British Indian Ocean Territory: Negotiations

In the House of Commons, a minister addressed the government's practice of making major announcements during parliamentary recesses, which the speaker finds frustrating for members on both sides of the House. The minister acknowledged that the government's business continues during recess and that ministers must respond to events in the UK and globally. However, the speaker expressed disappointment that significant planned announcements were scheduled when the House was not sitting, particularly towards the end of recess. The speaker appreciated the government informing them directly of developments on some issues, but argued that this does not substitute for informing the House. The speaker stated that if the announcements made towards the end of the previous week had been delayed until after the weekend, members would have had the first opportunity to question the Secretary of State, rather than learning about it through the media. The minister was urged to come to the House to announce policies in the first instance, even if that means waiting a few days. The speaker dismissed the excuse that there was an election elsewhere in the world, asserting that it is the elected members of this House whom they represent, not events happening elsewhere.