South Swindon MP Sir Robert Buckland has been announced as the new Chair of the Northern Ireland Affairs Select Committee.
Select committees are cross-party groups of MPs who work in both Houses. They check and report on areas ranging from the work of government departments to economic affairs.
Select committees run inquiries on specific topics. The outcomes of these inquiries are public, and many require a response from the government.
Select committees also carry out their work through correspondence, by engaging with the public through events and surveys, holding round-table discussions and undertaking visits.
The Northern Ireland Affairs Select Committee is particularly important as there is no functioning government at Stormont.
The Committee examines the expenditure, administration and policy of the Northern Ireland Office and its associated public bodies.
Sir Robert Buckland MP said:
“I am delighted to have been elected unopposed as Chair of Northern Ireland Affairs Select Committee.
“I am a strong Unionist but believe in working with all communities and as there is no functioning government at Stormont, the Committee’s work is particularly important.
“This work is all part of my active and visible contribution to Parliamentary life, talking about Swindon and wider issues on the national stage.”
