This week in the Commons: 15-19 June 2020
19 June 2020 (updated on 19 June 2020)
This week in the House of Commons, MPs asked about the number of children living in poverty in the UK, support for councils, and more in PMQs. There were statements made on the start of post-Brexit trade talks between the UK, Australia and New Zealand, and public order. There were also urgent questions on the two-metre social distancing rule, the Government's strategy to protect jobs and the economy, and more.
Prime Minister's Questions
During Prime Minister's Questions, MPs welcomed the announcement of a major breakthrough in the treatment of coronavirus by UK scientists, as well as the “Prime Minister's latest U-turn, this time of free school meals.” The prime minister was questioned about child poverty statistics in the UK, the Immigration Health surcharge for NHS and health workers, and more.
Urgent questions and statements
This week there were four statements and four urgent questions.
Statements
- Priti Patel: far-right protests sparked "ugly scenes".
- Michael Goves updates MPs on Brexit negotiations".
- Prime Minister announces merger of Department for International Development and Foreign Office.
- Liz Truss: Launch of trade negotiations with Australia and New Zealand show "Britain is back".
Urgent questions
- Ministers questioned on review of two-metre social distancing rule.
- Urgent question on Government's strategy to protect jobs and the economy.
- Matt Hancock: dexamethasone treatment for Covid-19 "best news we've had."
- Dominic Raab: DFID merger will "boost our impact and influence."
Bills and Statutory Instruments
- Read the Lords Library Briefing on the Bill
- Electricity Capacity (Amendment etc.) (Coronavirus) Regulations 2020
- Environmental Protection (Plastic Straws, Cotton Buds and Stirrers) (England) Regulations 2020
- Health Protection (Coronavirus, Restrictions) (England) (Amendment) (No. 3) Regulations 2020
- Financial Services (Miscellaneous Amendments) (EU Exit) Regulations 2020
- Over the Counter Derivatives, Central Counterparties and Trade Repositories (Amendment, etc., and Transitional Provision) (EU Exit) Regulations 2020
- Public Service Vehicles (Open Data) (England) Regulations 2020
On Wednesday 17 June, MPs debated the Divorce, Dissolution and Separation Bill Remaining Stages. It was approved without a division.
On Monday 15 June, MPs approved the following Sis without a division:
On Tuesday 16 June, MPs approved the following Sis without a division:
Opposition Day debate
On Tuesday 16 June, MPs voted in favour of the Labour Party's opposition day motion on free school meals for children during the summer holidays, without a division.
Image: UK Parliament