Committee hears from Baroness Hale and Lord Sumption on the use of emergency powers during the COVID-19 pandemic
The Constitution Committee continues with its inquiry into the constitutional implications of COVID-19. On Wednesday 2 December the Committee holds its fourth evidence session on the emergency powers strand of this inquiry, looking into the use and scrutiny of emergency powers during the pandemic.
Meeting details
At 10:00am: Private discussion
Inquiry
Constitutional implications of COVID‑19
At 10:15am: Oral evidence
Inquiry
Constitutional implications of COVID‑19
Former President at The Supreme Court of the United Kingdom
Former Justice at The Supreme Court of the United Kingdom
Possible questions:
- What is your view on the Government’s use of emergency powers during the pandemic? Has Parliament performed its constitutional function in scrutinising their exercise?
- To what extent has Parliament been able effectively to scrutinise legislation introduced in response to the pandemic?
- The Government’s guidance documents and statements on the coronavirus restrictions have in some important instances been more restrictive than the law. What are the constitutional implications of this?
- Is there a case for reworking or consolidating emergency powers legislation? Should safeguards and scrutiny processes be standardised and, if so, how should they be designed to operate during a crisis?