The Speaker of the House of Commons, Sir Lindsay Hoyle, has attacked the government for treating the House with “contempt” over its handling of coronavirus legislation.
In an extraordinary address to MPs ahead of Prime Minister's Questions on Wednesday, he said the government has shown a "total disregard for Parliament".
He said: "The way in which the government has exercised its power to make secondary legislation during this crisis has been totally unsatisfactory.
“All too often important statutory instruments have been published a matter of hours before they come into force - and some explanations as to why important measures have come into effect before they can be laid before this house has been unconvincing and shows a total disregard for the House.
“Lack of clarity in such important matters risks undermining the rule of law. I have therefore decided not to select any of the amendments to the motion.
"As I hope my early comments show I have not taken this decision lightly. I am looking to the government to remedy a situation I regard as completely unsatisfactory.
"I am now looking to the government to rebuild the trust with this House and not treat it with the contempt that it has shown.”
Sir Lindsay said he would not select any amendments to the motion to renew the Covid-19 regulations to avoid “uncertainty” and possible legal challenges.
He added: “When I became Speaker I made it clear that I would take decisions on matters relating to procedures guided by professional advice.
“I have concluded on the basis of advice that I received that any amendment to the motion before the House risks giving rise to uncertainty about the decision the House has taken.
“This then risks decisions that are rightly the responsibility of Parliament ultimately being determined by the courts.”
