MPs should be given tougher powers to force powerful witnesses to give evidence, Tory grandee says

Dominic Cummings, the prime minister’s top aide, has repeatedly refused to give evidence to MPs

(Getty)

MPs and peers should be given tougher powers to haul powerful witnesses such as Mark Zuckerberg and Boris Johnson's adviser Dominic Cummings to give evidence, a Tory grandee has said.

Andrew Tyrie, who chaired the Commons Treasury committee for seven years, called for beefed up powers for parliament's select committees, including new legislation to require police to enforce summons to witnesses who are refusing to attend.

Mr Cummings, the prime minister's top aide, has repeatedly refused to give evidence to MPs over the use of data in the Brexit referendum - despite being found in contempt of parliament for his reluctance to appear before the Commons media committee.

The Facebook founder also snubbed a summons to the Commons fake news inquiry, choosing instead to give evidence to the European Parliament.

Sports Direct boss Mike Ashley, TV host Jeremy Kyle and Topshop's Sir Philip Green have also refused to take part in enquiries.

In a new pamphlet, entitled The Emperor Has No Clothes, Lord Tyrie said: "Parliamentary magic to secure compliance with requests for people and papers is wearing off.

"It is not just that select committees are already constrained; the constraints are likely to get worse. An assertive executive, supported by a reasonable parliamentary majority, would be happy to let it deteriorate."

In a veiled swipe at Mr Cummings, the report said that failing to attend could assist those "whose anti-establishment credentials could may be burnished by a finding of contempt" and leave MPs only able to scrutinise "the willing and the fearful".

He called for changes to parliament's standing orders to compel MPs and peers to give evidence, and new legislation to require that the police support the enforcement of warrants or summons for witnesses.

Lord Tyrie said: “Select committees are parliament’s success story of the last decade. They are now asking more of the questions, and forcing more of the explanations, that the public expects from its elected representatives.

“But their very success is exposing their weaknesses – their powers to compel witnesses to appear and to produce papers have been found wanting.

“Now is the time to bolster these powers. A parliamentary court is the best way forward as it can both satisfy human rights concerns and secure the evidence.”

Under current rules, those who refuse to give evidence to parliament can be found in contempt. However the charge is a symbolic admonishment that has rarely been used in modern times.

The call comes as MPs prepare to elect committee chairs for the new parliament, with results expected on Wednesday evening.

Labour's Hilary Benn is expected to keep his role at the Brexit committee while Yvette Cooper is due to stay on at Home Affairs, where she has developed a fearsome reputation for holding ministers to account.