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25/09/2009
Cut Wesminster Summer Break: Bercow
Summer recess at Westminster should be cut, the Commons Speaker has said.
John Bercow said he recognised voters' disbelief at the current 12 week break.
MPs dissolve from Parliament between mid-July until October, but the Speaker said he believes this period is unnecessary.
Mr Bercow said: "I am very sympathetic to those who say 'why do MPs need to have a 12-week recess?'
"I don't think it is necessary."
The Speaker was elected in June following the resignation of Michael Martin. Mr Martin stood down amid the furore over MPs' expenses.
Speaking to the Hansard Society, Mr Bercow said: "People cannot understand, even if MPs are working hard in their constituencies in September, why, when the vast majority of people are back at their place of work, we are not."
The Speaker also indicated his wish that ministers sitting in the Lords, such as Business Secretary Peter Mandelson, should face questioning from MPs in the Commons.
However, he conceded that proceeding such a constitutional shift could provoke outrage from traditionalist.
(PR/GK)
John Bercow said he recognised voters' disbelief at the current 12 week break.
MPs dissolve from Parliament between mid-July until October, but the Speaker said he believes this period is unnecessary.
Mr Bercow said: "I am very sympathetic to those who say 'why do MPs need to have a 12-week recess?'
"I don't think it is necessary."
The Speaker was elected in June following the resignation of Michael Martin. Mr Martin stood down amid the furore over MPs' expenses.
Speaking to the Hansard Society, Mr Bercow said: "People cannot understand, even if MPs are working hard in their constituencies in September, why, when the vast majority of people are back at their place of work, we are not."
The Speaker also indicated his wish that ministers sitting in the Lords, such as Business Secretary Peter Mandelson, should face questioning from MPs in the Commons.
However, he conceded that proceeding such a constitutional shift could provoke outrage from traditionalist.
(PR/GK)
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18 May 2009
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Commons Speak Michael Martin has remained resolute in his address to MPs today despite continued calls for his resignation. In a speech, marred by unprecedented challenges from the benches, Mr Martin put forward a number of proposals for the reformation of MPs expenses.
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Commons Speak Michael Martin has remained resolute in his address to MPs today despite continued calls for his resignation. In a speech, marred by unprecedented challenges from the benches, Mr Martin put forward a number of proposals for the reformation of MPs expenses.
25 February 2008
PM Defends Commons Speaker
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PM Defends Commons Speaker
Prime Minister Gordon Brown has defended Commons Speaker Michael Martin, calling him a "very, very good speaker". Mr Brown said that Mr Martin's future was "a matter for the House of Commons".
24 May 2013
High Court Rules Sally Bercow's Lord McAlpine Tweet Libellous
The High Court has ruled that a tweet by Sally Bercow about Lord McAlpine was libellous. Mrs Bercow, the wife of the Commons Speaker, said she was "disappointed" by the ruling. The message was published on 4th November last year amid a Newsnight broadcast. She tweeted: “Why is Lord McAlpine trending? *innocent face*.
High Court Rules Sally Bercow's Lord McAlpine Tweet Libellous
The High Court has ruled that a tweet by Sally Bercow about Lord McAlpine was libellous. Mrs Bercow, the wife of the Commons Speaker, said she was "disappointed" by the ruling. The message was published on 4th November last year amid a Newsnight broadcast. She tweeted: “Why is Lord McAlpine trending? *innocent face*.
27 October 2009
Bercow's Talks On Cabinet Peers
Moves could be afoot to make Cabinet Ministers sitting in the House of Lord more accountable. At present peers appointed to ministerial posts cannot be questioned by MPs in the Commons Chamber. The two distinct houses operate in tandem but there is no cross-over with regards to direct questions from the benches.
Bercow's Talks On Cabinet Peers
Moves could be afoot to make Cabinet Ministers sitting in the House of Lord more accountable. At present peers appointed to ministerial posts cannot be questioned by MPs in the Commons Chamber. The two distinct houses operate in tandem but there is no cross-over with regards to direct questions from the benches.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
