MPs debate Royal Charter on press conduct
19 March 2013 (updated on 19 March 2013)
The Prime Minister opened an emergency debate in the House of Commons on the publication of the draft Royal Charter on press conduct, on Monday 18 March 2013.
The Leader of the Opposition, Ed Miliband, and the Deputy Prime Minister, Nick Clegg, supported the motion.
- Watch Parliament TV: Emergency debate on Royal Charter on Press Conduct
- Read Commons Hansard: Emergency debate on Royal Charter on Press Conduct
- Read current parliamentary material in Topics: Press
Draft Royal Charter
Following agreement reached in cross party talks on the recommendations on press regulation set out by Lord Justice Leveson, the Royal Charter agreed by the Prime Minister, Deputy Prime Minister and Leader of the Opposition is available on the Government website.
Emergency debates
An emergency debate is a debate called at short notice in the House of Commons on a specific and important matter that should have urgent consideration. An MP may apply to the Speaker for an emergency debate under the rules of Standing Order No. 24.
In this instance, the Prime Minister was given leave by the House for the emergency debate following an application under Standing Order no. 24.
Members may make an application for an emergency debate on Mondays to Thursdays during sitting time. If the Speaker is satisfied that the matter can be debated under this procedure the Member may make an application to the House.