Brain Tumours: Research and Treatment

Douglas Alexander Excerpts

Thursday 8th May 2025 Commons Chamber

[Mr Speaker]

I believe we are now coming to the statement.

[The Minister for Trade Policy and Economic Security (Mr Douglas Alexander)]

On a point of order, Mr Speaker. It had been the intention of the Government to make a statement to the House this afternoon immediately following the scheduled press conference by the US President and the words of our own Prime Minister. Both of those sets of remarks were delayed, with the result that, at this relatively late hour, the Government would now suggest respectfully to you that it would be more courteous to the House to be able to provide all Members with the opportunity for a full statement on Monday. If that does not—

[Mr Speaker]

Order. The Government have to come forward with a statement. They converted an urgent question to a statement this morning, so a statement has to be made. What the Minister says cannot be done on a point of order, as that would be unfair. I understand that people were going around telling Members to go home as there would be no statement, because Downing Street had decided that. We do not do business like this: it is totally wrong. To give him the benefit of the doubt, I am sure he would like to update the House on the position now, and I would of course expect the details to come on Monday.

[Mr Alexander]

I am grateful to you, Mr Speaker, and I of course defer to your judgment and will issue the statement—

[Mr Speaker]

Order. It is not my judgment; these are the rules of the House. An urgent question was put in, and it was converted by the Government into a statement, so it is for the Government now to come forward with the statement.