Personal Statement - Project Open Gov

A short statement made by an MP or peer with permission, often to correct or explain a personal matter.

Also used as: personal statement, personal statements, short personal statement, personal statement in the House

Source / explainer: Read UK Parliament information on ministerial statements

Last reviewed: 23 August 2026

A personal statement is a short statement made by an MP or peer with permission. It may be used, for example, to correct information previously given or to respond to claims made about the member in the House. It is different from a ministerial statement about government policy or public business.

Related terms

House of CommonsThe elected chamber of the UK Parliament, made up of Members of Parliament.House of LordsThe unelected second chamber of the UK Parliament, which scrutinises bills and government policy.Ministerial StatementA statement made by a minister to bring an important matter to Parliament’s attention.Oral StatementA spoken statement made by a minister in the chamber, followed by questions from members.