PARLIAMENTARY DEBATE
Points of Order - 14 November 2024 (Commons/Commons Chamber)

On a point of order, Madam Deputy Speaker. I crave your indulgence. As you rightly point out, nearly 60 colleagues asked for debates or statements. I gently remind colleagues that forms for Backbench Business debates are available in the Vote Office, on the website and on MemberHub. If any colleague wishes to have any advice, the Backbench Business Committee is here to help.

The Chair of the Backbench Business Committee will know that that was not a real or appropriate point of order, but I appreciate his desire to ensure that Back Benchers can raise local issues in all the sections of the estate, so I am grateful to him.

On a point of order, Madam Deputy Speaker. As a member of the Procedure Committee, I was concerned about media reports overnight and this morning that the Chancellor will, this evening, make a major announcement about public sector pensions. Given recent communications from the Chair, including by you, Madam Deputy Speaker, will you advise me on how the Chancellor’s statement could be made to this House first?

I thank the hon. Gentleman for giving notice of his intention to raise this point of order. Mr Speaker has not received notice of the Government’s intention to make a statement on this subject today. I would add that Mr Speaker has repeatedly made it clear that Ministers must make important policy statements to this House first, in accordance with the Government’s own ministerial code. No doubt those messages have now been heard.