Speaker's Statement

The Speaker of the House of Commons has delivered a statement at the start of the new parliamentary session, reminding Members of their duties and responsibilities. The Speaker began by emphasizing the importance of adhering to the code of conduct and behavior code, and warned that unacceptable behavior will be dealt with seriously and independently. The Speaker then discussed the privilege of freedom of speech enjoyed by Members, stressing that it must be exercised responsibly. Members are expected to be accurate in their contributions and correct any mistakes as soon as possible. The Speaker does not have the power to police the accuracy of Members' statements, but encourages them to submit written correspondence to Hansard to amend errors of fact. Regarding courtesy and temperate language, the Speaker drew attention to the guidance on rules of behavior and courtesies in the House of Commons. Members should address the Chair rather than each other directly, and should remain in the Chamber for at least the next two speeches or two substantive questions after their own. The Speaker acknowledged that new Members may need time to familiarize themselves with the conventions of the House, and promised to take that into account. The Speaker also addressed the use of mobile phones in the House, stating that it is a privilege and Members should be mindful of when they need and use them. The Speaker urged Members to study the guidance carefully and seek advice if needed. On the criticism of other Members, the Speaker emphasized that as "honourable Members," the language used should reflect that. If a Member falls short of the expected standards, there are appropriate ways to address it, not through accusations made during questions or debates. The Speaker expressed the importance of treating each other with respect, as it not only diminishes the work of the House but also risks raising the temperature of discussions outside the Chamber, particularly on social media. The Speaker also discussed the importance of Members being able to raise matters with the Speaker freely, and assured that such correspondence is kept confidential. The Speaker also provided advice on seeking to speak in the Chamber, noting that factors such as how often a Member speaks are taken into account when determining who to call. Finally, the Speaker addressed the issue of security, emphasizing the duty of all Members and the parliamentary community to be vigilant and assist in maintaining the building as a safe place of work. The Speaker acknowledged the tragic loss of two Members in their constituencies and reiterated the importance of following all security measures to ensure the safety of Members, their families, and their staff. The Speaker concluded by expressing best wishes to all Members and the staff who have facilitated the transition to the new session, and encouraged everyone to enjoy the next session.