Calls are intensifying for the UK's House of Commons to postpone its summer break, allowing Members of Parliament to question the newly appointed Prime Minister, Andy Burnham. The demand comes as it was revealed the House of Lords is scheduled to continue sitting next week, suggesting a precedent for extending parliamentary sessions.
Discontent has surfaced over concerns that Mr. Burnham, who has not addressed Parliament since his election nearly a month ago, might avoid scrutiny of his governmental plans until September. This potential avoidance is amplified by the absence of a Labour leadership contest.
A senior Conservative Member of Parliament highlighted that the House of Lords' session extends until the following Thursday, implying the House of Commons could similarly adjust its schedule. "Since the other place is sitting next week, there is nothing to stop this House and him tabling a business statement to enable us to sit next week as well," Dame Harriett Baldwin questioned Cabinet minister Sir Alan Campbell on Monday.
However, Commons Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle noted that any extension would require the agreement of the House. Sir Alan, who is responsible for organizing Government business, stated that the recess dates had already been agreed upon by all parties and that there were no plans to alter them. He reassured the House that government operations would continue through the recess.
Downing Street also dismissed the calls to delay the recess, deferring the decision to Parliament. A spokesperson for the Prime Minister's office indicated that recess dates are established well in advance through motions tabled by the Government and require the House's consent for any modification. The spokesperson reiterated that government work proceeds regardless of the parliamentary schedule.
Jesse Norman, Shadow Leader of the House of Commons, criticized the government's stance, arguing that with its significant majority, it could recall Parliament if necessary, citing an instance last year to nationalize British Steel. Norman asserted that the government should facilitate an additional sitting day for MPs to scrutinize a Prime Minister about whom the public knows little.
Meanwhile, the Liberal Democrats have proposed a special extended Prime Minister's Questions session for Wednesday, suggesting Mr. Burnham address MPs immediately following Sir Keir Starmer's final question time. The party's Chief Whip, Wendy Chamberlain, stated that the public remains uninformed about Mr. Burnham's positions on key issues such as social care, the environment, and foreign affairs. "Burnham must face questions in Parliament this week so MPs have a fair opportunity to grill him on behalf of the constituents they represent," Chamberlain said.
Representatives for Mr. Burnham have indicated that he will be actively engaged across the country during the summer, engaging with the public and the media.