“I think we need to understand each other. I am the defender of this House and these benches on both sides….take it with good grace and accept it.”
Today’s proceedings were about as watchable as a game of cricket where the batsman does not actually have to face the bowling in person.
There were moments when the PM made everyone from the Speaker down laugh, and most of his listeners were grateful for light relief from the crisis.
“I now look to the Government to rebuild trust with this House,” he says, as he confirms that the Brady amendment won’t be called.
The Brady amendment is part of the developing story of a clash between leaders and backbenchers over Party management, culture and MPs’ status.
Dodds, replying for Labour, claimed Johnson’s motto is “The buck stops anywhere but here”.
The Leader of the Opposition was infuriated by these charges, but had forgotten the imperative need to be brief.
Starmer obliged the Prime Minister to take him seriously: something Corbyn never achieved.
The new Leader of the Opposition put Raab on the defensive, but has not yet discovered the transcendent virtue of brevity.
The Commons agreed to hold virtual sittings, but admitted that these will greatly impair its ability to hold the Government to account.
Lindsay Hoyle kicks off proceedings today that are novel even in Parliament’s long history.
The date at which lockdown should end is debatable. That MPs and peers should be debating it is not.
Plus: And a Coronavirus Social Justice Minister. Give thanks for Starmer. And: it’s time for a Virtual Parliament.
But there were a couple of moments of levity – though both men agreed that this is no time for it.
To the astonishment of those who see him as an incorrigible buffoon, the Prime Minister looked and sounded unremittingly sombre.