In a humorous turn of events, a Conservative member appeared to request an additional question during PMQs, causing laughter among MPs. James Cartlidge, filling in for Kemi Badenoch, tried to catch the Speaker’s attention after exhausting his allotted six questions, leading to a light-hearted moment at the expense of the Shadow Justice Secretary.
Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy, in his debut appearance at PMQs, playfully jabbed at Cartlidge’s miscounting skills, comparing him to another member known for the same issue. The confusion prompted Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle to clarify that Cartlidge had indeed used up his quota of questions.
Following the light-hearted exchange, a more serious debate unfolded between Lammy and Cartlidge regarding the release of asylum seekers. Cartlidge pressed Lammy on whether any more mistaken releases had occurred since the incident involving Hadush Kebatu, an Ethiopian sex offender mistakenly set free from HMP Chelmsford. The discussion highlighted accountability in the justice system.
Lammy responded to Cartlidge’s inquiries, emphasizing his role as Justice Secretary and acknowledging past spikes in incidents under his watch. The exchange culminated in Lammy expressing regret for any distress caused by the situation and pointing out the need to address challenges within the prison system.
The interaction, blending humor and serious discourse, showcased the dynamics of parliamentary debates during PMQs.
