over 3 years ago

Covid: Unblock logjam for new laws, senior MPs urge ministers

Crucial government สล็อตxo policies have been held up too long by the Covid crisis, ministers have been told.

Senior MPs say new laws, including on post-Brexit environmental standards and sentencing reform, should be put back on the agenda.

It comes after debating time for non-Covid topics was scaled back to make way for emergency laws and statements.

But select committee chairs said it was time for delayed bills to return.

The demand has been made by the powerful cross-party liaison committee, which includes the heads of each Commons select committee.

In a letter to Commons leader Jacob Rees-Mogg, the committee's chairman Sir Bernard Jenkin said the pandemic had "understandably impacted" time for new bills.

"But now that this is closer to being under control, we would urge the government to deliver on its commitments to and demands from select committees on other vitally important legislation," he added.

The Conservative MP called on the government - which sets time for almost all new laws - to give "due priority" to certain bills over the next year.

Sir Bernard added that the reintroduction of the Environment Bill should be a "government priority," to fill a "gap" in regulations since the UK left the Brexit transition period.

Campaigners have reacted angrily to repeated delays to the legislation, which was first launched back in July 2018 and sets new targets for protecting nature.

He said he was also keen for MPs to hold initial debates on draft government bills for reforming the rental market and overhauling England's planning system.