During a recent session of PMQs, a Conservative member appeared to mistakenly request an extra question after exhausting his allotted number, causing amusement among fellow MPs. The incident occurred when James Cartlidge sought Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle’s attention after posing his designated six questions. Cartlidge, standing in for Kemi Badenoch, was playfully teased by Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy.
In a light-hearted jab during his debut appearance at PMQs, Lammy humorously remarked on Cartlidge’s counting skills, comparing him to another Tory member. The Speaker had to intervene to clarify the allotted question count, confirming that Cartlidge had indeed reached his limit.
The exchange unfolded amidst a heated discussion where Lammy urged his Tory counterpart to take charge, emphasizing his responsibility as the Justice Secretary. The focus was on potential errors in releasing asylum seekers, highlighted by the recent case of Hadush Kebatu’s accidental release from HMP Chelmsford. Lammy assured the House of addressing such incidents but also pointed out shortcomings in the justice system that predated his tenure.
The back-and-forth continued with Lammy acknowledging the need for apologies and expressing regret for any distress caused. However, he also highlighted the need to address systemic issues within the prison system, calling for collective efforts to rectify past mistakes.
