Before 2010 the UK Parliament had no formal role in the ratification of treaties, which is a matter for the Government under the Royal Prerogative. There were however several ways in which treaties were scrutinised by Parliament before the Government ratified them, for example under the 'Ponsonby Rule'. There have been calls for Parliamentary scrutiny of treaties to be enhanced, including through creating a dedicated treaty scrutiny committee.
Parliamentary scrutiny of treaties: up to 2010 (230 KB, PDF)
Before 2010 the UK Parliament had no formal role in the ratification of treaties, which is a matter for the Government under the Royal Prerogative. There were however several ways in which treaties were scrutinised by Parliament before the Government ratified them, for example under the 'Ponsonby Rule'. There have been calls for Parliamentary scrutiny of treaties to be enhanced, including through creating a dedicated treaty scrutiny committee.
Parliamentary scrutiny of treaties: up to 2010 (230 KB, PDF)
The Overseas Operations (Service Personnel and Veterans) Bill 2019-2021 was introduced in the House of Commons in March 2020. It was introduced in the House Lords unamended in November 2020. Commons consideration of Lords amendments is scheduled for 21 April 2021.
A "Debate on a Motion on Mass Human Rights Abuses and Crimes Against Humanity in Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region" has been scheduled for Thursday 22 April 2021 in the main House of Commons Chamber. The debate was selected by the Backbench Business Committee.
On 21 April 2021, there will be a debate on reports from the Committee on Standards concerning sanctions and confidentiality in the House’s standards system
