One Tory minister behaved “abominably” in the House of Commons, attempting to silence Labour’s Environment Secretary as he listed policies regarding farming.
Shadow Health Secretary’s Actions
The Conservative shadow health secretary was accused of behaving “abominably” in the House of Commons.
Tories as the Opposition
In just the third week of the Conservative Party being the opposition in Parliament for the first time in 14 years, one Tory minister was called out for her actions in the House of Commons.
Same Person, Different Dress?
The newly elected Labour government has been accused of having policies similar to those of the Conservatives; however, this outburst may suggest otherwise.
Atkins’ Outburst
Shadow Health Secretary Victoria Atkins had an enraged outburst during the Labour Environment Secretary’s speech in the House of Commons.
Interrupting Labour’s Speech
Labour’s secretary for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, Steve Reed, was in the middle of listing Labour’s policies when Atkins interrupted “abominably.”
Order in the House
Victoria Atkins stood up and faced the Labour secretary during his speech, visibly angry, shouting and pointing her finger at Reed before order had to be called.
Behaving “Abominably”
Deputy Speaker Christopher Chope called order before bellowing, “The right honourable lady has behaved abominably.”
One Big Joke?
To Atkins, though, it all seemed like one big joke. Although she can be seen in the video apologising to the Deputy Speaker, she then looks to her left, smiling and laughing.
Political Parties Condemn
Members of other political parties condemned Atkins’ behaviour, which caused a rift between those in the House of Commons.
Labour MP Slams Atkins
Many MPs shared the video of the confrontation on social media, including Labour MP Perran Moon, who called Atkins’ actions “an absolute disgrace.”
Demanding Action
Moon posted from her X account, “The behaviour of Victoria Atkins today in the House of Commons was an absolute disgrace & I hope the authorities take appropriate action.”
Tories Struggling
Another Labour MP suggested that the Conservative Party is struggling to accept the fact they are no longer the majority in the House of Commons.
Getting Used to Being the Opposition
The Labour MP in question, Josh Fenton-Glynn of Calder Valley, argued, “I think the fact you don’t get to speak as much in opposition is hard for them to get used to.”
Liberal Democrats’ Response
Another MP, Helen Morgan of the Liberal Democrats, took to social media to claim that Atkins’ action proved the public made the correct decision in the general election.
Not Fit to Run
Not only did she condemn Atkins’ behaviour, but the Liberal Democrats MP argued that the confrontation shows that the Conservatives are not fit to run the country.
“The Electorate Got It Right”
“I witnessed this first-hand. The Conservatives proved the electorate got it right: they are not fit for government,” said Morgan on X.
Defending Her Actions
Victoria Atkins’ spokesperson defended her actions, arguing that the Labour MP speaking, Steve Reed, was ignoring Atkins and Kemi Badenoch’s questions regarding farming.
Ignoring the Conservatives
According to the spokesperson, “Conservative MPs were trying to get answers about their budgets for farming, flood defences and food security, which the minister ignored.”
Tories Standing up for Farmers
“She will always stand up fearlessly for farmers and our rural area in Westminster, even if that means a rare admonishment from the Chair,” the spokesperson continued.
Losing the Majority
Atkins’ behaviour in the House of Commons could be a symptom of losing a majority in government after 14 years of having the larger voice.
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