Mind your language! Commons speaker Lindsay Hoyle slams Britain’s sweary MPs
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“I know there is a general election approaching, but I would urge honorable members on both sides of the house to exercise greater self-restraint in their choice of words and in their general behavior, both when they are asking a question and when they are not.”
The statement comes just a day after a report in POLITICO revealing politicians’ use in the House of Commons chamber of words including “shit” and “fuck” has soared in recent years.
Home Secretary James Cleverly was recently accused by another MP of having described the English town of Stockton as a “shit hole” during another session of PMQs. Cleverly denied the specific claim, although admitted using “inappropriate language” in the chamber.
Using “unparliamentary language” can break the rules of politeness in the House of Commons, and MPs can be asked to withdraw their comment immediately by the Commons speaker.