Order.

Questions to the Prime Minister?

Fiona Bruce.

Thank you, Mr.

Mr.

Mr.

Speaker.

Before I start, I'd like to say something.

Everyone in this House and many people watching at home know from yes Prime Minister the central

role that Bernard, the Prime Minister's principal PPS, plays in the life of the Prime

Minister and of Number 10 Downing Street. Well this morning my Bernard, my principal

private secretary died of cancer. Chris Martin was only 42. He was one of the most loyal, hardworking, dedicated public

servants that I have ever come across. I have no idea what his politics were, but he

would go to the ends of the earth and back again for his Prime Minister, for number 10 and

for the team he worked for.

Today we're leaving the seat in the official's box where he used to sit empty as a mark of respect to him.

We think of his wife Zoe, his family, the wider number 10 family, because it is a bit like a family

and we feel we've lost someone between a father and a brother

to all of us and whatever happens we'll never forget him.

Mr Speaker, this morning I had meetings with ministerial colleagues and others and in addition

to my duties in this House, I shall have further such meetings later today.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

...