On a point of order, Presiding Officer. I seek your clarification on rule 13.2 of standing orders, regarding ministerial statements. In recent days, we have heard requests and attempts by the Conservatives, including in questions at First Minister’s question time today, to change the order of business. It is my understanding that, under rule 13.2, any minister or member of the Government, including the law officers, can make a statement if they make a request to you to do so. Can you clarify that, if the law officers wish to make a statement, it is open to them to make such a request to you directly?
I can confirm, Mr Johnson, that any member of the Government can make such a request.
There will be a short suspension to allow those who are leaving the chamber and the public gallery to do so.
12:50 Meeting suspended.