Prime Minister Keir Starmer is confronting mounting demands to issue a formal apology to Commons Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle, following an extraordinary temper outburst during Prime Minister's Questions. The premier engaged in a direct confrontation with Sir Lindsay in the chamber after being sharply rebuked for evading questions from the Leader of the Opposition, Kemi Badenoch.
Heated Exchange in the Commons Chamber
During yesterday's session, Sir Lindsay Hoyle interrupted Sir Keir to firmly remind him that it was "Prime Minister's Questions" and that he must concentrate on answering inquiries, rather than challenging the opposition. Witnesses reported that Sir Keir was visibly "fuming" after the exchange, and he subsequently strode up to the Speaker's chair, with some accounts suggesting he even struck its side in frustration.
Historical Context of Speaker's Interventions
It is noteworthy that Sir Lindsay has repeatedly issued similar warnings to previous prime ministers, including Boris Johnson and Rishi Sunak, often to Sir Keir's advantage when he served as Opposition Leader. Allies of the Speaker have emphasised that he regularly receives emails from the public after PMQs, complaining that premiers frequently dodge questions instead of providing direct answers.
Shadow Commons Leader Raises the Issue
Shadow Commons Leader Jesse Norman highlighted the episode during Business Questions in the House this morning. With Sir Lindsay watching stony-faced, Mr Norman presented a damning analysis, noting that out of 24 responses given by the Prime Minister to Kemi Badenoch in recent weeks, 23 had "ignored the question and changed the subject."
Mr Norman stated, "Yesterday we even saw the PM hectoring you and on live television just for doing your job. That is a shameful record, for which the PM should write to you and therefore by implication to this House and apologise." He further criticised the behaviour as "contemptuous of you, of the Leader of the Opposition, and of us all as MPs."
Multiple Interventions in Recent Weeks
This incident marks the third occasion in recent weeks where Sir Lindsay has had to intervene to remind Sir Keir of his duty to answer questions properly. Following the heated clashes, the Prime Minister was observed approaching Sir Lindsay's chair as he left the Chamber to speak with him privately.
One MP who witnessed the scene at close quarters revealed that Sir Keir was clearly incensed at the Speaker, telling the Daily Mail, "He was fuming with Lindsay." This adds to a pattern of tension during PMQs sessions.
Speaker's Office Issues Clarifying Statement
Later, the Speaker's Office released a statement explaining that Sir Lindsay occasionally must remind prime ministers and ministers of the "rules of engagement" in the chamber. The statement pointedly noted that this point has been made to Number 10 officials "on several occasions recently" following similar interventions in previous weeks.
A spokeswoman for the Speaker's Office elaborated, "The Speaker is not responsible for the questions asked by Members or the answers given by Ministers. Questions to Ministers should relate to matters for which they are officially responsible. Equally, answers should be confined to the points contained in the question. Every so often the Speaker has to remind Prime Ministers - and Ministers - of the rules of engagement in the Chamber."
The ongoing disputes underscore broader concerns about parliamentary conduct and accountability, with calls for Sir Keir to acknowledge his actions and reconcile with the Speaker to maintain decorum in the House of Commons.
