James Forsyth James Forsyth

Speaker’s statement live blog

Martin starts off with an apology to the British public. 

Within 48 hours, Martin will sum the party leaders together with the Commons Committee to thrash out a deal on the second home allowance and other matters.

Martin wants a moratorium on expenses claim.

Martin refuses to engage when asked if Carswell’s motion of no confidence will be tabled and debated. This is going badly for him, he’s lost control of the House.

Winnick asks Martin to retire early for the good of the House, Martin again refuses to engage. This is painful.

Even by Martin’s own standards, this is a halting and garbled performance.

Sir Patrick Cormack says that the situation Parliament finds itself in is akin to the situation the country found itself in at the time of the Norway debate and asks the Speaker to reflect on that.

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