This week in the Commons: 18 - 22 July 2016
22 July 2016 (updated on 22 July 2016)
This week in the House of Commons MPs debated the UK's nuclear deterrent, the Higher Education and Research Bill, housing benefit, and more.
UK's nuclear deterrent
On Monday 18 July 2016, MPs debated the UK's nuclear deterrent in the House of Commons Chamber. The Prime Minister, Theresa May, opened the debate and Jeremy Corbyn, Leader of the Opposition, responded on behalf of the Opposition.
MPs voted to approve the motion on the UK's nuclear deterrent by 472 to 117.
Legislation: Government Bills
Higher Education and Research Bill
The Higher Education and Research Bill passed second reading on Tuesday 19 July 2016. The Bill will now progress to a Public Bill Committee which will conclude by Tuesday 18 October 2016.
The programme motion also schedules the Legislative Grand Committee, Report and Third Reading stages to take place over one day, the date of which is yet to be announced.
Legislation: Private Members' Bills
One Private Members' Bill was introduced to the House following the Ten Minute Rule Motion this week:
Three Private Members' Bill were presented under Standing Order 57 (Presentation Bill):
- UK International Trade and Investment Agreements (Ratification) Bill
- Perinatal Mental Illness (NHS Family Services) Bill
- Civil Partnership Act 2004 (Amendment) Bill
Urgent Questions and Statements
This week Urgent Questions were asked on:
- Parliament news: Urgent Question: recent developments in Turkey
- Parliament news: Urgent Question: inquiry into policing at Orgreave
- Parliament news: Urgent Question on school funding
There was one Ministerial Statements this week.
Prime Minister's Questions
Theresa May took her first session of Prime Minister's Questions in the House of Commons on Wednesday 20 July 2016.
MPs asked the Prime Minister, questions about Trident, home ownership amongst young people, security collaborations between the UK and France and more.
Watch PMQs from this week:
E-petitions debates
On Monday 18 July, in the Westminster Hall Chamber, MPs debated an e-petition relating to changes to the student loans agreement.
Opposition day debates
On Wednesday 20 July, MPs debated housing benefit and the Charter for Budget Responsibility in the House of Commons. The subjects were chosen by the Opposition.
Backbench business debates
On Thursday 21 July in the Commons Chamber, MPs took part in two general debates which had been scheduled by the Backbench Business Committee. These debates were on the contribution of cooperatives to the economy, and maternity discrimination.
- Read Commons Hansard: Ban on the manufacture, sale, possession and use of snares
- Read Commons Hansard: Summer Adjournment
Westminster Hall debates
Debates on a variety of different subjects also took place in Westminster Hall on Monday 18, Tuesday 19 and Wednesday 20 July 2016. 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.
Recess
The House of Commons adjourned on Thursday 21 July 2016 for the Summer recess. The Commons Chamber will next sit on Monday 5 September 2016.
Follow @HouseofCommons on Twitter for updates on the UK House of Commons Chamber.
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