What happened in the House of Commons this week?
26 October 2018
This week MPs debated the Civil Liability Bill, the Northern Ireland (Executive Formation and Exercise of Functions) Bill and more.
Legislation: Government Bills
Offensive Weapons Bill 2017-2019
The remaining stages of the Offensive Weapons Bill were due to take place on Monday 22 October, but were postponed due to time pressures in the Chamber and will be rescheduled.
Civil Liability Bill [Lords]
Debate on the Bill was opened by Gloria De Piero MP. The House of Commons divided on the third reading of this Bill, voting to approve it by 294 - 238.
As the Bill was amended it will now return to the House of Lords for the consideration of amendments.
Northern Ireland (Executive Formation and Exercise of Functions) Bill
This Bill proposes various measures in the absence of a functioning Executive and Assembly in Northern Ireland including:
- Suspending the deadline for calling an Assembly election for a time-limited period
- Enabling civil servants to take certain decisions
- Permitting UK ministers to make certain public appointments.
This Bill was fast-tracked through Parliament and, as such, all Commons stages took place on one day. This includes second reading, committee stage, report stage and third reading.
Legislation: Private Members Bills
This week two Private Members' Bills were introduced to the House following Ten Minute Rule Motions:
A number of Private Members' Bills were considered by the House on Friday 26 October 2018:
Urgent questions and ministerial statements
This week MPs asked urgent questions to ministers on a number of topical subjects:
- Parliament news: Cost of staying in the EU Customs Union and the cost of the draft withdrawal agreement
- Parliament news: Amendability of any motion on the meaningful vote
- Parliament news: Planned US withdrawal from nuclear treaty
There were three ministerial statements this week:
- Parliament news: October EU Council
- Parliament news: The death of Jamal Khashoggi
- Parliament news: Immigration
Prime Minister's Questions
On Wednesday 24 October MPs asked the Prime Minister questions about austerity, Saudi Arabia and more.
Watch PMQs from this week:
General debates
On Thursday 25 October MPs debated folic acid fortification and inclusive transport strategy.
Westminster Hall debates
Debates on a variety of different subjects also took place in Westminster Hall on Monday 22, Tuesday 23, Wednesday 24 and Thursday 25 October. See the Parliamentary calendar to find out what subjects were debated.
Select Committees
News from Parliamentary Select Committees, including the publication of reports and details of inquiries and evidence sessions are also available online.
Image: Parliamentary Copyright
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