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22 Apr
Generic Debate
Points of Order

The House of Commons session aptly titled 'Points of Order' centered on concerns about procedural adherence and the government's responsiveness to ongoing issues, such as the Post Office Horizon scandal and ministerial protocol in constituency visits.

10 December 2022

Date when Victoria Atkins wrote to the minister regarding the Post Office Horizon issue.

Key Topics:

  1. Post Office Horizon Scandal Delays:
    • Victoria Atkins raised concerns over delayed Ministerial responses related to the Post Office Horizon scandal affecting her constituents. Despite repeated attempts and assurances for a reply by Easter, no response was forthcoming, highlighting inefficiencies in the systemic response from governmental departments.
  2. Notification of Constituency Visits:
    • Laurence Turner and Ben Obese-Jecty both raised issues regarding the late notifications of visits by other Members or Ministers to their respective constituencies. Turner pointed out that the Conservative party member’s notice was given on the very day, while Obese-Jecty detailed multiple infractions, involving the Prime Minister, Home Secretary, and the Environment Secretary.
10 times

Number of times Atkins chased a ministerial response.

Resolutions & Outcomes:

  • Each point of order was addressed by Madam Deputy Speaker Judith Cummins, who stressed the importance of timely communication and adherence to both ministerial and parliamentary codes. No immediate resolutions or corrective actions were announced, but highlighting these lapses in the Commons underscored the need for improved procedural adherence.
Volume 718, column 353 of the Official Report

Cited by Laurence Turner to underscore rules on constituency visit notifications.

Paragraph 10.10 of the 'Ministerial Code'

Cited by Ben Obese-Jecty regarding proper notification protocol during official visits.

Outcome

The debate underscored a critical need for improved ministerial responsiveness and stringent adherence to parliamentary and ministerial protocols. No immediate remediation was provided, but it sets the stage for further scrutiny and potential adjustments in handling such procedural matters.

Key Contributions

Victoria Atkins
Conservative

Highlighted delays in the response concerning the Post Office Horizon scandal affecting constituents.

Madam Deputy SpeakerJudith Cummins

Acknowledged points of orders and reiterated the importance of timely ministerial responses and proper protocol adherence.

Laurence Turner
Labour

Raised a concern about a late notification of a constituency visit by a fellow Member.

Ben Obese-Jecty
Conservative

Cited multiple instances of failed notice by Ministers, including a recent visit by the Home Secretary.

Original Transcript
Victoria Atkins
Louth and Horncastle
Con
19:55

On a point of order, Madam Deputy Speaker. The Post Office Horizon scandal affected many innocent people, including a constituent of mine who has been waiting for a response to their claim under the group litigation orders scheme since August last year.

I wrote to the Minister for services, small business and exports, the hon. Member for Harrow West (Gareth Thomas), on 10 December last year about that delay.

Despite chasing the Minister more than 10 times, and being assured repeatedly that an answer was on its way—in fact, the latest reply was that I was to expect an answer by Easter—I have still had no response to my letter, and my constituent is still waiting.

They cannot understand why they have received no answer from this Government. How might we ensure an urgent response to my constituent on this very sensitive matter, and for those other Horizon victims who are also apparently experiencing delays with the scheme?

Madam Deputy Speaker
Judith Cummins
19:56

I am grateful to the right hon. Member for giving notice of her point of order. I take it that she has notified the Minister that she intended to refer to him on the Floor on the House.

Victoria Atkins
19:56

indicated assent.

Madam Deputy Speaker
19:56

I am not responsible for ministerial replies to Members’ correspondence, but it is important that Members receive timely replies. I am sure that Members on the Treasury Bench will have noted the right hon. Member’s remarks.

Madam Deputy Speaker
19:57

I am grateful to the hon. Member for giving notice of his point of order. I understand that he has notified the hon. Member for Thirsk and Malton (Kevin Hollinrake) that he intended to raise this matter in the Chamber. I remind all hon.

Members that they must inform colleagues in advance whenever they intend to visit another colleague’s constituency, except for purely private purposes, and that as a matter of courtesy, that notice should not be left until the last minute.

Ben Obese-Jecty
Huntingdon
Con
19:58

On a point of order, Madam Deputy Speaker. On Thursday 10 April, the Home Secretary visited my constituency with the Prime Minister. While the Prime Minister had the courtesy to inform me three hours ahead of his visit, the Home Secretary did not.

This was not an isolated incident; last month, I raised a point of order regarding the Environment Secretary and the farming Minister, the hon. Member for Cambridge (Daniel Zeichner), not informing me of their visit.

Several hours after that visit, the Home Secretary’s team contacted me to say that they were informing me in accordance with paragraph 10.10 of the “Ministerial Code”. Paragraph 10.

10 clearly states that a Minister “must inform in advance, and in good time, the MPs whose constituencies are to be included within the itinerary.” The Home Secretary’s notification was neither in advance nor in good time.

Could you please advise me whether, in this instance, the Home Secretary has broken the ministerial code?

Madam Deputy Speaker
19:58

I am grateful to the hon. Member for giving notice of his point of order. I understand that he has notified the Home Secretary that he intended to raise this matter in the Chamber. Again, I remind all hon.

Members that they must inform colleagues in advance whenever they intend to visit another colleague’s constituency, except for purely private purposes, and that as a matter of courtesy, that notice should not be left until the last minute.

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