International agreements increasingly shape UK domestic policy, yet they often bypass meaningful scrutiny by Parliament, civil society, and devolved administrations. Reform is urgently needed to ensure:
1. Accountability, transparency, and inclusive oversight of all international commitments (including treaties as well as non-binding instruments); and
2. That all international commitments are subject to proper democratic processes before they are finalised and implemented.
Who should read this brief?
This brief is essential reading for policymakers, parliamentary staff, legal scholars, civil society organisations, and anyone concerned with the democratic oversight of the UK’s international commitments. It provides practical, research-backed recommendations to reform an outdated system that lacks transparency, inclusivity, and accountability.
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The UK’s current treaty scrutiny process is out of step with democratic norms and poorly suited to the complexity of modern international governance. Without reform, the UK risks making far-reaching international commitments without sufficient democratic accountability or public trust.— Dr Jasem Tarawneh
About the researchers
Jasem is a Senior Lecturer in Commercial and Intellectual Property Law at Queen Mary. He also worked for as a corporate lawyer and arbitrator in Europe and the Middle East before joining academia. Jasem has a number of publications on intellectual property, dispute resolution, and international trade and investment. He has an established track record of obtaining research funding.
Nicolette is a Senior Lecturer in Law. She joined the University of Manchester in October 2013. Her research interests lie broadly within the spheres of International Economic Law and International Commercial Arbitration. Nicolette has published widely in these areas. She is also the Principal Investigator on a number of funded projects, including a project which received ASPECT funding examining the ethics of artificial intelligence in international commercial arbitration.
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Are you an academic at Queen Mary and want to share your research insights in a brief? Email Evie Edwards, Impact Engagement Officer, evie.edwards@qmul.ac.uk