I am delighted to have been elected to serve on the important and influential Foreign Affairs Committee of the House of Commons.
Events that happen overseas have a direct impact on our security and prosperity. The world is unstable. There is conflict throughout the Middle East creating mass migration and millions of displaced refugees.
North Korea is close to having a deliverable nuclear weapon, we have a new hard-line President in the White House and the fight against Daesh and international terrorism is far from won.
Closer to home the UK is negotiating its withdrawal from the European Union and forging new trade deals across the world.
The job of the Foreign Affairs Committee is to scrutinise the performance of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, The Secretary of State and Ministers as well as holding enquiries into past and future policy.
The balance of power is shifting around the world and the Foreign Affairs Committee will be keeping a close eye on developments.
Congratulations on your appointment. Since Brexit I’ve noticed a diminution in Britain’s ability to influence. Whether it be through the G7 or G20. What is Britain for? Your contribution will be invaluable, thank you.
Congratulations on your new appointment.
I wonder whether you could give us your views on Angela Leadsom’s proposal to change the convention for appointment of members of committees to ensure that the government always has a majority (which presumably could apply to a government of any stripe). This seems to be a further step in the attempt to increase the power of the executive at the expense of the sovereignty of parliament as evidenced in the small print of the EU (Withdrawal) Bill, currently under debate. I voted for my member of parliament, I did not vote for an elective dictatorship.
Best wishes
What are your views Royston on Mrs Teresa Mays Florence Speech?