Chair statement: Lord Frost

10 June 2021 - Press release

Chair Julian Knight has issued this statement following the cancellation of an appearance by Cabinet Office Minister Lord Frost before the DCMS Committee today. The Minister has been told there can be “no acceptable reason” for deferring attending a re-scheduled hearing later this month.

 

DCMS Committee Chair Julian Knight MP said:

“Parliamentary scrutiny in front of Select Committees is of crucial importance in our democratic system and is particularly important when we have a Government with a majority of over 80.

“It is brought into even sharper focus when the Government chooses to appoint members of the House of Lords to Cabinet. Ministers in Cabinet from the Commons have scrutiny due to questions, Urgent Statements and Departmental questions. They are accountable every day. It isn’t acceptable for Lords not to be accountable when they hold high office.

“I and this Committee look forward to Lord Frost joining us at the rearranged date and we will not truck any further cancellation.”