This week in the Commons: 23-27 January 2017
27 January 2017 (updated on 27 January 2017)
This week in the House of Commons MPs debated the Local Government Finance Bill, Wales Bill, prisons, school funding, and more.
Legislation: Government Bills
Local Government Finance Bill
MPs are expected to begin their consideration of the Local Government Finance Bill in a Public Bill Committee on Tuesday 31 January and conclude no later than Tuesday 21 February 2017.
MPs debated the Second Reading of the Local Government Finance Bill in the House of Commons on Monday 23 January 2017.
Wales Bill
MPs debated amendments made by the House of Lords to the Wales Bill on Tuesday 24 January.
European Union (Notification of Withdrawal) Bill
The European Union (Notification of Withdrawal) Bill was presented to the House of Commons and given its First Reading on Thursday 26 January 2017. First Reading stage is formal and takes place without debate. MPs will debate the overall principles of the Bill at Second Reading stage on Tuesday 31 January and Wednesday 1 February 2017.
Legislation: Private Members' Bills
One Private Members' Bill was introduced to the House following Ten Minute Rule Motions this week:
On Friday 27 January, MPs debated the Homelessness Reduction Bill. The Bill passed its Report Stage and Third Reading, and now moves to the House of Lords for further scrutiny.
The Road Traffic Offenders (Surrender of Driving Licences etc) Bill, Use of Property (Protection) Bill and Farriers (Registration) Bill passed Second Reading and now move to the Committee stage.
The Counter-Terrorism and Security Act 2015 (Amendment) Bill started second reading debate but was adjourned. Debate is expected to resume on Friday 24 March 2017.
Urgent Questions and Statements
This week Urgent Questions were asked on:
- Parliament news: Urgent Question on test firing of Trident nuclear missile
- Parliament news: Urgent Question on the humanitarian situation in Yemen
There were two Ministerial Statements this week.
- Parliament news: Statement on an industrial strategy consultation: 23 January 2017
- Parliament news: Statement on the process for triggering Article 50
Prime Minister's Questions
On Wednesday 25 January, MPs asked the Prime Minister questions about nursery schools, the publication of a White Paper on Article 50, access to the European single market and more.
Watch PMQs from this week:
E-petitions debates
On Monday 23 January, in the Westminster Hall Chamber, MPs debated an e-petition relating to the banning of non-recyclable and non-compostable packaging.
Opposition day debates
On Wednesday 25 January, MPs debated prisons and school funding in the House of Commons. This subject was chosen by the Opposition.
Backbench business debates
On Thursday 26 January in the Commons Chamber, MPs took part in two general debates which had been scheduled by the Backbench Business Committee.
- Parliament news: MPs debate statutory pubs code and the Pubs Code Adjudicator
- Parliament news: MPs debate access to Kadcyla and other breast cancer drugs
MPs
Following the resignations of Jamie Reed and Tristram Hunt, by-elections will take place in the constituencies of Copeland and Stoke-on-Trent Central on Thursday 23 February 2017.
- Parliament news: Jamie Reed resigns as MP for Copeland
- Parliament news: Tristram Hunt resigns as MP for Stoke-on-Trent Central
Westminster Hall debates
Debates on a variety of different subjects also took place in Westminster Hall on 23, 24, 25 and 26 January. 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 @HouseofCommons on Twitter for updates on the UK House of Commons Chamber.
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