Business of the House

Mary Glindon Excerpts
Thursday 1st February 2024

(9 months, 3 weeks ago)

Commons Chamber
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Mary Glindon Portrait Mary Glindon (North Tyneside) (Lab)
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Happy birthday, Madam Deputy Speaker.

Over the last few weeks, this House has seen a rise in absenteeism among senior Ministers. There has been a debate on steel with no Secretary of State and nothing from the Education Secretary on the childcare crisis. Does the Leader of the House agree that that is an unacceptable way for her colleagues to treat this House?

Penny Mordaunt Portrait Penny Mordaunt
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I will certainly make sure that the relevant Departments have heard what the hon. Lady has said, but I disagree with her: whether it is a statement, attendance at questions or making Ministers available for urgent questions, I am not aware of any incident where the relevant Minister has not been present.