Speaker of the House of Commons: A look back at the past week

On Tuesday, the Speaker of the House of Commons, Sir Lindsay Hoyle, welcomed senior rabbis and leaders within the Orthodox Jewish community in London to Speaker's House. It was an opportunity to celebrate Passover.

The Speaker also attended The Big Iftar hosted by the APPG of British Muslims in Speaker's House. People and politicians of all faiths and parties came together to celebrate the breaking of the Ramadan fast.

The Speaker also chaired a Statement by the Prime Minister as well as two Ministerial Statements in the Commons chamber.

On Wednesday, the Speaker welcomed His Excellency Mr. Varuzhan Nersesyan, Ambassador of the Republic of Armenia to the House of Commons. The meeting provided an opportunity to discuss the deepening of the Armenia-UK bilateral relations and interparliamentary ties.

The Speaker also chaired Prime Minister's Questions, as well as further business in the Chamber.

In the evening the Speaker attended a reception celebrating 30 years in Parliament for MPs first elected in 1992.

On Thursday, the Speaker welcomed the Speaker of the Senate of Canada, The Honourable George J. Furey, Q.C. The meeting provided an opportunity to discuss the good relationship between the UK and Canada.

The Speaker also chaired the debate on a Privilege Motion.

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

Statement: Global Migration Challenge
Statement: Easter Recess: Government Update
Statement: Energy Security Strategy
Motion: Referral of Prime Minister to Committee of Privileges

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.

19 April

Mr Speaker welcomed senior rabbis and leaders within the Orthodox Jewish community in London to celebrate Passover

Speaker holding a box of Matzos in photo with Passover delegation

Mr Speaker attended The Big Iftar hosted by the APPG of British Muslims in Speaker's House

People and politicians of all faiths and parties came together to celebrate the breaking of the Ramadan fast with food provided by one of the UK's most prominent chefs, Asma Khan.

Mr Speaker chaired a Statement by the Prime Minister: Easter Recess: Government Update

20 April

Mr Speaker welcomed His Excellency Mr. Varuzhan Nersesyan, Ambassador of the Republic of Armenia

_{Armenia’s ambassador to the UK told the Speaker of the House of Commons he is on a mission to attract more British tourists to his country.}

_{His Excellency Varuzhan Nersesyan said Armenia, which is located at the crossroads of Eastern Europe and Western Asia, also wants to increase trade with the UK.}

_{He made the comments during a meeting with Sir Lindsay Hoyle as part of his Speaker-led diplomacy to establish enduring ties between countries and parliamentarians.}

_{Mr Nersesyan said he hoped Brits would enjoy visiting Armenia, home to one of the earliest Christian civilisations, and famed for its ancient culture and wine.}

_{He said at least one UK bank and a number of pharmaceutical companies had already based themselves in the country, and he hoped to use his ambassadorship to attract other businesses too.}