This week in the Commons: 19 to 23 October 2015
23 October 2015 (updated on 23 October 2015)
This week in the House of Commons MPs debated tax credits, standing orders relating to English votes for English laws, an e-petition on immigration and more.
Legislation: Government Bills
Psychoactive Substances Bill: second reading
The Psychoactive Substances Bill had its second reading in the Commons on Monday 19 October and has been sent to Public Bill Committee for detailed examination and evidence gathering.
- Parliament news: Psychoactive Substances Bill: second reading
- Parliament news: Have your say on the Psychoactive Substances Bill
Cities and Local Government Devolution Bill: Committee of the whole House
The Cities and Local Government Devolution Bill was debated in day one of a Committee of the whole House on Wednesday 21 October. A number of amendments were made to the Bill. The date for the second day of debate has yet to be announced.
Legislation: Private Members' Bills
Two Private Members' Bills were introduced to the House following Ten Minute Rule Motions this week:
- Victims of Crime Etc (Rights, Entitlements and Related Matters) Bill
- Civil Partnership Act 2004 (Amendment) Bill
One Private Members' Bill was presented under Standing Order 57 (Presentation Bill)
On Friday 23 October MPs debated the Defence Expenditure (NATO Target) Bill and the Higher Education (Information) Bill.
Emergency debate: Wilson Doctrine
On Monday 19 October MPs debated the operation of the Wilson Doctrine, a convention that MPs' communications should not be intercepted by the intelligence services.
Opposition Day debate: tax credits
On Tuesday 20 October MPs debated tax credits. As this was an Opposition Day debate the subject was chosen by the Opposition. Find out more about Opposition Days and Tuesday's debate on tax credits:
Motion to approve Standing Orders relating to English votes for English laws
On Thursday 22 October MPs debated a Government motion to amend House of Commons Standing Orders relating to English votes for English laws. Standing Orders are the rules under which Parliament conducts its business.
The motion to add new standing orders and change standing orders was agreed on division. MPs also voted on three amendments which were negatived on division.
Prime Minister's Questions
On Wednesday 21 October MPs asked the Prime minister questions about homelessness, tax credits, the steel industry and more.
Watch PMQs from this week:
Urgent Questions and Statements
This week Urgent Questions were asked on:
- Parliament news: Urgent Question on the future of the steel industry: 20 October 2015
- Parliament news: Urgent Question on China and human rights lawyer Zhang Kai: 22 October 2015
Statements:
- Parliament news: statement on the European Council: 19 October 2015
- Parliament news: statement on school expansion: 19 October 2015
- Parliament news: statement on paramilitary groups in Northern Ireland: 20 October 2015
E-petitions debates
On Monday 19 October, in the Westminster Hall Chamber, MPs debated an e-petition on immigration.
Backbench business debates
On Thursday 22 October in the Westminster Hall Chamber, MPs took part in a general debate which had been scheduled by the Backbench Business Committee.
Westminster Hall debates
Debates on a variety of different subjects also took place in Westminster Hall on Tuesday 20, Wednesday 21 and Thursday 22 October. See the Parliamentary calendar to find out what subjects were debated.
Select Committees
News from Parliamentary Select Committees, including the publication of reports and details of inquiries and evidence sessions are also available online.
Follow the @HouseofCommons on Twitter for updates on the UK House of Commons Chamber.