Ministerial Statement - Project Open Gov

A statement made by a minister to bring an important matter to Parliament’s attention.

Category: Government roles and offices Parliamentary procedure

Also used as: ministerial statement, ministerial statements, statement by a minister, ministerial update to Parliament

Source / explainer: Read UK Parliament information on ministerial statements

Last reviewed: 23 August 2026

A ministerial statement is a statement made by a minister to bring an important matter to Parliament’s attention. It may be made orally in the chamber, followed by questions, or in writing. Ministerial statements are an important route for the Government to put information on the parliamentary record.

Related terms

HansardThe official report of what was said in Parliament.MinisterA member of the government with responsibility for a policy area or department.Oral StatementA spoken statement made by a minister in the chamber, followed by questions from members.Urgent QuestionA question allowed at short notice so a minister must come to the House and answer on an urgent matter.Written StatementA written statement by a minister placed on the parliamentary record.