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17/06/2009
Martin's Last PM Question Time
Outgoing Commons Speaker Michael Martin presided over his final, and a somewhat lively, Prime Minister's questions today.
Gordon Brown opened the debate by paying tribute to Mr Martin, who was soon calling order on proceedings, and reminding members of appropriate behaviour.
Labour MPs who jeered at Opposition Leader David Cameron when he mentioned Europe were silenced by Mr Martin.
Mr Cameron was later censured by the Speaker for referring to an MP who posed a question at Mr Brown as "you" - a breach of protocol.
"Even though it's my last day, the term 'you' is not something I can approve", said Mr Martin.
More personal tributes are expected to be expressed for Mr Martin, who has held the office of Speaker for nine years, later.
Mr Martin announced his intentions to stand down last month, making him the first Speaker to be effectively forced from the chair in almost 300 years.
The Speaker received sever criticism for his handling of the furore over MPs' expenses.
Many parliamentarians suggested he was not the right man to lead reforms in the house.
Ten candidates are vying to replace Mr Martin next week.
He will also stand down from his parliamentary constituency of Glasgow - forcing a by-election.
(PR/JM)
Gordon Brown opened the debate by paying tribute to Mr Martin, who was soon calling order on proceedings, and reminding members of appropriate behaviour.
Labour MPs who jeered at Opposition Leader David Cameron when he mentioned Europe were silenced by Mr Martin.
Mr Cameron was later censured by the Speaker for referring to an MP who posed a question at Mr Brown as "you" - a breach of protocol.
"Even though it's my last day, the term 'you' is not something I can approve", said Mr Martin.
More personal tributes are expected to be expressed for Mr Martin, who has held the office of Speaker for nine years, later.
Mr Martin announced his intentions to stand down last month, making him the first Speaker to be effectively forced from the chair in almost 300 years.
The Speaker received sever criticism for his handling of the furore over MPs' expenses.
Many parliamentarians suggested he was not the right man to lead reforms in the house.
Ten candidates are vying to replace Mr Martin next week.
He will also stand down from his parliamentary constituency of Glasgow - forcing a by-election.
(PR/JM)
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19 May 2009
Speaker Will Step Down Next Month
Embattled Commons Speaker Michael Martin this afternoon announced his intentions to stand down, amid the continued furore over MPs' expenses. The Speaker said he would leave office on the Sunday 21 June, which will be followed by an election for his replacement the next day. Mr Martin is the first speaker to resign from the role in over 300 years.
Speaker Will Step Down Next Month
Embattled Commons Speaker Michael Martin this afternoon announced his intentions to stand down, amid the continued furore over MPs' expenses. The Speaker said he would leave office on the Sunday 21 June, which will be followed by an election for his replacement the next day. Mr Martin is the first speaker to resign from the role in over 300 years.
25 September 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.
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.
02 July 2009
Bercow Urges Vote For Deputies
Deputy speakers should be elected by MPs rather than party whips, the new commons speaker John Bercow has told parliament. Following his own appointment by secret ballot, Mr Bercow said his three deputies should also be elected by members of the House, with at least one selected from each side of the chamber.
Bercow Urges Vote For Deputies
Deputy speakers should be elected by MPs rather than party whips, the new commons speaker John Bercow has told parliament. Following his own appointment by secret ballot, Mr Bercow said his three deputies should also be elected by members of the House, with at least one selected from each side of the chamber.
20 May 2009
Archbishop Defends Speaker, Attacking 'Selfishness' Of MPs
A senior Scottish clergyman has weighed in on the ongoing MPs' expenses row, lambasting parliamentarians for "hounding" the Speaker out of office. Mario Conti, the Catholic Archbishop of Glasgow, said the pressure put on Michael Martin to resign was contrived to deflect attention off MPs themselves.
Archbishop Defends Speaker, Attacking 'Selfishness' Of MPs
A senior Scottish clergyman has weighed in on the ongoing MPs' expenses row, lambasting parliamentarians for "hounding" the Speaker out of office. Mario Conti, the Catholic Archbishop of Glasgow, said the pressure put on Michael Martin to resign was contrived to deflect attention off MPs themselves.
18 May 2009
Speaker "Profoundly Sorry"
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.
Speaker "Profoundly Sorry"
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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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:It will be cloudy again throughout the day. Mainly dry in the morning, but patchy drizzle in places, becoming more widespread and persistent in the afternoon. Freshening southwesterly winds. Maximum temperature 12 °C.Tonight:Cloudy with a spell of heavy rain pushing south through late evening and the early hours, followed by some clear spells. Minimum temperature 6 °C.
