The Speaker speaks – now we really do need order

From @LabourList

UPDATE: Kate Hoey: “The public can’t wait – the speaker has signed his own death warrant and it will have to be this week”.

UPDATE: Adam Boulton: “that was such a disastrous performance from the speaker – having to refer to the clerk for help – that he may now find his position is untenable. He was clearly playing for time.”

UPDATE: No real announcement from the Speaker – the matter is swept under the carpet.

UPDATE: Members leave the House in the middle of the announcement of the next point for discussion, Skills in the Recession.

UPDATE: Speaker is asking his clerks whether it is possible to make an EDM into a substantive order. Chaos and confusion in the House.

Michael Martin is speaking to Parliament and has called the leaders of all parties to meet him to bring forward resolutions to provide an opprotuntiy for the House to deal with the immediate situation on expenses.

Martin urged all members not to submit new expenses claims until the proposals have been put forward.

Douglas Carswell (Con) has asked when the EDM signifying no confidence in the Speaker will be debated.

David Winnick (Lab) says to Martin: “your early retirement would help the reputation of the whole House.”

Sir Stewart Bell (Lab): “There’s never been in the history of our land such an attck on the Speaker of the House. We should support you as Speaker.”