This week in the Commons: 21 October 2019
25 October 2019
This week in the Commons the European Union (Withdrawal Agreement) Bill passed second reading, however the House rejected the Government's proposed timetable for the Bill. MPs continued the debate on the Queen's Speech and voted 310 to 294 to approve it. The ballot for Private Members' Bills for the 2019-20 session took place at 9am on Thursday 24 October. Conservative MP Nigel Mills' name was drawn in first place.
Saturday sitting
The House of Commons met on Saturday 19 October to debate the Prime Minister's Brexit deal.
An amendment was proposed and approved. This meant the House of Commons had to ensure implementing legislation was put in place before leaving the European Union.
The Prime Minister had to request an extension for leaving the European Union.
Legislation: Government Bills
European Union (Withdrawal Agreement) Bill
The Bill passed second reading, but is now currently in 'limbo'. The programme motion (timetable) which planned to complete the remaining Commons stages of the Bill by Thursday 24 October, was rejected.
The Queen's Speech
MPs voted to approve the Queen's Speech. The House voted to reject Amendment (h) relating to freedom of movement, Amendment (g) relating to rebuilding the economy, and Amendment (f) on the NHS.
Urgent questions and ministerial statements
This week the Speaker granted four urgent questions:
- Urgent question by Jeremy Corbyn on Withdrawal Bill and extension letter
- Urgent Question on restoring devolution in Northern Ireland
- Ministers questioned on British children stranded in Syria
- Urgent question on checks on goods moving from Northern Ireland to Great Britain under the Withdrawal Agreement
There was one oral ministerial statement this week, as well as a statement from the Speaker of the House:
Prime Minister's Questions
On Wednesday 23 October, MPs asked the Prime Minister about the delay of the Withdrawal Agreement Bill, Northern Ireland, children in Syria and more.
Find out more about this week's PMQs:
Westminster Hall debates
Debates on a variety of different subjects also took place in Westminster Hall on Tuesday 22, Wednesday 23 and Thursday 24 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.
Private Members' Bill ballot
The ballot for Commons Private Members' Bills for the 2019-20 session took place at 9am on Thursday 24 October. Conservative MP Nigel Mills' name was drawn in first place.
Image: ©UK Parliament:/Andre Castellucci
Follow the @HouseofCommons on Twitter for updates on the UK House of Commons Chamber.
Please fill in our quick feedback survey to help us improve our news content.