Speaker News: Lookback at the week commencing 7 October 2024

Speaker in the Chair

This week the House of Commons returned from conference recess. On Monday, the Speaker started the week’s business in the Chamber with the Oral Questions to the Secretary of State for the Department of Work and Pensions.

At midday on Wednesday, the Speaker chaired Prime Minister’s Questions in the Chamber. This weekly session gives Members the opportunity to pose questions directly to the Prime Minister and hold the government to account.

Behind the Speaker’s Chair

At the start of the week the Speaker announced to the House that the Revd Mark Birch will become the new Speaker’s Chaplain Canon of Westminster Abbey—he will formally start on 7 November.

This week marks the launch of the Speaker’s Apprenticeship Academy. The Speaker met with the new apprentices in Speaker’s House, they expressed how excited they are to be learning and working in the House of Commons.

Together with local education providers, the Speaker’s Apprenticeship Academy facilitates the opportunity to gain practical in-office experience while also working towards achieving industry qualifications.  

Beyond the Speaker’s Chair

On Tuesday, the Speaker chaired a meeting with the Qatar Ambassador, HE Sheikh Abdulla bin Mohammed bin Saud Al Thani. They reflected on the Speaker’s recent visit to the country strengthening bilateral relationships and discussed the ever-increasing need for peace in the Middle East.

On Wednesday, the Speaker welcomed Singapore’s High Commissioner to the UK - HE Mr NG Teck Hean. They talked about the importance of citizens engaging with democracy and discussed the technological developments which could impact our respective legislative processes in the future.

Finally, the Speaker met with a group of Girl Guides in Portcullis House, presenting them with their Black History Month and 2024 International Day of the Girl badges.