This week in the Commons: 22-26 June
26 June 2020
This week in the House of Commons, MPs debated three Government Bills and two Private Members' Bills were introduced.
Ministers were questioned on the Court of Appeal's ruling against the DWP and made statements on issues such as the Reading terrorist attack, the easing of lockdown and the Windrush compensation scheme.
In PMQs, the Prime Minister was asked about the track and trace app, VAT and greater borrowing powers for Scotland.
Legislation: Government Bills
Three Government Bills were debated in the House this week.
- The Extradition (Provisional Arrest) Bill [Lords] 2019-21 passed its second reading on Monday 22 June without a division. It has now been sent to a committee of the whole House for further examination.
- The Medicines and Medical Devices Bill 2019-21 passed its remaining stages in the Commons on Tuesday 23 June without a division. It has now been sent to the Lords for consideration.
- The Corporate Insolvency and Governance Bill 2020 came back to the Commons with amendments from the Lords. These were approved without a division and gained royal assent on Thursday 25 June.
Legislation: Private Members Bills
Two Private Members Bills were introduced to the House following Ten Minute Rule Motions this week:
- Desecration of War Memorials Bill was introduced by Jonathan Gullis MP on Tuesday 23 June. It was approved without a division.
- Demonstrations (Abortion Clinics) Bill was introduced by Rupa Huq on Wednesday 24 June. It was approved by 213 to 47 votes.
Urgent questions and ministerial statements
There was one urgent question this week:
- Urgent question on Court of Appeal ruling on Universal Credit from Stephen Timms MP
There were three ministerial statements this week:
- Statement on the terrorist attack in Reading from the Home Secretary
- Statement on further easing of lockdown from the Prime Minister
- Statement on the Windrush compensation scheme from the Home Secretary
Prime Minister's Questions
On Wednesday 24 June, MPs asked the Prime minister questions about unemployment, the easing of lockdown rules and VAT.
Opposition day debates
On Wednesday 24 June, MPs debated the Westferry Printworks development and the Housing Secretary's decision to approve planning permission, in the first of two debates to take place on subjects chosen by the Opposition. The second Opposition debate was on weekly Covid-19 testing for NHS and care staff.
- The Opposition day motion on Westferry Printworks development took the form of a humble address. This was approved without a division.
- The Opposition day motion on weekly Covid-19 testing for NHS and care staff was voted down by 344 votes to 198. MPs voted to approve Amendment (a) in the name of the Government without a division.
E-petitions debates
On Thursday 25 June, MPs debated e-petitions in the House of Commons Chamber for the first time. The petition were on: on recognising and rewarding health and social care workers, and support for UK industries in response to Covid-19, in the
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
Follow the @HouseofCommons on Twitter for updates on the UK House of Commons Chamber.