Point of Order

Caroline Nokes Excerpts

Tuesday 14th April 2026 Commons Chamber

[Helen Hayes (Dulwich and West Norwood) (Lab)]

On a point of order, Madam Deputy Speaker. I was told by a journalist today that the members of the shadow Cabinet had visited my constituency this morning. I understand that they may have gone there to clean some graffiti off a privately owned wall, but while I am grateful for their efforts, I believe they are mistaken if they think that this altruistic act will in any way make up for the swingeing cuts in the budgets of my local authorities that took place on their watch. I received notifications from only two Conservative Members that they were visiting my constituency, and one of them was given after the event. May I seek your advice, Madam Deputy Speaker, on how I can find out exactly which members of the Shadow Cabinet visited my constituency this morning without following the required protocol of notifying me in advance of their visit?

[Madam Deputy Speaker (Caroline Nokes)]

I thank the hon. Member for her point of order. Perhaps it will be instructive for all Members if I refer to the book of courtesies of the House, point 44 of which states very clearly:

“Members must inform colleagues in advance whenever: … A Member intends to visit another colleague’s constituency (except for purely private purposes).

All reasonable efforts should be taken to notify the other Member and failure to do so is rightly regarded by colleagues as very discourteous.”

I am sure that the Opposition Whips have heard the hon. Lady’s point of order, and will be drawing it to the attention of the shadow Cabinet.