Speaker of the House of Commons: A look back

13 June - 19 June 2022

On Monday, the Speaker of the House of Commons, Sir Lindsay Hoyle, presided over Chamber business including urgent questions and statements.

In the afternoon, the Speaker welcomed 125 new recruits from the Gurkha Brigade to the House of Commons as part of an educational visit.

In the evening, the Speaker was proud to sign a pledge to support female staff going through the menopause.

On Wednesday, the Speaker chaired Prime Minister's Questions and further business in the Chamber.

The Speaker also made a statement in the Chamber to mark the sixth anniversary of the death of friend and colleague - Jo Cox - who was murdered on her way to meet constituents in her Batley and Spen constituency.

In the afternoon, to mark the 40th anniversary of the liberation of the Falkland Islands, the Speaker attended a special service in St Margaret’s Church remembering those who perished in the campaign to liberate the Falklands.

In the evening, the Speaker attended a reception to celebrate the UEFA Women's Euro 2022 - which is being hosted in England this summer. Guests included Baroness Sue Campbell, the FA’s Director of Women’s Football, and former professional footballer Fara Williams MBE.

On Thursday, the Speaker welcomed the Palestinian Ambassador to the UK, Dr Husam Zomlot to the House of Commons.

During the week, the following business took place in the Chamber:

  • Urgent Question: UK Gross Domestic Product
  • Urgent Question: Asylum Seekers: Removal to Rwanda
  • Statement: Government Food Strategy
  • Opposition Day
  • Statement: Migration and Economic Development Partnership with Rwanda
  • Urgent Question: Independent Adviser on Ministers’ Interests Resignation
  • Statement: Ukraine Update
  • Statement: Private Rented Sector

The Speaker also presided over further business in the Chamber. Find out more about Chamber business which took place during the week.

Find out more about the Speaker's role in the Chamber.

13 June

Welcoming 125 new recruits from the Gurkha Brigade

The Speaker welcomed the Gurkha Brigade to the House of Commons, as part of an educational visit to learn about how UK Parliament functions.

The Gurkhas have served the British Crown for more than 200 years, and the Speaker was proud to meet with the 125 new recruits.

Signing of the menopause workplace pledge

The Speaker was proud to sign a pledge to support female staff going through the menopause.
Mariella Frostrup, Penny Lancaster, Lisa Snowdon and MP Carolyn Harris joined the Commons Speaker as he pledged to introduce measures to make life easier for those experiencing menopause symptoms on the parliamentary estate.

More than one million women in the UK feel under pressure to quit their jobs due to menopause symptoms. Yet many women in their 40s and 50s – when most people experience the menopause – are at the top of their game in terms of work.

Mr Speaker hopes that simple adjustments in the workplace and working patterns will create a better environment for menopausal women in Parliament. These could include:

  • Well-ventilated rooms and access to fans
  • Encouraging staff to talk about the menopause
  • Flexible working
  • Breathable uniforms
  • Advice from on-site clinical nurses and occupational health team
  • Time off for related appointments
  • Training for managers
  • Menopause awareness events and cafes.

“I value my female colleagues and staff, and I do not want them avoiding promotion or leaving Parliament because of the symptoms they are experiencing," Sir Lindsay said.

 “I also want to break the taboo – just as we did with mental health issues – and get everyone in our parliamentary village talking about the menopause and offering support for those going through it.

“After all, we men are the husbands, brothers, sons and colleagues of those facing the menopause, so it is particularly important that we are onboard as allies to offer our support and understanding.”

At an event in Speaker’s House, Sir Lindsay paid tribute to Swansea East MP, Carolyn Harris, and the TV presenters for using their platforms and own personal experiences of the menopause "to change attitudes".

He also urged all 649 of his MP colleagues to sign the pledge for staff in their Commons and constituency offices.

Ms Harris said she "was thrilled" Mr Speaker had signed the ‘Wellbeing of Women Menopause Workplace Pledge’ which commits the House of Commons Service to recognising, talking about and supporting employees going through the menopause.

“It is so important employers recognise the impact that the menopause can have on women and the difference their support and understanding can make,” she said.

“Mr Speaker’s commitment in signing the pledge signals the House of Commons position as a progressive and supportive employer, and I couldn’t be more delighted about that.”

15 June

Prime Ministers Questions took place - Click here to catch up with Wednesday 15 June's PMQs

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40th anniversary of the liberation of the Falkland Islands

To mark the 40th anniversary of the liberation of the Falkland Islands, the Speaker attended a special service in St Margaret’s Church remembering those who perished in the campaign to liberate the Falklands.

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UEFA Women's Euro 2022 reception

The Speaker attended and spoke at a reception to celebrate and promote the UEFA Women's Euro 2022 - which is being hosted in England this summer. Guests included Baroness Sue Campbell, the FA’s Director of Women’s Football, and former professional footballer Fara Williams MBE.

The tournament will be held in nine 'host cities' across the country, from 6th-31st July. It is hoped it will increase interest in women's football and inspire girls across the country to play football moving towards the ambition of the Football Association for all girls to have equal access to football in schools and clubs by 2024.

The Speaker was presented with a football shirt which read 'Speaker 1'.

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16 June

Welcoming the Palestinian Ambassador

The Speaker welcomed Dr Husam Zomlot, Ambassador of Palestine to the House of Commons. The meeting provided an opportunity to discuss bilateral relations.

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