Business of the House

Andrea Leadsom Excerpts

Tuesday 15th January 2019 Commons Chamber

[The Leader of the House of Commons (Andrea Leadsom)]

I am extraordinarily grateful, Mr Speaker—[Laughter.]

[Mr Speaker]

To be honest, I do not really mind whether the Leader of the House is grateful or not, but she has the chance.

[Andrea Leadsom]

Thank you for that clarification, Mr Speaker.

With permission, I should like to make a short business statement regarding the business for tomorrow and the remainder of this week.

Wednesday 16 January—The House will be asked to consider a motion of no confidence in Her Majesty’s Government under section 2(4) of the Fixed-term Parliaments Act 2011, in the name of the Leader of the Opposition.

Thursday 17 January—Debate on a motion on mental health first aid in the workplace, followed by a general debate on children’s social care in England. The subjects for these debates were determined by the Backbench Business Committee.

I shall make a further business statement in the usual way on Thursday.

[Mr Speaker]

I remind the House that the supplementary business statement is subject to questioning, but its terms are comparatively narrow, and I implore Members to recognise the implication and spirit of that fact.

[Pete Wishart (Perth and North Perthshire) (SNP)]

I wonder whether we can confirm that the whole day’s business tomorrow will be given to the vote of no confidence. According to the Fixed-term Parliaments Act 2011, there is only a requirement for an hour and a half—[Interruption.] The Government Chief Whip is nodding his head, so I am sufficiently persuaded that that will be the case.

[Andrea Leadsom]

Yes, subject to the agreement of the House.

[Mr Speaker]

It would be useful to know the timings. Ordinarily, the Chair is approached about these matters, which is the sensible way to deal with them. We need to know the timings, and I hope that the right hon. Lady will either be able to advise now or confer with colleagues later in the evening, so that there is clarity on that matter and we will all be very satisfied.

[Andrea Leadsom]

I can confirm that your office, Mr Speaker, has the proposal for a business motion tomorrow that proposes that the debate take place over the whole day, until 7 pm.

[Mr Speaker]

I am grateful.