Commons Sense

House of Commons · General Debate

Parliamentary Works Sponsor Body

24 March 2020 · 6 other contributors

Opened by Jacob Rees-Mogg Con North East Somerset

Parliamentary Procedure

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Jacob Rees-Mogg raised concerns about parliamentary works sponsor body in the House of Commons. Other MPs contributed to the debate.

Key points

  • Proposes appointment of Members of Parliament to the board of the sponsor body.
  • Aims to ensure value for money by keeping costs down.
  • External members will provide continuity and expertise.

How the debate unfolded

MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said.

Opened the debate

Jacob Rees-Mogg Con North East Somerset

Proposes the appointment of Members from this House to the board of the sponsor body, alongside external members who will provide continuity and expertise. The project aims to ensure value for money by keeping costs down.

Other contributors (6)
  • Valerie Vaz Lab Walsall and Bloxwich

    Supports the motion, highlighting the expertise of the members appointed and their role in ensuring the success of the restoration project.

  • Edward Leigh Con Gainsborough

    Welcomes the motion but suggests reviewing cheaper alternatives for the project to save public money. Proposes considering the possibility of creating a temporary Chamber at lower costs and moving the House of Lords temporarily into the QEII Conference Centre.

  • Patrick Grady SNP Glasgow North

    Supports the motion, emphasising the importance of modernising and reforming parliamentary procedures while keeping an eye on public funds. Acknowledges the opportunity presented by R&R to make the House relevant in the 21st century.

  • Desmond Swayne Con New Forest West

    Questions whether there should have been scrutiny hearings for those appointed to ensure they will not design new procedures without proper consideration from the whole House.

  • David Linden SNP Glasgow East

    Argues that the current distance between Members is a result of public health concerns and suggests pragmatism in considering future changes to ensure effective parliamentary operations.

  • Jacob Rees-Mogg Con East Dorset

    This has, as always, been a high-quality, if brief, debate, with people maintaining very safe distances. I think the right hon. and hon. Members whose names I have put forward are ones in whom the House can have complete confidence. I am particularly pleased that my right hon. Friend the Member for East Hampshire (Damian Hinds) is here to listen to the debate; having known him since we were at university together, I have a special degree of confidence in him.

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