A Conservative member made a humorous blunder by attempting to ask for an additional question during PMQs after exhausting his allotted questions, resulting in amusement among fellow MPs. The confusion arose when James Cartlidge sought the attention of Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle for an extra question after already posing his permitted six questions on behalf of Kemi Badenoch. This incident led to some light-hearted teasing from Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy, who pointed out the error in counting by Cartlidge and compared it to another Tory member’s similar mistake.
The Speaker had to intervene during the chaotic moment to clarify that Cartlidge had indeed asked his full quota of questions. Despite the mix-up, at the end of PMQs, it was confirmed that Cartlidge had been mistaken in his attempt for an additional question.
The session also featured a heated exchange between David Lammy and Cartlidge regarding the release of asylum seekers. Cartlidge repeatedly pressed Lammy about any further accidental releases of offenders after an incident involving Hadush Kebatu, an Ethiopian sex offender who was mistakenly freed from prison, leading to a brief manhunt before his recapture and deportation.
In response to Cartlidge’s inquiries, Lammy emphasized his role as the Justice Secretary and acknowledged the challenges within the justice system. He also acknowledged past issues under his watch and expressed regret for any distress caused. Furthermore, Lammy pointed out that Cartlidge, as a former justice minister, shares responsibility for addressing the current state of prisons.
The exchange between the two MPs highlighted concerns about the justice system and accountability for handling such incidents, ultimately emphasizing the need for improvements in the management of asylum seekers and offenders within the UK.