A Conservative member made a mistake by requesting an additional question during Prime Minister’s Questions (PMQs) after exhausting his allotted number, causing laughter among fellow MPs. The incident occurred when James Cartlidge, the Conservative Shadow Justice Secretary filling in for Kemi Badenoch, attempted to catch the attention of Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle for an extra question after already asking six.
Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy, in his debut appearance at PMQs, humorously remarked on the situation by jokingly criticizing Cartlidge’s counting abilities, likening him to another member who struggled to keep track.
Amid the confusion, Speaker Hoyle had to intervene during a chaotic moment involving Labour’s Jonathan Brash, confirming that Cartlidge had indeed reached his limit of questions. At the end of PMQs, the Speaker clarified the count discrepancy, emphasizing Cartlidge’s error.
The tense exchange between Cartlidge and Lammy centered on the accidental release of asylum seeker Hadush Kebatu, a case that raised concerns. Cartlidge pressed Lammy multiple times on the issue, seeking assurance that no similar incidents had occurred since Kebatu’s release from HMP Chelmsford, where he was later apprehended and deported.
In response, Lammy defended his role as Justice Secretary and acknowledged the challenges faced in the justice system. He expressed regret for any distress caused by the situation and emphasized the need to address the existing issues in the prison system.
The exchange highlighted the ongoing scrutiny and accountability within the government, particularly concerning justice and security matters.
