Charles Walker argues that only the people of the UK can decide who has the right to sit in the Chamber of the House of Commons and MPs are not empowered to pass on that right to others.

Mr. Charles Walker (Broxbourne) (Con): On a number of occasions, my children, like many other children, have been in this place with me, their father. They have asked me whether they can sit on the green Benches and I have said no, because it is not in my gift to give them that permission. I have said no to my children, whose ages range between four and 12, on two occasions. The right to sit here is conferred on me by licence by my constituents in Broxbourne. It is not a gift for me to give to others.

Chris Bryant: But it is not only the hon. Gentleman’s children who should be allowed to come into the Chamber. All the children of this country should be able to do so, because the Chamber— [ Interruption. ]

Madam Deputy Speaker: Order. The Deputy Leader of the House is responding to the point made by the hon. Member for Broxbourne (Mr. Walker). If the hon. Gentleman wants to make a further intervention, that will be a matter for the Deputy Leader of the House to decide.

Chris Bryant: I am happy to give way again to the hon. Gentleman.

Mr. Walker: Numerous children from my primary and secondary schools have visited this Chamber. I have gone to speak to them subsequently and they have told me that they have had a wonderful time here. The idea that Charles Walker’s children have a privilege that other children in my constituency do not have is nonsense. Charles Walker’s children have no more and no less in the way of privilege than any other children in my constituency.

Chris Bryant: I am sorry if I have offended the hon. Gentleman, who I think has misunderstood the point that I was trying to make. Quite simply, the decision about who can and cannot sit on these Benches is for the whole House, not any individual Member. Personally, I would like those elected to the Youth Parliament to be able to sit in this Chamber, on one occasion in the coming year.

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