| Statement | |
|---|---|
| Category | Government item |
| Submitted by | Government |
| Item reference | Sxx |
A statement is a formal announcement from the government, often related to a topical issue. Any Minister may submit a statement and this will be released on behalf of the government. Some governments have before created press office threads in the House in which they release all their statements throughout the term. Statements are typically around the same length as motions and they do not affect the TSR Law in any way. There are no rules regarding the formatting of statements. It is worth noting that statements are different to statements of intent and one-off statements made by the Speaker.
Statements have been around for many years. A few, but certainly not all, statements have been recorded in the Statement of Intent Hansard, which is updated by the Speaker. This archive details which minister proposed a statement, when they proposed it, and what the result of the statement was. When statements are put to the House, they are given an item reference. This will be 'S' followed by a number. Statements of intent are also included in the Statement of Intent Hansard and are given the same item reference.
Statement procedure[]
To submit a statement, the government (usually the Prime Minister) will either tag or send a private message to the Speaker. The Speaker should then acknowledge the statement, create a thread for it in the main forum (unless the government wishes for it to be added to their press office thread) and include the new statement in their MHoC update. The statement will stay in the House for a maximum of six days when it will then be withdrawn. After the statement is withdrawn, it will be placed in cessation for 7 days and will automatically pass unless the Minister responsible for the statement or the Prime Minister sends it to vote. If a statement is sent to vote, all MPs will be able to vote either in favour, against, or abstain. After five days, voting will close and if the statement in question receives more votes in favour than it does against, it will pass. It is worth noting that the government has the power to withdraw a statement at any stage.