Motions — Guru Nanak Dev Ji, 550th Birthday Anniversary—Leave Not Put

I raise a point of order, Mr Speaker. Thank you, Mr Speaker. I seek leave to move a motion without notice and debate to congratulate the Sikh community on the 550th birthday anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev Ji.

💬 SPEAKER: Sorry, can I just check that that has the normal whips’ approval—that it’s been around the House for agreement?

No.

💬 SPEAKER: Has it been asked for and rejected?

Yes.

I mean, I want to be very careful here, because it’s clearly a cultural issue for the member concerned, but we have well-established processes in this House, after a series of disorderly approaches of this type in the past. I can’t remember if it was in the time of my predecessor or the predecessor before that: the House came to an agreement that members who wished to seek to debate notices of motion would, before they sought approval, consult with the whips of other parties in order for it not to be put in a position like this.

Now, that is a convention of the House. It is not a Standing Order, but it is a convention that is very important to, in my opinion, stop the level of disorder which can disrupt the House. Some members will remember on one occasion dozens of members sought to have such a point of order. Now, having said that, I am going to put it to the House, because I believe it is the right, in the end, for any member to seek leave, even to breach a convention.

💬 Kanwaljit Singh Bakshi: Mr Speaker, if that’s the case, I’m happy to withdraw it.

OK.