UK Parliament / Open data

Points of Order

Proceeding contribution from Angela Eagle (Labour) in the House of Commons on Monday, 9 September 2019. It occurred during Points of order on Points of Order.

Further to that point of order, Mr Speaker. I am one of those who originally supported you when you stood, in quite troubled times and unexpectedly, to be the Speaker. I did so because you had already demonstrated to me and to others that you were open-minded enough to have gone on a journey. People have not expressed this particular part of you yet in these points of order, but your commitment to equality, women, LGBT people and the disabled, to ensure proper inclusion for everyone in our country and in our politics, is perhaps the thing that has most impressed me.

We worked together behind the scenes when I was shadow Leader of the House. I know how committed, in very difficult times, and wrestling with a rather conservative and hidebound institution, you have been. For that reason alone—for your determination, your judgment, your confidence in your judgment, your deep understanding of the way our Parliament works and your willingness to stand up for the rights of Back Benchers against some of the most ferocious behaviour by Government—you will be remembered as one of the great reforming Speakers.

I hope that, as you get your evenings back, and as you will be able to make a choice about which chair you sit in and for how long—

Type
Proceeding contribution
Reference
664 c503 
Session
2017-19
Chamber / Committee
House of Commons chamber
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