Graham Stuart MP: "You are far too excitable!" says The Speaker in remarkable scenes in Parliament

"DO NOT SHAKE YOUR HEAD AT ME!"

IN A REMARKABLE EXCHANGE in the House of Commons yesterday, then local MP Graham Stuart was told in no uncertain terms by The Speaker John Bercow to "Be quiet and calm down..." and told to leave the chamber if he could not.

Graham Stuart was attempting to quiz the former Prime Minister Gordon Brown who was making a speech on the Phone Hacking scandal and the bid by News International to acquire BSkyB.

The Beverley and Holderness MP had been trying to intervene in Gordon Brown's speech through the Parliamentary tradition of asking the person to 'give way'. On his second attempt the following exchange took place (reported by Hansard):

Mr Graham Stuart rose —
Mr Brown: I will set out my case and then I will answer questions.
This is the only way—[ Interruption. ]
Mr Speaker: Order. I apologise for interrupting the right hon. Gentleman. Mr Stuart, I am going to say it to you once and once only: you are far too excitable. Be quiet and calm down—[ Interruption. ] Order. If you cannot — do not shake your head at me —then leave the Chamber.

Then later:

Mr Graham Stuart: On a point of order, Mr Speaker. May I ask whether there is any time limit in this debate, and—
Mr Speaker: Order. The hon. Gentleman will resume his seat. If there were a time limit it would be announced;

And later still:

Mr Speaker: Order. I apologise for having to interrupt the right hon. Gentleman...
There will be interventions when the Member who has the floor takes them, and not before. Members will observe basic courtesies and listen quietly and with respect to speakers. That is the end of it. Mr Stuart, if you are not prepared to do so, leave the Chamber. We can manage without you

Alex Stevenson who is a Lobby journalist for politics.co.uk had this to say about the exchange (see: Politics.co.uk - commentary)

As usual, the official record presents a soberer version than the reality. While the above was being said Labour backbenchers were shouting away, roaring "sit down!" at Stuart. At one point an opposition MP went further, venturing: "Sit down, stupid!" Hansard did not record these remarks. Nor did it convey the full extent of Bercow's bile. I would propose they amend their version with this: 'DON'T SHAKE YOUR HEAD AT ME! Stuart gaped, shrugging with his left hand sprawled along the back of the wooden bench. He waited just a few seconds, his eyes never leaving Bercow's - before shaking his head defiantly once more.'

The Telegraph captures some of the exchange on a video posted at its article: Order? How Speaker of the House of Commons John Bercow fails to keep control of 'the children'

Unfortunately this kind of pantomime-type behaviour in Parliament grabs all the attention and headlines - and we tend to overlook the important issues being discussed.

Although perhaps - just perhaps - the "Punch & Judy" Parliamentary approach will attract and appall a new audience that will want to investigate our decision-making processes a bit more thoughtfully....?

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Graham Stuart MP: National Citizen Service roll-out costs "hard to justify"

IN A REPORT PUBLISHED TODAY, Thursday 23 June 2011, the House of Commons Education Select Committee warns that extending the National Citizen Service (NCS) to all 600,000 16-year olds could have a price tag in excess of £350 million each year - even if only 50% of young people take part. This would make it more costly than the entirety of youth services currently provided by local authorities.

The NCS launched in February this year and will be available to 11,000 people in 2011 and 30,000 in 2012. The Prime Minister David Cameron has expressed a wish to see all 16 year olds being offered the opportunity to take part. However the Education Select Committee says it "cannot support" the 6-week flagship programme in current form as costs may exceed the entire public spending on youth services.

Local MP Graham Stuart is Chair of the Education Select Committee and had this to say on the report:

"The Government's idea of using the National Citizen Service to inspire young people to engage with their communities, mix socially and build their skills is a good one. However, the pilots are proving to be expensive and full roll-out would be hard to justify when cuts, which the Government itself calls disproportionate, are impacting existing youth services provided by local authorities. The NCS should be adapted so that it accredits existing programmes while introducing a new focus and resources into the sector."

The cost of National Citizen Service in 2011 is around £1,182 per young person. By contrast, the German federal Government spends £1,228 per young person for a whole year's work-based volunteering programme. The Education Select Committee says it does not see how the Government can justify spending the same amount for only six weeks of National Citizen Service.

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MP adds his support to the Fish Fight Campaign

LOCAL MP GRAHAM STUART, has pledged his support for the Fish Fight campaign by signing an Early Day Motion.

Early Day Motions are formal motions submitted for debate in the House of Commons. They are an effective way for publicising the views of individual MPs, drawing attention to specific events or campaigns, and demonstrating the extent of parliamentary support for a particular cause or point of view.

Graham Stuart has backed the campaign, led by Chef Hugh Fearnley Whittingstall, which raises awareness that around half of the fish caught in the North Sea, despite dying in the trawling process, are unnecessarily thrown back.

The Fish Fight Campaign claims this behaviour is unsustainable.

Graham Stuart said: “We need to find ways to make use of all the fish we catch and avoid the current system’s failings where vast quantities are senselessly being thrown back into the sea. People like Hugh are making great strides to bring about a change in attitude that will work to benefit consumers, fishermen and fish alike”

The Campaign also calls for strong reform of the European Union Common Fisheries Policy and the creation of a regionalised, eco-systems-based framework for fishing quotas.

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