Speaker of the House of Commons: A look back
21 November - 27 November 2022
On Monday, the Speaker of the House of Commons, Sir Lindsay Hoyle, chaired Chamber business including two Urgent Questions on COP27 and Newport Wafer Fab.
Later that day the Speaker spoke at the launch of the new Parliament Thematic Research Leads. The Parliamentary Office of Science & Technology together with the Economic and Social Research Council appointed three new Thematic Research Leads. This brings together academic rigour and parliamentary scrutiny, cementing the connection between Parliamentary and research communities, ensuring a strong evidence base for debate and legislation.
The Speaker also hosted a Disability History Month reception in the state apartments.
On Tuesday, the Speaker welcomed to the House of Commons, His Excellency Mr. Ulan Djusupov, Ambassador from Kyrgyzstan.
The Speaker also gave a welcome address to the President of South Africa His Excellency Cyril Ramaphosa who visited Parliament.
On Wednesday, the Speaker chaired Prime Minister's Questions, as well as further business in the Chamber.
During the afternoon, the Speaker hosted a Lancashire Day reception in the state apartments.
In the evening, the Speaker hosted ITV Coronation Street and Emmerdale cast members, writers, directors and crew to the state apartments. This year marks half a century of Emmerdale and 63 years of Coronation Street.
On Thursday, the Speaker welcomed pupils from 18 schools from across Chorley to visit Parliament for a tour and Q&A session ahead of Lancashire Day.
During the week, the following business took place in the Chamber:
- Urgent Question: COP27
- Urgent Question: Newport Wafer Fab
- Urgent Question: Solihull Murders
- Statement: Nuclear Test Veterans: Medals
- Urgent Question: Scottish Referendum Legislation: Supreme Court Decision
- Urgent Question: Hotel Asylum Accommodation: Local Authority Consultation
- Urgent Question; Covid-19: PPE Procurement
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.
21 November
Disability History Month reception
The Speaker used his first ever celebration of Disability History Month to hail the success of the Wheelchair and Physical Disability Rugby League World Cup squads.
22 November
Welcoming His Excellency Mr. Ulan Djusupov, Ambassador from Kyrgyzstan
The Speaker welcomed His Excellency Mr. Ulan Djusupov, Ambassador from Kyrgyzstan. Marking 30 years of diplomatic relations between UK and Kyrgyzstan, they discussed shared hopes of strengthening and developing ties between the two countries.
State visit from President of South Africa His Excellency Cyril Ramaphosa
The President of South Africa His Excellency Cyril Ramaphosa addressed both Houses in the Royal Gallery of the House of Lords.
On 11 July 1996, President Nelson Mandela addressed both Houses in Westminster Hall. In his welcome address, Speaker Hoyle said:
"We are proud that, just over 25 years later, the President of a free, democratic, South Africa addresses us once again."
23 November
Prime Ministers Questions took place - Click here to catch up with Wednesday 23 November's PMQs
Lancashire Day reception
Over 200 guests from across politics, business and civil society in Lancashire attended the Speakers State Apartments for a reception to celebrate all things Lancashire on Wednesday.
Lancashire Day takes place every year on the 27th of November and commemorates 727 years since elected representatives from the county first went to Westminster.
Supporting Diabetes UK
The Speaker met with Diabetes UK Campaign Champions to find out more about the challenges facing one in 14 people in the UK who live with diabetes. As a type 1 diabetic, the Speaker supports the need to continually improve diabetes care for all and prevention through further research.
Celebrating ITV Coronation Street and Emmerdale
The Speaker was proud to welcome ITV Coronation Street and Emmerdale cast members, writers, directors and crew to the state apartments. This year marks half a century of Emmerdale and 63 years of Coronation Street. Two of Britain's most well-known institutions - both exports from the North.
24 November
Welcoming pupils from 18 schools from across Chorley ahead of Lancashire Day
Ahead of Lancashire Day, the Speaker was delighted to welcome pupils from 18 schools from across Chorley to visit Parliament, and the state apartments for a tour and workshop. The Speaker enjoyed answering the many questions the pupils had in their Q&A sessions with him.
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