Speaker’s Statement

Delegated Legislation (Committees) – in the House of Commons at 9:04 pm on 3 December 2018.

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Photo of John Bercow John Bercow Chair, Speaker's Committee on the Electoral Commission, Speaker of the House of Commons, Chair, Speaker's Committee for the Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority, Chair, Commons Reference Group on Representation and Inclusion Committee, Chair, Speaker's Committee for the Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority, Chair, Speaker's Committee on the Electoral Commission, Chair, Commons Reference Group on Representation and Inclusion Committee 9:04, 3 December 2018

Order. Just before I invite the Minister of State to reply to the Adjournment debate, I want to say the following. I have received a letter signed by Keir Starmer, Stephen Gethins, Tom Brake, Nigel Dodds and the hon. Members for Arfon (Hywel Williams) and for Brighton, Pavilion (Caroline Lucas). I have also received a letter within the last 10 minutes from the Attorney General. The letter that I received from the Members mentioned at the start of this statement asks me to give precedence to a motion relating to privilege in relation to the failure of Ministers to comply with the terms of the resolution of the House of 13 November—[Interruption.] I will just wait until the Government Chief Whip has finished his conversation with his ministerial colleague. It would seem courteous if he could just hold off for a moment and allow me to make my statement. That would perhaps appear to show the proper politeness. I have considered the matter carefully, and I am satisfied that there is an arguable case that a contempt has been committed. I am therefore giving precedence to a motion to be tabled tonight before the House rises and to be taken as first business tomorrow, Tuesday. It will then be entirely for the House to decide on that motion.