Speaker’s Statement

John Bercow Excerpts

Wednesday 20th July 2011 Commons Chamber

[Mr Speaker]

I have a short statement to make.

I was very concerned at the incident in the Culture, Media and Sport Committee hearing yesterday. It is wholly unacceptable for a member of the public to treat, and to be able to treat, a witness in this way. It is all the more regrettable that such an incident should happen at a time when, particularly over the last few days, the work of this House and its Committees has enhanced the reputation of Parliament.

I have immediately set in hand an expert investigation into what took place, the reasons for the security failure and the lessons to be learned. This investigation will be entirely independent of the House authorities.