The Lord Speaker (Lord Fowler)
My Lords, it may be convenient if I make a brief statement about the process for taking the oath and affirming today. After I have taken the oath, the most reverend Primates the Archbishops of Canterbury and York, the party leaders, and the Convenor of the Cross Benches will then take the oath, followed by the Senior Deputy Speaker. The other Front-Bench Members will then take the oath or affirm, including the occupants of the Privy Council Benches by the Bar.
The House has decided that priority at this point should also be given to any Member with a disability or impaired mobility who is able to take the oath or affirm. Other Members will then take the oath or affirm. Members should come to the Table from the Bar end of the Chamber, bringing their Writ of Summons. The annunciators will indicate from time to time the number of Members waiting in the Chamber to take the oath or affirm. When all Members present have taken the oath or affirmed, the House will adjourn during pleasure, resuming at intervals until 7.30 pm tonight. The time of resumption will be shown in each case on the annunciators.
At some point during today’s sitting, I expect that the Royal Commission will resume to confirm Her Majesty’s Royal Approbation for the Commons’ choice of Speaker. That may happen as early as 3.45 pm, but it is of course dependent on proceedings in the Commons.