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Leader of the House Gerry Brownlee says the Government is very pleased with its busy and productive legislative year, which ended with Parliament’s adjournment this afternoon.

“The House sat for three fewer days this year, but passed more legislation,” Mr Brownlee says.

“We saw a 45 per cent increase in Government bills passing their third reading and becoming law, with 145 bills passed, up from 99 in 2012.

Leader of the House Hon Gerry Brownlee today introduced a Bill to make it clear what is covered by parliamentary privilege following a Supreme Court judgement.

“Parliamentary privilege is a frequently misunderstood concept but is an essential part of our democracy”, Mr Brownlee says.

“Privilege enables MPs and others participating in Parliamentary proceedings to say and do things without the fear of people taking them to court. This allows Parliament to legislate, debate matters of public importance and scrutinise the Government.”

Leader of the House Gerry Brownlee says the Government regrets the need to put Parliament into urgency this afternoon, saying his preference was for legislation that will be covered under urgency to be debated using extended hours.

“Extended hours have been in place since the start of the 50th Parliament and were brought in as recognition that the Government should be able to progress its legislative programme, without always resorting to urgency.

Leader of the House Gerry Brownlee will travel to London to represent New Zealand at the funeral of former British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher.

“The passing of Baroness Thatcher is an enormously sad time for her family – our thoughts are with them, and the people of Britain,” Mr Brownlee says.

“Baroness Thatcher was one of the most remarkable and influential politicians of our time and will be remembered as a strong and determined leader.