Judith Cummins

I am sorry to have to remind Ministers once again of the requirement for major new policy announcements to be made in the House in the first instance, not to the media. This afternoon’s statement has already been the subject of extensive coverage in the print and broadcast media, as well as in a long piece on the Home Office website. Hon. and right hon. Members on the Government Benches were quick to criticise Ministers in the previous Government for this kind of behaviour. Mr Speaker has made it clear that he intends to hold them to the same high standard now that they are in government. The Home Office seems to have a particular problem with making media announcements before Ministers make statements to the House. Mr Speaker will write to the Prime Minister to remind him of the rules. I also remind the Home Secretary that it is open to Mr Speaker to grant an urgent question on any subject, on any day.