Speaker of the House of Commons: A look back

Visit to the Falkland Islands to mark its 40th anniversary

On the week of May 23rd, the Speaker of the House of Commons, Sir Lindsay Hoyle visited the Falkland Islands to mark the 40th anniversary of its liberation from Argentine forces. This was the Speaker Lindsay Hoyle's second visit to the overseas territory and the first ever by the Speaker of the House of Commons.

Speaker Lindsay Hoyle was honoured to be invited by Speaker Keith Biles to address the Falkland Islands Legislative Assembly.

The visit provided an opportunity to meet with His Excellency The Governor of the Falkland Islands, Nigel Phillips CBE, and members of the Legislative Assembly.

Speaker Lindsay Hoyle laid a wreath at the Liberation Monument and attended a ceremony marking the 40th anniversary of the liberation of Goose Green to pay tribute to the veterans, their families and all those who perished in the campaign to liberate the islands.

The Speaker also visited Mount Pleasant Complex where he met with service personnel and offered his thanks for their continued service and protection of the Falkland Islands right to self-determination.

Marking the Queen's Platinum Jubilee

Speaker Lindsay Hoyle lit a Platinum Jubilee Beacon on behalf of the House of Commons, joining communities throughout the UK, Channel Islands, Isle of Man, UK Overseas Territories and the Commonwealth in marking first day of the four-day Jubilee weekend.

The Palace of Westminster also joined in the Jubilee festivities by being illuminated purple as Her Majesty The Queen celebrated her 70th year on the throne.

On Monday 6th June the House returned from Whitsun recess

On Monday, the Speaker presided over Chamber business including granting three Urgent Questions.

On Tuesday, the Speaker welcome Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal to attend a special Beating Retreat ceremony by HM Royal Marines in Speaker’s Court to mark the 40th anniversary of the Falkland Islands conflict.

On Wednesday, the Speaker chaired Prime Minister's Questions, as well as a Statement in the Chamber on the Review into Health and Social Care Leadership.

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

Urgent Question: North Sea Oil and Gas Producers: Investment Allowances
Urgent Question: Champions League Final: Paris
Urgent Question: Violence against Religious Groups: Nigeria
Opposition Day
Statement: Health and Social Care Leadership Review
Urgent Question: Northern Ireland Protocol: First Treasury Counsel

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.

7 June

Beating Retreat ceremony

The Speaker of the House of Commons played host to Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal during a special Beating Retreat ceremony to commemorate the 40^th anniversary of the Falkland Islands conflict.

The Band of Her Majesty’s Royal Marines marched through two arches from New Palace Yard to perform a spectacular pageant of music ahead of a reception held for veterans in Speaker’s House.

The Princess Royal took the Salute before she was introduced to Major General Julian Thompson, CB, OBE, a former Royal Marines officer who commanded 3 Commando Brigade during the conflict.