Business of the House Debate

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Department: Leader of the House

Business of the House

Ian Murray Excerpts
Thursday 28th March 2019

(5 years, 7 months ago)

Commons Chamber
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Ian Murray Portrait Ian Murray (Edinburgh South) (Lab)
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On 12 May, it will be the 25th anniversary since the devastating passing of the former leader of the Labour party, John Smith. I have applied to the Backbench Business Committee, chaired by my hon. Friend the Member for Gateshead (Ian Mearns), for a debate around 12 May, but given that it is a significant anniversary, I wonder whether the Leader of the House would consider providing some Government time in this place so that we can commemorate the death of John Smith properly.

Andrea Leadsom Portrait Andrea Leadsom
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I certainly join the hon. Gentleman in having fond memories of the late John Smith and I applaud him for raising that in this Chamber. I will of course look at this, but he will appreciate that there are often calls for Government debates to pay tribute to particular individuals and it is not always possible to offer time.