SPEAKER of the House of Representatives Jagdeo Singh says he is not using the House's standing orders to restrict debates or the speaking rights of any MP in the House.

He made this statement during debate in the House on July 28 on a motion filed by Attorney General John Jeremie for the House to acknowledge the reasons why a state of emergency (SoE) was declared on midnight on July 17.

In her response to Jeremie's opening contribution on this motion, Opposition Leader Pennelope Beckles said while SoE's can cause temporary reductions in crime, it has been proven they are not long term solutions to crime.