Urgent Debates Declined — Iraq—Apology to United States

I have received a letter from the Leader of the Opposition, seeking to debate under Standing Order 376 the Prime’s Minister’s decision to ask the New Zealand Embassy in Washington to apologise for some of her remarks. This is a particular case of recent occurrence involving ministerial responsibility, but I do not consider the matter of sufficient import to warrant the setting aside of the House’s time this afternoon for an urgent debate. The application is declined.

I accept your ruling that in your view this is not a matter of sufficient importance for the immediate attention of the House, but I do seek leave for the House to debate it because of its importance to the country.

💬 Mr SPEAKER: The member is certainly entitled to seek leave. Is there any objection? There is objection.