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....?