§ Mr. MitchellTo ask the Prime Minister if he will publish documents sent to the European Union Fundamental Rights Charter Drafting Body; when he expects the Charter Drafting Body to consider a draft; and how the Government will consult(a) Parliament and (b) the public on this draft. [105126]
§ The Prime MinisterThe Charter drafting process is designed to be transparent. The Charter website, which will contain the various working documents, can be reached through http://ue.eu.int. Parliament will also have access to all the papers through its two delegates. In addition, the meetings of the Charter drafting body are televised.
Drafting will probably begin after the next plenary on 1–2 February, which will be the first opportunity for a general discussion of the substance.
267WThe Government have already written to the Chairs of the two Scrutiny Committees about the process and will continue to liaise closely with Parliament. The Government will also continue to consult NGOs and other independent organisations and individuals through a combination of meetings and correspondence.