My Lords, before we move on to the main business, I want to start with some words of thanks to staff across the House and all colleagues ahead of Summer Recess. I am delighted to be able to confirm the current plan for the start of Summer Recess next year. Subject to the progress of business, we will rise at the conclusion of business on Thursday 23 July 2026—everyone can now rush off to book their summer holidays with family and friends.

I turn to my thanks ahead of this summer. I am sure colleagues will agree that it has felt like a very long term. Since July 2024, we have sat for 180 days. Twenty-five Bills have already received Royal Assent and a further eight government Bills are currently before the House. Beyond Bills, we have had 619 Oral Questions, 150 Statements, 86 general debates, including 23 debates on Select Committee reports, and, until yesterday, 170 Divisions. None of this would be possible without the hard work of the House staff. It would be impossible to cover everyone, but my usual channel colleagues and I have tried to co-ordinate to cover as many teams as possible.

I start with thanks to some specific people and teams. First, I thank the Public Bill Office, which has handled what must feel like record levels of amendments and weeks of heavy Committee stages. It has told me that, from returning after Easter until just 30 June, we have considered and disposed of 1,500 amendments. I know Members find its guidance on navigating the complexities of legislation invaluable. Secondly, I thank the Table clerks, who have shown great patience and dedication. Their guidance has been critical to all sides of the House. I pay particular tribute to the Deputy Speakers, who so ably assist the Lord Speaker and the Senior Deputy Speaker. I am sure colleagues will agree that their work often goes unnoticed. We should find a way to recognise their special contribution to the House.

I thank the security officers and police, who deal with difficult circumstances quietly every day and keep us safe as we carry out our work. I extend this to the attendants, who provide critical and often unnoticed support for all Members to undertake their roles. I thank my colleagues across the House for their support, particularly the Labour Benches and front bench, and the Government Whips who support me so ably. I thank the Government Whips’ Office and the leaders’ offices, and the outer office in particular, which quietly run many of the processes we have all come to know and rely on, including Today’s List and the website, which allows colleagues to participate in debates. They tell me that, since Christmas alone, they have overseen nearly 90 speakers’ lists.

I thank Hansard for its dedication in producing the important formal records of our debates. Its work ensures that we are transparent and accessible to the public. I pay particular tribute to Nick Lester, who is leaving his post shortly as the PA’s chief Lords reporter. His work has shed much-needed light on the work of the House.

We have had formal tributes, but I want to put on record my personal thanks to the now former Black Rod for her friendship and support, especially as I navigated my new role as Captain of the Gentlemen-at-Arms. I thank her office for the many state visits that have been dealt with in a professional manner and for managing the transition to the new Black Rod, who will no doubt continue to conduct the role in the same way.

Finally, I say a special thank you to my usual channel colleagues. While we may sometimes not agree on the substance, which is part of our job, we usually do so with good humour, laughter and friendship, for which I am eternally grateful. I have huge respect for the noble Baroness, Lady Williams of Trafford, the noble Lord, Lord Stoneham of Droxford, and the noble Earl, Lord Kinnoull. Thank you so much for how we work together. My door always remains open for all colleagues across the House to discuss any issues or areas where I might be of help.

I hope everyone has a restful Summer Recess and is ready to return on 1 September for further consideration in Committee of the Planning and Infrastructure Bill. Before that, I hope that everyone has an enjoyable summer with family and friends.