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18/05/2009
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.
The Speaker apologised to the House, but said all members must accept blame for the "terrible damage" caused.
He gave no indication of his future, with many expecting he will stay in office until the next general election.
"We all bear a heavy responsibility for the terrible damage to the reputation of this House. We must do everything we possibly can to regain the trust and confidence of the people," said Mr Martin.
MPs made calls during the address for Mr Martin to face a vote of no confidence.
However, he played down talk of such a move insisting it was not a "point of order".
Mr Martin said he will hold talks with the three party leaders in the next 48 hours.
The Commons Commission will also be involved. He called for no claims to be submitted until the review is complete.
An independent inquiry into the allowances system is expected in the autumn.
The Speaker faced renewed public attacks over the weekend, with Liberal Democratic leader Nick Clegg calling for him to step down.
Cabinet members David Miliband and Lord Mandelson have refused to be drawn on Mr Martin's future, claiming it would be inappropriate for top government figures to voice their views on a matter that should be decided by the entire House.
Prime Minister Gordon Brown said the Speaker is not a role directly elected by Number 10, and he would support the will of the Commons.
Mr Martin has came under serious criticism over his handling of the MPs expenses revelations.
He has been accused of maintaining the "status quo" at a time when many are seeking a radical reform of the claims system.
A number of back bench MPs have launched a vote of no confidence motion in protest at the way the Speaker dealt with the release of MPs' expenses, which have since been serialized in a daily newspaper.
(PR/JM)
In a speech, marred by unprecedented challenges from the benches, Mr Martin put forward a number of proposals for the reformation of MPs expenses.
The Speaker apologised to the House, but said all members must accept blame for the "terrible damage" caused.
He gave no indication of his future, with many expecting he will stay in office until the next general election.
"We all bear a heavy responsibility for the terrible damage to the reputation of this House. We must do everything we possibly can to regain the trust and confidence of the people," said Mr Martin.
MPs made calls during the address for Mr Martin to face a vote of no confidence.
However, he played down talk of such a move insisting it was not a "point of order".
Mr Martin said he will hold talks with the three party leaders in the next 48 hours.
The Commons Commission will also be involved. He called for no claims to be submitted until the review is complete.
An independent inquiry into the allowances system is expected in the autumn.
The Speaker faced renewed public attacks over the weekend, with Liberal Democratic leader Nick Clegg calling for him to step down.
Cabinet members David Miliband and Lord Mandelson have refused to be drawn on Mr Martin's future, claiming it would be inappropriate for top government figures to voice their views on a matter that should be decided by the entire House.
Prime Minister Gordon Brown said the Speaker is not a role directly elected by Number 10, and he would support the will of the Commons.
Mr Martin has came under serious criticism over his handling of the MPs expenses revelations.
He has been accused of maintaining the "status quo" at a time when many are seeking a radical reform of the claims system.
A number of back bench MPs have launched a vote of no confidence motion in protest at the way the Speaker dealt with the release of MPs' expenses, which have since been serialized in a daily newspaper.
(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.
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.
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.
25 February 2008
PM Defends Commons Speaker
Prime Minister Gordon Brown has defended Commons Speaker Michael Martin, calling him a "very, very good speaker". Mr Brown said that Mr Martin's future was "a matter for the House of Commons".
PM Defends Commons Speaker
Prime Minister Gordon Brown has defended Commons Speaker Michael Martin, calling him a "very, very good speaker". Mr Brown said that Mr Martin's future was "a matter for the House of Commons".
04 February 2011
MPs' Expenses Details Published Online
MP's expenses claims, totalling millions of pounds have now been published online. The report by the Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority (IPSA) also features the requests that were turned down. Those MPs who had requests for reimbursement refused include Bob Russell, who had £346.
MPs' Expenses Details Published Online
MP's expenses claims, totalling millions of pounds have now been published online. The report by the Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority (IPSA) also features the requests that were turned down. Those MPs who had requests for reimbursement refused include Bob Russell, who had £346.
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