Arrangement of Business

Lord Kennedy of Southwark Excerpts

Tuesday 11th March 2025 Lords Chamber

[Captain of the Honourable Corps of Gentlemen-at-Arms and Chief Whip (Lord Kennedy of Southwark) (Lab Co-op)]

My Lords, I am sure that all Members of the House will agree that we are very lucky to have such excellent Deputy Speakers who support the Lord Speaker and the Senior Deputy Speaker in their work, spending many hours on the Woolsack, at the Table and in Grand Committee. That is why, before we go to the primary business, I have a few remarks to make.

I remind the House of our responsibilities to support the Deputy Speakers as well as the clerks, who are also doing an excellent job, and refrain from behaviour that is below the standards that we expect from each other in this House. When the noble Lord on the Woolsack stands up, we should sit down; that needs to be observed at all times. When the House is sitting and debates are ongoing, all Members should ensure that long conversations on the Benches with colleagues instead take place outside the Chamber. There have been several instances of increased chatter during Members’ contributions. This is not only not in line with the overall good standards of courtesy in the House, but it also makes the management of the Chamber for the clerks, the noble Lord on the Woolsack and the Whips all the more difficult.

Movement around the Chamber should be limited when a Member is speaking. There are increased reports of noble Lords walking in front of Members of the House while they are making contributions. This can be distracting, makes it harder for noble Lords to be heard and is rude. No Member of this House should walk between the Woolsack and the Table at any point when the House is sitting, especially when the noble Lord on the Woolsack is speaking. It is disrespectful, and we should expect better of each other. Please do not do this. It is important that we do not restrict the ability of the noble Lord on the Woolsack and the Clerk at the Table to see each other as well as the wider House.

We have also seen increased movement around the Chamber when a Division is called, with Members jumping up straightaway. I remind colleagues that, once a Question has been put, the voting system needs to be activated before a vote can take place. So noble Lords should please wait until the noble Lord on the Woolsack has advised that voting is open, and has sat down, before proceeding to the voting Lobbies. After three minutes, when the Question is put again, both sides need to say loudly, “Content”, or “Not content”, for the vote to continue. I remind your Lordships that a microphone is on during the Divisions, and it does pick up our conversations.

While I am on my feet, I also remind noble Lords that, when you arrive in the voting Lobby, please place your pass firmly on the card reader and make sure your vote is recorded; you will get a ping and a visual confirmation that you have voted. The act of walking through the Lobby does not cast a vote; it must be recorded on the reader. Votes can be close, so try not to be the noble Lord who lost a vote for their side because they just walked through the Lobby but never actually voted. Finally, please leave the Lobby quickly after voting; do not stand behind the Tellers talking and making it harder for other noble Lords to walk through.

If we observe these simple courtesies, rules and procedures, it will improve the working of the House for everyone—Members, clerks, doorkeepers and all staff—and it will look better for the public who are watching our proceedings.