Speaker of the House of Commons: A look back
28 November - 4 December 2022
On Monday, the Speaker of the House of Commons, Sir Lindsay Hoyle chaired Chamber business including a statement on the Manston Update following news of the death of an individual who had been staying at the Manston processing site, caused by an infectious disease.
On Tuesday morning the Speaker welcomed the Speaker of the Parliament of Finland, Matti Vanhanen, to the House of Commons. This was followed by a meeting with the Speaker of the Turks and Caicos Islands House of Assembly, Gordon Burton.
In the afternoon, the Speaker was honoured to welcome to the House of Commons, the First Lady of Ukraine, Olena Zelenska who gave a talk on violence against women during conflict and opened an exhibition in Portcullis House entitled 'Russian War Crimes'.
On Wednesday morning, the Speaker welcomed the Ambassador of Iraq, Mr Mohammad Jaafar Al-Sadr to the House of Commons for an introductory meeting.
The Speaker chaired Prime Minister's Questions, as well as further business in the Chamber.
The Speaker also chaired the British Group Inter-Parliamentary Union Annual General Meeting.
From Thursday - Sunday, the Speaker travelled to Gibraltar to fulfil his role as Chancellor of the University of Gibraltar, attending a graduation ceremony congratulating new graduates. The Speaker also attended bi-lateral meetings with parliamentarians and other officials.
During the weekend the Houses of Parliament were lit up in purple to mark the International Day of Persons with Disabilities.
During the week, the following business took place in the Chamber:
- Urgent Question: Independent Cultural Review of London Fire Brigade
- Urgent Question: Saudi Arabia: Death Penalty and Spike in Executions
- Statement: Manston Update
- Urgent Question: Anti-lockdown Protest in Shanghai: Arrest and Assault of Edward Lawrence
- Statement: Energy Security
- Urgent Question: Independent Adviser on Ministerial Interests
- Urgent Question: Energy Bills Support Scheme: Northern Ireland
- Statement: Prison Capacity
- Urgent Question: Rail Cancellations and Service Levels
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.
29 November
Welcoming the Speaker of the Parliament of Finland, Matti Vanhanen
The Speaker was glad to welcome to Speaker's House, the Speaker of the Finnish Parliament, the Suomen Eduskunta.
Mr Speaker and Speaker Matti Vanhanen discussed strengthening parliamentary relations and bilateral relations. They also discussed the significance of the signing of Finland's application for NATO membership.
Welcoming the Speaker of the Turks and Caicos Islands House of Assembly, Gordon Burton
The Speaker was pleased to welcome to Speaker's House, Gordon Burton, the Speaker of the Turks and Caicos Islands Legislative Assembly.
Mr Speaker and Speaker Burton discussed Speaker Burton being in London for the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association Overseas Territories Forum.
First Lady of Ukraine, Olena Zelenska visited Parliament for a talk on violence against women during conflict
The Speaker was honoured to welcome the First Lady of Ukraine, Olena Zelenska, who gave a talk on violence against women during conflict.
During a speech welcoming Ukraine’s First Lady Olena Zelenska to Parliament, Sir Lindsay Hoyle said it was the UK’s "duty … to keep shaking the world awake to the horrors Russia is perpetrating".
Sir Lindsay was joined by the Lord Speaker, Lord McFall, in welcoming the First Lady to Parliament, before she addressed MPs and peers, and opened a graphic exhibition of photos, entitled ‘Russian War Crimes’.
30 November
Welcoming the Ambassador of Iraq, Mr Mohammad Jaafar Al-Sadr
The Speaker welcomed the Ambassador of Iraq, Mr Mohammad Jaafar Al-Sadr to the House of Commons. Mr Speaker thanked the Ambassador for gifting the flag of Iraq during the introductory meeting, which provided a good opportunity to discuss the recently elected parliament in Iraq.
Prime Ministers Questions took place - Click here to catch up with Wednesday 30 November's PMQs
Chairing the British Group- Inter-Parliamentary Union Annual General Meeting
The BGIPU AGM was held on Wednesday 30 November in the IPU Room with Mr Speaker in the Chair. The 2022 Annual Report was adopted and a new Executive Committee for 2022/23 was elected.
1 December
Speaker travelled to Gibraltar to fulfil his role as Chancellor of the University of Gibraltar
Last year the Speaker was honoured to be installed as the Chancellor of the University of Gibraltar. This year he returned to take part in the 2022 graduation ceremony congratulating new graduates.
Upon his arrival in Gibraltar, the Speaker was welcomed by the Governor, His Excellency Sir David Steel, and the Chief Minister and Deputy Chief Minister. The Speaker was also glad to meet with the Speaker of the Gibraltar Parliament, the Hon Melvyn Farrell, and enjoyed discussions with the President and Vice President of the Gibraltar Chamber of Commerce
3 December
Parliament was illuminated purple for the International Day of Persons with Disabilities
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