is to:
- Oversee the work of the Sub-Committees;
- Approve reports prepared by the Sub-Committees;
- Conduct inquiries into cross-cutting issues, such as the EU Budget Review; and
- Take evidence from Government Ministers and representatives of the EU Presidency.