Points of Order

Lindsay Hoyle Excerpts

Monday 19th October 2026 Commons Chamber

[Ian Sollom (St Neots and Mid Cambridgeshire) (LD)]

On a point of order, Mr Speaker. Today the Children’s Commissioner has published a report indicating that children in England face a state of emergency. Has the Secretary of State for Education given any indication that she intends to come to the House to give a statement and allow Members to question her on the Government’s response?

[Mr Speaker]

The answer is no, I have had no such indication. However, at least those on the Government Front Bench will have heard the question.

[Jim Shannon (Strangford) (DUP)]

On a point of order, Mr Speaker. I rise to seek your guidance on a matter concerning the rules of courtesy and the rights of this House. Earlier today, Ministers chose to issue a major press release outlining critical new Government policies regarding young people and jobs, yet we have had no such statement. “Erskine May” is entirely clear that major policy announcements should be made first to this House before they are given to the media. It is an absolute discourtesy to Parliament that Members must read about vital employment initiatives for our youth in the newspapers, rather than hearing them directly from the Dispatch Box. Have you, Mr Speaker—

[Mr Speaker]

Order. I think I have got the message. You are absolutely right, but I am not responsible for statements. Once again, I am sure that those on the Government Front Bench will have heard you.