Secondary Legislation Scrutiny Committee

The session scrutinised the Home Office’s handling of impact assessments and explanatory material for Immigration Rules HC 997 and HC 1298, and the related governance processes. The committee pressed for publication of impact information alongside rule changes, warning against “policy by press release.” Ministers defended cross-department modelling and sign-off processes, while committing to publish the impact assessment by year-end and to continue work across government to reduce migration. The discussion also covered refugee family reunion policy, including pauses, changes, and a spring 2026 review, and highlighted concerns about consistency between PM statements and department actions. Across questions, the committee urged improved explanatory material, clearer accountability, and quicker, more transparent engagement with Parliament. Key commitments include publishing the impact assessment by 2025-12-31 and continuing interdepartmental coordination to improve scrutiny and policy clarity.