Petitions

Judith Cummins Excerpts

Wednesday 10th December 2025 Commons Chamber

[John McDonnell (Hayes and Harlington) (Lab)]

On a point of order, Madam Deputy Speaker. I apologise for not having given notice of my point of order.

Earlier today, I raised a point of order with regard to correspondence that I had submitted to the Secretary of State for Justice. I said that I had written to the Secretary of State a week ago with regard to the Palestine Action prisoners who are on hunger strike at the moment, some of whom have been hospitalised, but received no response. This evening—I have just picked it up—a Ministry of Justice spokesperson has said in a press release:

“The Deputy Prime Minister has responded to and will continue to respond to correspondence on this issue”.

I have received no correspondence or any reply whatsoever. I have checked all my emails and consulted colleagues. May I, through you, Madam Deputy Speaker, urge those on the Treasury Bench to take back the message that that is an inaccurate statement? We need an urgent response on behalf of the several Members who put their names to that letter.

[Madam Deputy Speaker (Judith Cummins)]

I thank the right hon. Gentleman for his point of order. This is a very important matter. I know that Mr Speaker has made his feelings known. I am sure that those on the Treasury Bench will have heard the right hon. Gentleman’s comments, and I will ensure that Mr Speaker is aware of his dissatisfaction.