Speaker Lindsay Hoyle asked the committee to review the resolution after granting a waiver so the House could discuss the Southport attacks prior to sentencing and while the case was sub judice, early last year. The resolution, in place since 2001, grants the chair wide discretionary powers.
Reporting this week, committee chair Cat Smith MP said: ‘The ability for MPs to speak freely on topical matters is of the utmost importance, but we must do so in a way that doesn’t prejudice matters that are before the courts.
‘We found that the sub judice resolution maintains this delicate balance and is effective in its current form and works in practice.’ The committee reaffirmed its support for the speaker to continue to issue waivers on a case-by-case basis.
