U.K., Oct. 14 -- UK Parliament issued the following news:
New information has been published about who gives oral evidence to select committee inquiries, revealing a more detailed picture than previously available.
Infographic: Witness diversity statistics
The House of Commons is committed to diversity and inclusion. The Liaison Committee has called for a diverse range of witnesses as it is important to effective scrutiny.
As select committees gather written and oral evidence for their inquiries, they aim to hear from a wide range of voices and experiences. While evidence sessions are only part of the story of how committees engage with the public, they remain a key part of committee work.
During the 2024-26 parliamentary session, select committees offered every witness who appeared at select committee evidence sessions the opportunity to complete a survey which was entirely voluntary and anonymous. Completing the survey helps the House of Commons understand whether the witnesses that appear before select committees are representative of the UK’s population.
The witness diversity survey requested information relating to ethnicity, sex, age, health conditions, location, current profession, caring responsibilities and whether the witness considers themselves disadvantaged. There were also questions related to background and level of qualification.
The Liaison Committee will publish witness diversity information following each parliamentary session. The 2024-26 parliamentary session finished in April 2026. The 2026 State Opening of Parliament took place on 13 May, marking the formal start of the current parliamentary session.
Further information
About Parliament: Select committees
Visiting Parliament: Watch committees
Liaison committee
Image: House of Commons
Disclaimer: Curated by HT Syndication.
