Speaker News: Lookback at the week commencing 28 October 2024

Speaker in the Chair 

On Monday, the Speaker chaired Chamber business starting with questions to the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government. 

Prior to the Budget Statement, which is historically presided over by the Chairman of Ways and Means, the Speaker chaired Prime Minister’s Questions. This marked the Leader of the Opposition’s final time at the Despatch Box as party leader as he will return to the backbenches next week.  

Beyond the Speaker’s Chair  

On Monday, the Speaker opened the House of Commons Gardens of Remembrance. Now in its fourth year, the gardens have allowed Members and representatives to place their tribute with a Remembrance stake, to recognise the sacrifices made in conflict. On 11 November, the garden will be complete and will be representative of UK constituencies, Crown Dependencies, countries of the Commonwealth and British Overseas Territories.  

This week the Speaker met with Ambassadors from Peru and El Salvador. As an international representative of the House, the Speaker regularly meets with Ambassadors, High Commissioners and Speakers to develop and strengthen interparliamentary ties and play his role in supporting global diplomacy.  

In Speaker’s House, the Speaker welcomed Members, Peers, House staff and special guests of the Hindu, Sikh and Jain community to celebrate Diwali – the Hindu Festival of Lights. The Speaker also attended and spoke at a reception marking the special relationship between the US and the UK. The Speaker was glad to welcome US Ambassador, HE Jane Hartley to the reception, recognising the Ambassador’s long-standing support for the alliance between the two nations.  

Later in the week the Speaker was joined by students taking part in a work experience pilot scheme that aims to improve access for young people from diverse backgrounds to procedural jobs in Parliament. The Speaker answered questions about his time in Parliament, how to get involved in politics and what it means to be Speaker.  

Finally, the Speaker visited Armed Forces personnel and volunteers in Westminster tube station to help fundraise by selling poppies supporting this year’s Remembrance poppy appeal.