Speaker’s Statement

Before we begin today’s business, I would like to say a few words of appreciation for a long-serving member of the House service who today is working his final shift as Table Clerk in the Chamber. Liam Laurence Smyth has been a Clerk in the House of Commons for over 40 years. Over the past couple of decades he has worked in a number of senior posts, including Clerk of Legislation, and for the past two years he has been working in a part-time role in the Chamber Business Team. I thank Liam for his service and for the advice that he has given me over many years. He will no doubt continue to play a role in international parliamentary capacity building, which has been a passion of his. I am sure that the House will join me in wishing Liam and his family well. [Hon. Members: “Hear, hear!”] I have a little bit of other news: today is the birthday of the hon. Member for Strangford (Jim Shannon)—he will still be asking questions.