HERTSMERE MP James Clappison has been re-appointed to one Parliament’s most important committees.

The Tory backbencher, who has represented Potters Bar in Westminster since 1992, was named as a member of the European Scrutiny Committee for the next five years on Wednesday.

He previously served on the body from January 2007 up until May’s General Election.

The committee scrutinises around 1,000 European Union (EU) documents every year, as well as monitoring the activities of UK ministers when they visit Strasbourg and Brussels.

Speaking after his re-appointment, Mr Clappison told the Potters Bar Edition: “I am very pleased because I am very interested in the impact of the EU on our country.

“I think it is very important that the activities of the EU and the laws coming from it should be properly scrutinised.”

Presently, meetings of the committee are not open to the public or the press – a situation to which Mr Clappison objects.

“I think it should be open to the public,” the former barrister said.

“People have a right to know what is going on in Europe and how they will be affected.”

He added: “I am hoping it is something that can change under this Government.”

As well as the European Scrutiny Committee, Mr Clappison has also been appointed to serve on the International Development Committee for the duration of this Parliament.