Speaker Lindsay Hoyle has confirmed new lax rules on travel expenses due to security concerns following incidents where the offices of MPs who did not support a ceasefire in last week’s vote were targeted last week. In a letter to all MPs, Hoyle said the independent expenses body, IPSA, will not disclose the details of new taxi journeys due to “security implications.” Not having to disclose taxpayer-funded taxi trips will certainly encourage MPs to jump in a cab more often…
Hoyle also pledged ramped up Met Police security outside Parliament, with a new focus on exits and entries. Might be trickier for co-conspirators to find an Uber in Westminster from now on…
Read his full letter below:
Hoyle has attacked Lord Cameron’s appointment as Foreign Secretary as soon as Commons started business today (the first great officer of state in the Lords since Thatcher’s government). He said given the “gravity of current international situation” it is”especially important that this house is able to scrutinise the work of the FCDO effectively” and that he’s commissioned the clerks to work on methods to make the new Foreign Secretary “properly accountable“. Bumpy…
Lindsay Hoyle has just drawn attention to the new commemorative shield for Sir David Amess in the Commons:
“Sir David was a dedicated constituency MP. A powerful advocate for Southend-on-Sea, which was granted city status last year in his honour. He was a committed campaigner for the causes he believed in, most notably animal welfare. And a highly respected, valued colleague known to members in all parts of the House for his kindness and generosity. And of course his friendship to all. He is sorely missed.”
A fitting tribute.
The Independent Complaints and Grievance Scheme (ICGS) has published its 5th annual report on Parliament’s working culture, and after a series of investigations, has concluded alcohol is a “frequent factor” in fuelling inappropriate “incidents” across the estate, with “blurred boundaries” between professional and personal conduct leading to bad behaviour. Certain MPs are partial to a few sherbets…
“A number of the cases included the presence of alcohol and the culture of drinking in Westminster. Alcohol was a frequent factor in incidents in bars on the parliamentary estate (leading to intimidating behaviour like shouting and swearing), external functions connected to parliamentary activities, or where colleagues socialised at bars/pubs after such events.”
Strangers’ Bar is a particular hotspot for legless legislators. In recent years, Neil Coyle and Mary Foy have made headlines for screaming obscenities after a glass or four on the terrace. Others, like Chris Pincher, Patrick Grady, and Chris Matheson have been well-oiled on or near the estate before getting into all sorts of trouble. This will inevitably lead to more calls for Parliament’s watering holes to wind back or shut down entirely, rather than barring the wrong ‘uns when they step out of line. Although the last time this suggestion came up, Speaker Lindsay Hoyle wasn’t having any of it…
Speaker Lindsay Hoyle has confirmed the House will observe a minute’s silence at 2:30 p.m. today in memory of those killed in the Hamas terrorist attacks on Israel. Hoyle sent this letter to MPs this morning:
“Dear colleagues,
I know that Members across the House will have been shocked by the recent terrorist attack on Israel by Hamas. I invite the House to stand with me and observe a minute’s silence after prayers at 2.30pm in recognition of all those innocent Israelis, Palestinians and others who have lost their lives, all those taken hostage and those affected by this conflict in the region.
Warmest wishes,
Sir Lindsay Hoyle Speaker of the House of Commons”
Rishi will make a statement at the despatch box an hour later at 3:30 p.m…
Commons Speaker Lindsay Hoyle has attacked Sunak for announcing his Net Zero changes at the podium and not at the despatch box. “This is a major policy shift”, he complained, noting that the Commons business ended early yesterday “so there was plenty of time for this statement to be made.” Guido imagines how that would have looked…
Hoyle points out that “the unelected House of Lords will have the opportunity to scrutinise this change in direction this afternoon, when it hears the government’s response to a private notice question on this issue.” Hoyle can be relied on to lead a valiant Commons crusade…
Read the full statement below:
