Point of Order

John Bercow Excerpts

Tuesday 5th July 2016 Commons Chamber

[Valerie Vaz (Walsall South) (Lab)]

Further to that point of order, Mr Speaker—

[Mr Speaker]

I will come to the hon. Lady’s point of order, but first let me say that although that is a relatively unconventional way of expressing appreciation, the Minister of State was typically courteous in signalling in advance to me his wish to do so, and I simply want to say to the right hon. Gentleman—I think I can say it without fear of contradiction, and it was evident from the response to his point—that he is an extremely popular and respected Minister who commands widespread affection and loyalty in all parts of the House. We very much look forward to his continuing contributions, albeit in the future from the Back Benches. I thank him for what he said and the way in which he said it.

[Valerie Vaz]

Exactly on that point, Mr Speaker, may I, on behalf of everyone on the Opposition Benches, pay tribute to the right hon. Gentleman? He has been an absolutely fantastic Minister and he is a brilliant MP. Long may he continue.

[Mr Speaker]

That is extremely welcome and I thank the hon. Lady for what she has said.