Oral Statement - Project Open Gov

A spoken statement made by a minister in the chamber, followed by questions from members.

Also used as: oral statements, oral ministerial statement, oral ministerial statements, statement made orally, statements made orally

Source / explainer: Read the UK Parliament explainer on ministerial statements

Last reviewed: 3 August 2026

An oral statement is a formal statement made by a minister in the chamber, usually to announce a policy decision, update Parliament on an important issue, or respond to a developing event. After the statement, MPs or peers can question the minister. Oral statements are an important way for ministers to account publicly to Parliament.

Related terms

Business StatementA statement setting out forthcoming parliamentary business and scheduling.HansardThe official report of what was said in Parliament.Ministerial StatementA statement made by a minister to bring an important matter to Parliament’s attention.Personal StatementA short statement made by an MP or peer with permission, often to correct or explain a personal matter.Urgent QuestionA question allowed at short notice so a minister must come to the House and answer on an urgent matter.