AN SNP MP was silenced by the Speaker after calling Boris Johnson’s government “a shower of corrupt criminals” during a debate on the Queen’s Speech.
Hannah Bardell, the MP for Livingston, intervened during Ian Blackford’s response to the legislative agenda, expressing anger over the Tory government’s opposition to Scotland holding another independence referendum.
“Does he agree with me that the reason that this shower of corrupt criminal Conservatives are blocking Scotland’s right, Scotland’s democratic and legal right, to have a democratic mandate over their own future …”
David Davis was then given an opportunity to speak, pointing out that it is in breach of the rules to call another member a criminal – just as it is against the rules to call MPs liars in the Chamber.
Speaker Lindsay Hoyle accepted that no individual MP was called a criminal, but stressed the need for “moderate” language.
It comes after both the Prime Minister and Chancellor were fined for breaking Covid laws.
READ MORE: Tory caught on microphone sneering 'thank God for that' as SNP MP's speech ends
“We want moderate and tolerant language that doesn’t bring this House, or expect members outside to copy the behaviour … I want good behaviour, I want tolerant language, I want people to think before they speak.”
While Bardell rose to her feet again to continue speaking, she was told a firm “no” by Hoyle. Blackford was able to continue.
Why are you making commenting on The National only available to subscribers?
We know there are thousands of National readers who want to debate, argue and go back and forth in the comments section of our stories. We’ve got the most informed readers in Scotland, asking each other the big questions about the future of our country.
Unfortunately, though, these important debates are being spoiled by a vocal minority of trolls who aren’t really interested in the issues, try to derail the conversations, register under fake names, and post vile abuse.
So that’s why we’ve decided to make the ability to comment only available to our paying subscribers. That way, all the trolls who post abuse on our website will have to pay if they want to join the debate – and risk a permanent ban from the account that they subscribe with.
The conversation will go back to what it should be about – people who care passionately about the issues, but disagree constructively on what we should do about them. Let’s get that debate started!
Callum Baird, Editor of The National
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel