Question

To ask the hon. Member for Blaenau Gwent and Rhymney, representing the House of Commons Commission, what the Commission's policy is on objecting to applications received by Westminster City Council for loudspeaker consent in Parliament Square when the House is sitting.

Decisions over loudspeaker consent in Parliament Square are handled by the Serjeant at Arms. Each application is considered on a case-by-case basis and takes into consideration the sitting of the House and Committees, other business planned for the day, the location of the loudspeaker equipment, noise level from equipment and other considerations pertinent to the particular case. The House authorities recognise the importance of legitimate protest to our democracy; they also have a responsibility to ensure that the House is able to transact its business effectively.