Speaker of the House of Commons: A look back

On Monday, the Speaker of the House, Sir Lindsay Hoyle officially reopened Elizabeth Tower to the public. In the afternoon, the Speaker chaired Chamber business including Questions to the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions.

On Wednesday morning, the Speaker welcomed to the House of Commons, Ukrainian Ambassador to the UK, His Excellency Vadym Prystaiko.

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

On Thursday, the Speaker travelled to Japan for the 21st G7 Speaker’s Conference in Tokyo.

On Friday and Saturday, the Speaker attended sessions of the G7 Speaker’s Conference on this year’s key topics are Russia's aggression against Ukraine and energy security and international cooperation.

The Speaker also held bilateral meetings with his G7 counterparts, Chairman of the Ukrainian Verkhovna Rada, His Excellency Dr Ruslan Stefanchuk, President of the French National Assembly, Yaël Braun-Pivet, President of the European Parliament, Roberta Metsola, President of the Italian Chamber of Deputies, Lorenzo Fontana, and Speaker of the US House of Representatives, Kevin McCarthy.

During the week, the other business in the Chamber included:

• Statement: Inquiry into Countess of Chester Hospital
• Statement: Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (RAAC) guidance
• Swearing in new MPs: Keir Mather, Steve Tuckwell and Sarah Dyke
• Opposition Day: Safety of School Buildings
• Statement: Work Capability Assessment Consultation
• Statement: Illegal Migration update

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

Bilateral meetings at the G7 Speaker’s Conference

Bilateral meeting with the Chairman of the Ukrainian Verkhovna Rada

The Speaker met with the Chairman of the Ukrainian Verkhovna Rada, HE Dr Ruslan Stefanchuk, who was invited to attend this year’s G7 Speaker’s Conference. During their bilateral meeting they discussed the continued support of Parliament for democracy and peace in Ukraine.

Bilateral meeting with the President of the French National Assembly

The Speaker met with the President of the French National Assembly, Yaël Braun-Pivet, during their bilateral meeting they discussed parliamentary relations between the UK and France are celebrated the increased cooperation.

Bilateral meeting with the President of the European Parliament

The Speaker met with the President of the European Parliament, Roberta Metsola, as the G7 Speaker’s travelled to Kyoto. During their meeting they discussed how they can strengthen democracy through their respective parliaments and about UK and EU support for Ukraine.

Bilateral meeting with the President of the Italian Chamber of Deputies

The Speaker met with the President of the Italian Chamber of Deputies, Lorenzo Fontana, during their meeting they discussed the strong relationship their nations share and looked ahead to Italy hosting the next G7 Speaker’s Conference in 2024.

Bilateral meeting with the Speaker of the US House of Representatives

The Speaker met with the Speaker of the US House of Representatives, Kevin McCarthy, during their meeting they discussed how their nations’ legislatures are working hard to support Ukraine as well as the challenges faced around energy security as a result of Russia’s aggression.