This week in the Commons: 14 October 2019
18 October 2019
This week in the Commons saw the State Opening and the debate on the Queen's Speech. MPs asked questions about the situation in Catalonia, racism in football, Turkish military action in Syria and age-verification for adult content.
State Opening of Parliament
The State Opening of Parliament happened on Monday 14 October and marked the formal start of the parliamentary year. A key part of the Opening was the Queen's Speech, which set out the government's agenda for the next session of Parliament and outlined proposed policies and laws.
Legislation: Government Bills
The Queen's Speech
This week, MPs began debating the proposals contained within the Queen's Speech. The Speech covered subjects such as ID for voting, Broadband coverage and tougher sentencing for criminals, as well as post-Brexit plans. The debate will last for six days and MPs will vote on the proposals on Tuesday 22 October 2019.
Urgent questions
This week the Speaker granted four urgent questions:
- Urgent Question on the Turkish incursion into northern Syria
- Minister questioned on racism in football
- Ministers questioned on the imprisonment of Catalan leaders
- Minister questioned on the future of age verification for online pornography
New Serjeant at Arms
The House of Commons Speaker announced this week that Ugbana Oyet will be the new Serjeant at Arms. Take over the role later this month, Oyet is a chartered engineer on a mission to make Parliament carbon-neutral by 2050.
Select Committees
News from Parliamentary Select Committees, including the publication of reports and details of inquiries and evidence sessions are also available online.
Image: UK Parliament/Jessica Taylor
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