Speaker of the House of Commons: A look back

On Monday, the Speaker of the House, Sir Lindsay Hoyle chaired Chamber business including Questions to the Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities.

On Tuesday morning, the Speaker welcomed the Mexican Ambassador, Josefa Gonzalez Blanco, to Speaker's House. During the afternoon the Speaker welcomed the Philippine Senate President, Juan Miguel “Migz” Zubiri.

In the evening, the Speaker spoke at the 2023 Anti-Slavery Awards in Speaker’s House, to recognise the outstanding work that is being done to fight modern slavery.

On Wednesday morning, the Speaker welcomed to the House of Commons President of the Italian Chamber of Deputies, Lorenzo Fontana. The Speaker also hosted a visit from the National Symphony Orchestra of Ukraine.

In the afternoon, the Speaker chaired Chamber business including Prime Minister's Questions.

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

Statement: Israel and Gaza
Statement: Prison Capacity Update
Statement: Transport Update
Statement: Reaching Net Zero by 2050
Backbench debates: Birth trauma and Baby Loss Awareness Week

Find out more about Chamber business which took place during the week . Find out more about the Speaker's role in the Chamber.

17 October

Welcoming the Mexican Ambassador

The Speaker welcomed the Mexican Ambassador to the UK, Josefa Gonzalez Blanco, to Speaker’s House. In this 200th year of diplomatic ties between the UK and Mexico they spoke about how our legislatures can work together even further.

©UK Parliament/Andy Bailey

©UK Parliament/Maria Unger

Welcoming the Philippine Senate President

The Speaker welcomed the Philippine Senate President, Juan Miguel “Migz” Zubiri, to Parliament as part of a British Group Inter-Parliamentary Union (BGIPU), the official national group representing UK parliamentarians in the Inter-Parliamentary Union, visit to the UK. During the meeting they discussed the strong links between British and Filipino people and how we can continue to enhance our parliamentary ties.

©UK Parliament/Maria Unger

2023 Anti-Slavery Awards reception

The Speaker attended and spoke at the 2023 Anti-Slavery Awards reception in Speaker’s House. The Speaker joined the Human Trafficking Foundation and MPs to recognise the outstanding work that is being done to fight modern slavery.

©UK Parliament/Maria Unger

18 October

Welcoming the President of the Italian Chamber of Deputies

The Speaker was pleased to welcome Lorenzo Fontana, President of the Italian Chamber of Deputies, to Speaker’s House. During the visit they discussed the strong relationship between the House of Commons and the Italian Chamber of Deputies and looked ahead to Italy hosting the G7 next year.

©UK Parliament/Maria Unger

Hosting the National Symphony Orchestra of Ukraine

The Speaker hosted the National Symphony Orchestra of Ukraine in Speaker’s House as they began a tour of the UK to showcase Ukrainian music. The orchestra also played two pieces as part of an impromptu performance to MPs and members of the parliamentary community.

©UK Parliament/Andy Bailey

©UK Parliament/ Maria Unger

Black History Month reception

The Speaker hosted a reception for parliamentary staff, MPs and invited guests to mark Black History Month and celebrate our sisters in honour of this year’s theme ‘Saluting our sisters’. The reception gave the attendees an opportunity to reflect on those who had had their contributions ignored and voices silenced in the past.

17 October

Welcoming the Mexican Ambassador

Welcoming the Philippine Senate President

2023 Anti-Slavery Awards reception

18 October

Welcoming the President of the Italian Chamber of Deputies

Hosting the National Symphony Orchestra of Ukraine

Black History Month reception

Prime Ministers Questions took place - Click here to catch up with Wednesday 18 October’s PMQs