Treaty Scrutiny

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Parliamentary examination of treaties before the UK Government ratifies them.

Category: Devolution and constitution Parliamentary documents and sources Select committees

Also used as: treaty scrutiny, parliamentary treaty scrutiny, scrutiny of treaties, treaty ratification scrutiny

Source / explainer: Read the Lords process guide on treaty scrutiny

Last reviewed: 21 August 2026

Treaty Scrutiny is the process by which Parliament examines treaties before the UK Government ratifies them. The process is linked to the Constitutional Reform and Governance Act 2010 and to committee scrutiny, especially in the House of Lords. It helps Parliament and the public understand international agreements before they become binding on the UK internationally.

Related terms

TreatyA formal international agreement between states or international organisations.
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