This week in the Commons: 28 October 2019
1 November 2019 (updated on 1 November 2019)
This week in the Commons saw MPs vote in favour of an early general election, the Speaker's last ever day in the Chair and the announcement of the new Speaker's Chaplain. At PMQs the Prime Minister faced questions on the NHS, ocean conservation and fracking.
Legislation: Government Bills
Early Parliamentary General Election Bill
On Tuesday 29 October 2019, MPs voted 438 to 20 in favour of the Early Parliamentary General Election Bill, which allows a parliamentary general election to be held on 12 December 2019. The Bill was given Royal Assent on 31 October.
Northern Ireland Budget Bill
The Northern Ireland Budget Bill passed all of its Commons stages on 30 October 2019 and was given Royal Assent on 31 October.
Prime Minister's Questions
Prime Minister Boris Johnson faced questions from Leader of the Opposition Jeremy Corbyn on Brexit, general election strategy and the NHS. Other MPs asked about issues such as fracking, thalidomide victims and police funding.
Urgent questions and ministerial statements
This week the Speaker granted one urgent question:
And two oral ministerial statements:
- Statement updating the House on the major incident in Essex from Priti Patel MP
- Statement on Shared Rural Network from Nicky Morgan MP
Speaker Bercow's departure
This week marked the end of John Bercow MP's role as Speaker, which he has held since 2009. MPs paid tribute to Mr Bercow, who thanked his family and his colleagues.
Speaker's Chaplain
Rev Canon Patricia Hillas was announced as the new Speaker's Chaplain. Tricia joins the House of Commons from St Paul's Cathedral, where she was Canon Pastor, and has an extensive background in youth and social work.
Westminster Hall Debates
Debates on a variety of different subjects also took place in Westminster Hall on Tuesday 29, Wednesday 30 and Thursday 31 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: UK Parliament/Jessica Taylor
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