Commons
Proceedings
14 July 2026
2 contributions
Points of Order
Further to that point of order, Mr Speaker. I just want to thank the hon. Gentleman for making my point for me. He said—[Interruption.] No, he said that the Opposition have until the House rises to put down the—[Interruption.] I have not disputed that; he is simply confirming that when we made this …
No, we did not. The decision was therefore taken to go with the situation in Iran, rather than hang around and wait for what the Opposition might come up with. [Interruption.]
Commons
Debate
28 April 2026
3 contributions
Select Committees
I beg to move,
That Standing Order No. 22D (Select committee statements) be amended in paragraph (3), by leaving out “5 sitting days” and inserting “10 sitting days”.
I have brought forward a number of motions today to facilitate implementation of recent recommendations of the Backbench Business Committee and the Procedure Committee. I thank both Committees for their recent reports on these matters, and I will briefly speak about the motions. Members should note …
+1 more contribution in this session
Commons
Oral Questions
23 April 2026
53 contributions
Business of the House
The business for the week commencing 27 April will include:
Monday 27 April—If necessary, consideration of a Lords message on the English Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill, followed by consideration of a Lords message on the Pension Schemes Bill, followed by consideration of a carry-over mo…
I join the hon. Gentleman in welcoming the birth of Lyla, and I wish her and her parents all the very best indeed.
I wish everybody a happy St George’s day today. During this week, we have celebrated the centenary of the birth of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, and it has been announced that a trus…
+51 more contributions in this session
Commons
Debate
16 April 2026
3 contributions
Modernisation Committee Report: Access to the House of Commons
I beg to move,
That this House has considered the First Report of the Modernisation Committee, Access to the House of Commons and its Procedures, HC 755, and the House Administration response, HC 1726.
It is a pleasure to open this debate today, both in my capacity as Leader of the House of Common…
I thank all Members for their contributions to today’s debate. I hope to take a little bit of time responding to them, because although this has been a relatively short debate, it has been a very useful one.
Let me first comment on the shadow Leader of the House’s speech. I thank him for his remark…
+1 more contribution in this session
Commons
Oral Questions
16 April 2026
51 contributions
Business of the House
The business for the week commencing 20 April will include:
Monday 20 April—Consideration of Lords message on the Victims and Courts Bill, followed by consideration of Lords message on the Crime and Policing Bill.
Tuesday 21 April—Consideration of Lords amendments to the English Devolution and Com…
First, my thoughts are with our servicemen and women currently serving in the middle east. As the as the situation unfolds, our highest priority is to ensure the safety of our people in the region. My thoughts are also with those affected by the terrible attempted attack on the Finchley Reform synag…
+49 more contributions in this session
Commons
Debate
26 March 2026
53 contributions
Business of the House
The business for the week commencing 23 March will include:
Monday 13 April—Debate on a motion on SEND provision and reform. The subject of this debate was determined by the Backbench Business Committee.
Tuesday 14 April—Consideration of Lords amendments to the Crime and Policing Bill.
Wednesday …
I thank the shadow Deputy Leader of the House for his questions; it is always good to see him in his place. First, I join him in his remarks on the terrible attack in Golders Green. I hope the whole House will join us in condemning this attack on Jewish community ambulances; it was an horrific antis…
+51 more contributions in this session
Commons
Oral Questions
19 March 2026
57 contributions
Business of the House
The business for the week commencing 23 March will include:
Monday 23 March—Consideration of Lords amendments to the Tobacco and Vapes Bill, followed by consideration of Lords amendments to the National Insurance Contributions (Employer Pensions Contributions) Bill.
Tuesday 24 March—Opposition day…
First, may I say that my thoughts are with the friends and families of the young people who have died and others who are currently unwell as a result of the meningitis outbreak in Kent?
I also place on record our tribute to Phil Woolas, who was a greatly respected and admired colleague and played a…
+55 more contributions in this session
Commons
Ministerial Statement
12 March 2026
62 contributions
Business of the House
The business for the week commencing 16 March will include:
Monday 16 March—Consideration of an allocation of time motion, followed by all stages of the Grenfell Tower Memorial (Expenditure) Bill.
Tuesday 17 March—Consideration of an allocation of time motion, followed by all stages of the Ministe…
May I first respond to your words, Mr Speaker, about the events of yesterday evening? I endorse everything that you have said about the need to respect staff—it is absolutely correct that you should say that and I absolutely endorse your remarks. I assure you and the House that not only have the Gov…
+60 more contributions in this session
Commons
Proceedings
5 March 2026
57 contributions
Business of the House
The business for the week commencing 9 March is as follows:
Monday 9 March—Consideration of Lords amendments to the Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill.
Tuesday 10 March—Second Reading of the Courts and Tribunals Bill.
Wednesday 11 March—Remaining stages of the Finance (No. 2) Bill.
Thursday 1…
Let me start by joining you, Mr Speaker, and the shadow Leader of the House in thanking Tom Goldsmith for his service to this House. As you said, he gave 30 dedicated years of service and work to Parliament and is an exemplary public servant. When Tom told me his news, I said that I was pleased for …
+55 more contributions in this session
Commons
Ministerial Statement
26 February 2026
41 contributions
Business of the House
The business for next week includes:
Monday 2 March—Second Reading of the Representation of the People Bill.
Tuesday 3 March—My right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer will make her spring forecast statement, followed by consideration of Lords amendments to the Sustainable Aviation Fuel …
I thank the hon. Lady for her questions and for her warm welcome, but let me gently warn her that soft soap will get her absolutely nowhere.
Let me join the hon. Lady in expressing our continued support for Ukraine. This week marks four years since Putin’s full-scale invasion. The Government remain…
+39 more contributions in this session
Commons
Proceedings
12 February 2026
50 contributions
Business of the House
The business for the week commencing 23 February will include:
Monday 23 February—Committee of the whole House and remaining stages of the Industry and Exports (Financial Assistance) Bill, followed by Committee of the whole House and remaining stages of the Universal Credit (Removal Of Two Child Li…
First, I am sure that the thoughts of the whole House are with the two children stabbed in the horrific attack at Kingsbury high school in Brent. My heart—and I am sure the hearts of the whole House —goes out to those affected by this tragedy. I also send my condolences to those affected by the horr…
+48 more contributions in this session
Commons
Oral Questions
5 February 2026
50 contributions
Business of the House
The business for the week commencing 9 February will include:
Monday 9 February—General debate on the UK-India free trade agreement, followed by debate on a motion on increasing survival rates of brain tumours. The subject for this debate was determined by the Backbench Business Committee.
Tuesday…
I thank the shadow Leader of the House for the way he has addressed these matters this morning. He is fully entitled to do so. In fact, I would go so far as to say that he is right to do so, because I agree that there is palpable anger, outrage and a degree of sadness about the way these events have…
+48 more contributions in this session
Commons
Ministerial Statement
29 January 2026
45 contributions
Business of the House
The business for the week commencing 2 February will include:
Monday 2 February—Consideration of Lords amendments to the Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction Bill, followed by motions relating to the High Speed Rail (Crewe-Manchester) Bill.
Tuesday 3 February—Second Reading of the Universal C…
First of all, through you, Madam Deputy Speaker, may we send our best wishes to Mr Speaker and wish him a speedy recovery from his recent injury?
As the shadow Leader of the House said, Tuesday was Holocaust Memorial Day. During Cabinet we heard from Mala Tribich, who shared her testimony. She actu…
+43 more contributions in this session
Commons
Ministerial Statement
22 January 2026
55 contributions
Business of the House
The business for the week commencing 26 January will include:
Monday 26 January—Second Reading of the Armed Forces Bill.
Tuesday 27 January—Consideration of an allocation of time motion, followed by all stages of the Medical Training (Prioritisation) Bill.
Wednesday 28 January—Opposition day (16t…
The shadow Leader of the House has clearly had his Weetabix this morning.
Through you, Mr Speaker, may I wish everyone well who is celebrating Burns night this coming Sunday? This weekend is also the annual Big Garden Birdwatch, when the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds asks people to obse…
+53 more contributions in this session
Commons
Ministerial Statement
15 January 2026
47 contributions
Business of the House
The business for the week commencing 19 January will include:
Monday 19 January—Remaining stages of the Public Office (Accountability) Bill.
Tuesday 20 January—Consideration of Lords amendments to the Sentencing Bill, followed by consideration of Lords amendments to the Holocaust Memorial Bill, fo…
I certainly join the shadow Leader of the House in sending our thoughts to the people of Iran and the region at this very difficult time.
I also send our congratulations to Lord Forsyth, who was announced as the new Lord Speaker earlier this week, and I pay tribute to Lord McFall, the outgoing Lord…
+45 more contributions in this session
Commons
Ministerial Statement
13 January 2026
15 contributions
Business of the House
Madam Deputy Speaker, in the light of continuing discussions about tomorrow’s legislation, I am announcing the following changes to business.
The business tomorrow, Wednesday 14 January, will now be a general debate on Ukraine.
The remaining stages of the Public Office (Accountability) Bill will n…
I appreciate the shadow Leader of the House’s comments, not least because we spoke earlier at the earliest opportunity. He will be aware, as will the House, of the importance and sensitivity of the Public Office (Accountability) Bill. I recognise that it is not ideal for Members when we have to chan…
+13 more contributions in this session
Commons
Proceedings
8 January 2026
55 contributions
Business of the House
The business for the week commencing 12 January includes:
Monday 12 January—Committee of the whole House of the Finance (No. 2) Bill (day 1).
Tuesday 13 January—Committee of the whole House of the Finance (No. 2) Bill (day 2).
Wednesday 14 January—Remaining stages of the Public Office (Accountabi…
I wish you, Mr Speaker, and everyone across the House a happy new year. I congratulate parliamentarians past and present who were recognised in the new year’s honours. It is right and proper that people who make an exemplary contribution to public service are recognised, like so many others across o…
+53 more contributions in this session
Commons
Proceedings
11 December 2025
47 contributions
Business of the House
The business for the week commencing 15 December will include:
Monday 15 December—Consideration of a Lords message to the Employment Rights Bill, followed by Second Reading of the Industry and Exports (Financial Assistance) Bill.
Tuesday 16 December—Second Reading of the Finance (No. 2) Bill.
Wed…
First, I join the shadow Leader of the House in sending our condolences to the friends and family of Lance Corporal Hooley, who died while serving our country and in the cause of keeping the flame of freedom alive.
As we approach Christmas, I want to recognise the contribution that charities make a…
+45 more contributions in this session
Commons
Proceedings
4 December 2025
46 contributions
Business of the House
The business for the week commencing 8 December will include:
Monday 8 December—Consideration of Lords message to the Employment Rights Bill, followed by consideration of Lords message to the Planning and Infrastructure Bill, followed by consideration of Lords message to the Mental Health Bill [ Lo…
First of all, I join the shadow Leader of the House in paying tribute to Sir John Stanley, who was a committed and long-standing Member of Parliament and a highly respected Minister. He gave 41 years of continuous service to this House and to his constituents.
Let me also congratulate one of our se…
+44 more contributions in this session
Commons
Proceedings
27 November 2025
45 contributions
Business of the House
The business for the week commencing 1 December will include:
Monday 1 December—Continuation of the Budget debate.
Tuesday 2 December—Conclusion of the Budget debate.
Wednesday 3 December—Remaining stages of the Pension Schemes Bill.
Thursday 4 December—Debate on a motion on the war in Ukraine. …
I join the shadow Leader of the House in wishing everyone a happy Lancashire Day. I am sure the House will join me in sending our condolences to those affected by the fire in Hong Kong. The tragedy that is unfolding is deeply saddening, and my thoughts are with all those impacted. I am sure that the…
+43 more contributions in this session
Commons
Oral Questions
Church Commissioners
27 November 2025
2 contributions
Solar Power: Churches
The Church of England has committed to net zero carbon by 2030, and is actively supporting solar installations on churches and cathedrals to make the buildings more efficient to run, and to lower operating costs. Through its net zero carbon programme, the Church has allocated £30 million for the yea…
I congratulate the hon. Lady’s local churches, which are leading the way for others to follow. St Bartholomew’s church in Brighton is just one example of what can be done with a listed building to reduce long-term running costs via the installation of modern heating and lighting. Grants are availabl…
Commons
Oral Questions
Church Commissioners
27 November 2025
2 contributions
Ordained Clergy
The national Church institutions have held a national consultation to inform a new vocation strategy, and the House of Bishops has emphasised the importance of increasing the number of candidates entering training for ministry. Further work will take place this week at the biennial diocesan director…
I will certainly do that. I will ask my hon. Friend to write to the hon. Gentleman on that matter.
Commons
Oral Questions
Church Commissioners
27 November 2025
3 contributions
Occupied Palestinian Territories: Support for Christians
The Archbishop of York visited Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories earlier this month. He met Palestinian families on the west bank and addressed the congregation at St Andrew’s church in Ramallah. He also visited villages and highlighted the way that settlers are, in the Archbishop’s ow…
I certainly will do that. The Archbishop’s delegation also visited the west bank, where he met Christian Palestinian families affected by settler violence and faced a tense stand-off with armed settlers before being ordered to leave by the Israeli police. We must not lose sight of Gaza and the west …
+1 more contribution in this session
Commons
Oral Questions
Church Commissioners
27 November 2025
2 contributions
Vicars: Rural Parishes
The Church of England remains committed to ministry in all communities across the country, but the deployment of clergy is a responsibility for local diocesan bishops and their leadership teams. The national Church institutions have increased the money available to all dioceses for clergy training b…
I will pass on the hon. Gentleman’s best wishes to the Second Church Estates Commissioner. The position he describes is, I think, not unusual across the country. I certainly join him in thanking regular churchgoers for everything they do for the upkeep of their churches. I will convey his comments t…
Commons
Oral Questions
Church Commissioners
27 November 2025
2 contributions
Identity, Sexuality, Relationships and Marriage
The House of Bishops has a special role in matters relating to doctrine, liturgy and sacrament, and the right to amend legislation before it is put before the General Synod for approval. There is no need for a two-thirds majority in order to progress all the requirements of “Living in Love and Faith…
I will convey my hon. Friend’s views to the House of Bishops and to the Second Church Estates Commissioner.