Mr Speaker, thank you. I rise in my capacity as Chairman of the Committee on the Backbenchers’ Business to make the Statement in respect of the one-hour slot provided under Order 73 of our Standing Orders for the concentration on Backbenchers’ Business on the last Wednesday of every month.
Mr Speaker, the inclusion of the Backbenchers’ Time in our Standing Orders represents a significant milestone in strengthening parliamentary democracy and promoting inclusiveness in our deliberations. It acknowledges that Members of Parliament who are Backbenchers can shape the national discourse by bringing forward matters of public interest, constituency concern and all legislative importance for debate in this honourable House. As the British political scientist Philip Cowell rightly said, “allowing backbenchers some influence at Westminster is more than just when they speak; it is also getting the topics they want on the agenda when they want them on the agenda.” This insight underscores the very essence of the concept of Backbenchers’ Business in our Standing Orders.
Mr Speaker, it is not merely about offering Backbenchers an opportunity to speak, but also empowering them to shape the parliamentary agenda, ensuring that voices, priorities and realities of constituents across the country find deliberate space in the Business of the House. Mr Speaker, the Committee on Backbenchers’ Business was established to facilitate the process by determining the business of backbenchers for each Meeting, proposing the Business for backbenchers’ time and the order in which the Business shall be taken, and in consultation with the Business Committee, present to the House for consideration a Statement on Backbenchers’ Business.
Although the Committee is yet to fully operationalise its mandate, the Committee has been laying the groundwork to activate this important provision. Preparatory work is ongoing to establish the structures and modalities that will enable meaningful participation by all Members in Backbenchers’ Business.
Mr Speaker, given the nature of the parliamentary calendar before us, the Committee recognises that opportunities to schedule Backbenchers’ Business this year are limited. However, the Committee is exploring the possibility of using October and November to pilot two backbench debates, in consultation with Leadership and the Business Committee. This will serve as an important step towards demonstrating how Backbenchers’ Business can enrich our deliberations, reflect public priorities and deepen the culture of inclusive decision-making. The Committee will, in the meantime, continue to develop its operational roadmap and visibility strategy under the theme, “Backbench Matters”, to guide its full activation in the next Session.
Mr Speaker, the Committee therefore encourages all Backbenchers to prepare and submit proposals for possible consideration as Backbenchers’ Business in upcoming Sittings. In doing so, we will be affirming Parliament’s commitment to inclusivity, deliberation and the strengthening of democratic governance. Mr Speaker, in conclusion, I wish to assure this House that the Committee on Backbenchers’ Business remains committed to delivering on its mandate. We look forward to working collaboratively with Leadership and all Members to make Backbench Business a vibrant, meaningful, impactful and respected part of our parliamentary practice.
Mr Speaker, I once again thank you.