This Week in the Commons: 12 July 2019
12 July 2019 (updated on 12 July 2019)
This week the Northern Ireland (Executive Formation) Bill passed all its Commons stages, and MPs debated climate change, leasehold rent and more.
Legislation: Government Bills
Northern Ireland (Executive Formation) Bill
The Northern Ireland (Executive Formation) Bill passed its Second Reading on Monday 8 July 2019. It was debated in a Committee of the Whole House on Tuesday 9 July, where MPs later approved the remaining Commons stages.
Several significant amendments were made to the Bill, including clauses related to same sex marriage and abortion, which will come into effect if a Northern Irish Executive cannot be formed by 21 October 2019.
Animal Welfare (Sentencing) Bill
The Animal Welfare (Sentencing) Bill had its Second Reading in the Commons on Wednesday 10 July and has been sent to Public Bill Committee for detailed examination and evidence gathering.
This Bill would increase the maximum sentence for animal cruelty offences from six months to five years in England and Wales.
- Parliament news: Animal Welfare (Sentencing) Bill
- Parliament news: Have your say on the Animal Welfare (Sentencing) Bill
Legislation: Private Members Bills
Two Private Members Bills were introduced to the House following Ten Minute Rule Motions this week:
Urgent questions and ministerial statements
This week four urgent questions were asked on:
- Parliament news: Urgent question on leak of information from UK Ambassador to the US
- Parliament news: Urgent question on NHS pensions
- Parliament news: Urgent question on Universal Credit fraud
- Parliament news: Urgent question on the resignation of the UK Ambassador to US
The Government made one oral ministerial statement:
Prime Minister's Questions
On Wednesday 10 July, MPs asked the Prime Minister about climate change, health services and more.
Watch PMQs from this week:
E-petitions debates
On Monday 8 July, in the Westminster Hall Chamber, MPs debated dangerous driving and Violet-Grace's Law.
Backbench business debates
On Thursday 11 July 2019 in the Commons Chamber, MPs took part in two general debates which had been scheduled by the Backbench Business Committee.
Westminster Hall debates
Debates on a variety of different subjects also took place in Westminster Hall on Tuesday 9, Wednesday 10 and Thursday 11 July. 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/Jessica Taylor
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