Points of Order

Jen Craft Excerpts

Monday 12th May 2025 Commons Chamber

[Madam Deputy Speaker]

I am grateful to the right hon. Gentleman for giving notice of his point of order. I have had no indication that a Minister intends to come to the House to make a statement on the matter, but the Foreign Secretary will be in the House tomorrow for questions to the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, so hon. Members will have a chance to raise the issue then.

[Jen Craft (Thurrock) (Lab)]

On a point of order, Madam Deputy Speaker. In last Wednesday’s Adjournment debate on Essex devolution, the hon. Member for South Basildon and East Thurrock (James McMurdock) stated that it was his understanding that

“there have been conversations between local councils about Thurrock joining London.”—[Official Report, 7 May 2025; Vol. 766, c. 813.]

I believe he is aware that Thurrock council has made it abundantly clear, in response to a freedom of information request, that no such discussions have taken place. These rumours have caused considerable concern locally. As a lifelong Thurrock resident who agrees that our borough is Essex through and through, I would be grateful for your advice, Madam Deputy Speaker, on how the hon. Member for South Basildon and East Thurrock can correct the record.

[Madam Deputy Speaker]

I am grateful to the hon. Member for giving notice of her point of order. Did she notify the hon. Member for South Basildon and East Thurrock (James McMurdock) that she intended to raise the matter in the House?

[Jen Craft]

I did.

[Madam Deputy Speaker]

The Chair is not responsible for the substance of hon. Members’ speeches, but the hon. Lady has put her point on the record.