On a point of order, Madam Deputy Speaker. On Wednesday 21 January, before my contribution to the debate on the Northern Ireland remedial order, I omitted to refer to my entry in the Register of Members’ Financial Interests. That was an oversight, as it includes a declaration of a major contribution from Sir Michael Gooley in support of the campaign to protect military veterans from lawfare, for which I am the custodian. That was a mistake on my part, for which I obviously apologise to the House.
I thank the right hon. Member for giving notice of his point of order. He has now drawn the House’s attention to his relevant declaration in the register.
On a point of order, Madam Deputy Speaker. Since 2017, Members’ hands have been tied when it comes to amending the Finance Bill because successive Governments have failed to include a general amendment of the law as the first resolution, which for centuries allowed unrestricted amendment of the Budget. For example, a Back-Bench amendment to the 1977 Finance Bill forced the Government to index income tax personal allowances against inflation—something that is topical now. That sort of change is much more difficult under the current arrangements. The Hansard Society and I have both written to the Chief Whip about this matter, but can you provide advice on how the House can ensure that in future years we can recover those fundamental rights that have been arrogated by the Government?
There is no matter of order for the Chair arising from the absence of an amendment of the law motion. As the right hon. Member notes, there has been no such motion after a Budget since at least 2017; that has had no effect on the scope of debate. The reasons for, and the implications of, the absence of an amendment of the law resolution are themselves a proper matter for debate.
(1 year, 5 months ago)
Commons ChamberI remind Members that these are topical questions, so can we have short questions and short answers?