Urgency

I move, That urgency be accorded the introduction and first reading of the Video Camera Surveillance (Temporary Measures) Bill, the Sleepover Wages (Settlement) Bill, and for Sue Kedgley to give her valedictory statement at 5.45 as determined by the Business Committee. As members will be aware, the recent Supreme Court decision in Hamed and others with regard to the use of video surveillance has serious implications both for current prosecutions in cases already before the courts and ongoing investigations by the police and other law enforcement agencies. The Government has decided it is vital we ensure that the police cameras that are currently switched off are switched back on as soon as possible. Therefore, we intend to introduce the bill and pass it after a brief select committee consideration, to preserve the common law as it has been understood by successive Governments, the police, and the Court of Appeal before the Supreme Court decision of 2 September. The bill is an interim measure and, if Parliament passes it, it will remain in force for no longer than 12 months, to enable a permanent regime to be put in place.

With regard to the Sleepover Wages (Settlement) Bill, it is also the product of a court decision. Following the finding by the Court of Appeal that sleepovers constituted work for the purposes of the Minimum Wage Act 1983, and that the minimum wage applied for each and every hour worked, a settlement was reached between IDEA Services Ltd, Tīmata Hou Ltd, and the Service and Food Workers Union. Cabinet has agreed to the settlement, to which the Crown contributes, and this bill will provide the framework for settlement of these issues. The passage of the Sleepover Wages (Settlement) Bill is required in order to implement this settlement. Both of these bills will be considered by select committees until next Monday.

I raise a point of order, Mr Speaker. I just wish to clarify for the House that for Sue Kedgley’s valedictory, approval of the House was given at 2 p.m. today. In voting and opposing the House’s use of urgency, we were not explicitly voting to oppose Sue Kedgley’s valedictory.

💬 Mr DEPUTY SPEAKER: I understand that. That has been clarified by the Acting Leader of the House, so that is fine.