Urgent Debates Declined — United States—Presidential Election 2016

I have received a letter from the Rt Hon Winston Peters seeking to debate under Standing Order 389 the United States presidential election. The urgent debate is a way of holding the Government accountable for an action for which it is responsible. It is not a way of raising topical matters for debate when there is no ministerial responsibility. The US presidential election, although a significant event, is not a matter for which the Government is responsible. The application is therefore declined.

I raise a point of order, Mr Speaker. Nevertheless, I move that there be a debate on the full ramifications of that election. I seek the leave of the House to have a full debate on the ramifications of that election.

The member is now seeking leave to have an urgent debate, after I have just rejected it. Leave is sought for that course of action. Is there any objection? There is objection.