Opportunities to engage with Parliament (24th June)

The Knowledge Exchange Unit supports the exchange of information between UK Researchers and Parliament. They prepare a list of opportunities for researchers each week, which we will be disseminating in part through this blog.

If you are engaging in any of these opportunities, please email Glenn Harris or Suzi Edwards

New opportunities for researchers to engage with Parliament (compiled 24^th June 2021)  

These opportunities have been compiled by UK Parliament’s Knowledge Exchange Unit (KEU).

The KEU supports Parliament to communicate its research and expertise needs to the research community, and supports the research community to engage with Parliament. Take a look at the KEU’s webhub of information and resources for researchers.

These opportunities and resources have been sent to members of the KEU’s informal network for Knowledge Mobilisers, for circulation to researchers and others (find out more about the network).   

Engagement opportunities   

1. Select committee inquiries launched in the last seven days (since 17^th June 2021)
2. Select committee inquiries launched in the last fortnight (since 10^th June 2021)
3. Reminder: Space Defence inquiry, deadline 1^st July 2021

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1. Select committee inquiries launched in the last seven days (since 17^th June 2021) 

• Downstream Oil Resilience Bill | Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy Committee | Deadline for evidence submission: Monday 12^th July 2021
• The institutional framework of the UK/EU Trade and Cooperation agreement | European Scrutiny Committee | Deadline for evidence submission: Sunday 1^st August 2021
• Ofgem and net zero | House of Lords Industry and Regulators Committee | Deadline for evidence submission: Sunday 22^nd August 2021

2. Select committee inquiries launched in the last fortnight (since 10^th June 2021) 

• The Benefits System in Wales | Welsh Affairs Committee | Deadline for evidence submission: Tuesday 10^th August 2021

3. Reminder: Space Defence inquiry, deadline 1^st July 2021

The House of Commons Defence Select Committee are keen to receive expert insights for their Space Defence inquiry, with a deadline of Thursday 1st July 2021.

The Committee are examining Government’s approach to developing and protecting the UK’s defence space capabilities.  You can submit written evidence to respond to the questions posed in the Committee’s call for evidence – you do not have to answer all the questions, only those on which you have information to contribute.

• Here is more information about the Space Defence inquiry.
• Here is the list of questions being considered by the Committee, and the link to submit your evidence. 

Why should I engage? Submitting evidence to a select committee can lead to further engagement, such as an invite to give oral evidence. Your submission will be published on the Committee webpage. Your insights may inform the Committee’s conclusions or recommendations it makes to the Government. Find out more about why to engage with Parliament. And find more on engagement for impact. 

More information: Find all select committee inquiries currently open for submissions of written evidence.

Support resources: find guidance on submitting evidence to select committees on the KEU’s ‘how to guides’ page  

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Parliament facts to drop into dinner party conversation

Did you know that parliamentary privilege grants certain legal immunities for Members of both Houses – and applies to select committee evidence submissions?  Parliamentary privilege allows Members to perform their duties without interference from outside of the House (for example, from a legal challenge).

So what?  If a select committee accepts an evidence submission from you, it will be covered by privilege.  But that’s why it has to be a uniquely written piece of work – privilege can’t be applied to something you’ve already published elsewhere.

More information: Read about parliamentary privilege.  Watch our online training session for researchers about how select committees use research findings and expertise as evidence (skip to 20 minutes in to see a quick question and answer about how parliamentary privilege applies to select committee evidence).