TWO SNP MPs were instructed to correct the record after calling out Boris Johnson for his “lying” during an opposition day debate.
As members discussed standards in public life as part of a Labour debate, East Dunbartonshire MP Amy Callaghan first criticised the Prime Minister for his “partying, lying, amending the Ministerial Code and voter suppression” in the wake of the no-confidence vote.
Callaghan returned to Westminster earlier this year for the first time since suffering a stroke at the young age of 28.
Speaking in the Commons on Tuesday, she said: “The truth is we deserve better from our elected leaders and when they don’t live up to expectations, checks and balances should come into effect.
WATCH as SNP MP Amy Callaghan is forced to withdraw her comment in the House of Commons for using the word 'lying' in relation to Boris Johnson pic.twitter.com/w4lHWB5m57
— The National (@ScotNational) June 7, 2022
“They should prevent this very situation. They should maintain faith in our democracy, they should prevent a liar from ever residing in 10 Downing Street, but the system is broken, the scale is askew and only a strengthened ministerial code could set the House to rights.
“Where does this end? A lawbreaker has now been allowed to remain as Prime Minister because his own MPs say so. Partying, lying, amending the ministerial code, voter suppression, watering down human rights.”
READ MORE: Tory benches DESERTED as MPs debate standards in public life - see the pictures
Deputy Commons Speaker Nigel Evans interrupted Callaghan and asked her to withdraw the word “lying”.
“I withdraw the word lying,” she replied.
She later took to social media to express her frustration with the Commons convention which prevents MPs from accusing each other of lying.
A number of MPs, including Dawn Butler and Ian Blackford, have been kicked out of the Chamber after refusing to withdraw the remark.
“Just had to withdraw my comment in the @HouseofCommons saying the Prime Minister had lied,” Callaghan explained.
“Lie and remain PM but call out those lies and risk being thrown out Parliament.
“This is UK politics in 2022.”
Supporters were upset with the system in which lying is permitted, but calling it out is not.
"Just watched it Amy," said one commenter. "It's outrageous and archaic that we cannot call for truth in Parliament. Spot on. Thank you."
Another slammed the set-up as "rank hypocrisy".
Later, Marion Fellows, MP for Motherwell and Wishaw, claimed Boris Johnson “breached the Ministerial Code by using terminological inexactitudes”, prompting Evans to intervene.
Fellows said: “The Prime Minister knew he had attended parties in Number 10, but he used weasel words to try to deny it. He breached the ministerial code by using terminological inexactitudes and for my constituents’ benefit that’s sometimes known by you as lying.”
READ MORE: SNP MP Amy Callaghan instructed to take back 'lying' Boris comment in House of Commons
Evans interrupted saying: “Not having the word lying, it has been stressed by the Speaker at the beginning of this debate, so please will you withdraw the word lying.”
Fellows replied: “I will withdraw … the word lying and thank you for your guidance, Mr Deputy Speaker, but I think my constituents struggle a bit with terminological inexactitude.”
Her claims of “nae honesty either” – adding that the PM has a “well-hidden moral compass” – led to a second intervention by Evans.
He said: “Were you accusing the Prime Minister of being dishonest? Because, if so, can you withdraw that too please.”
Fellows replied: “Oh sorry, yes of course.”
Why are you making commenting on The National only available to subscribers?
We know there are thousands of National readers who want to debate, argue and go back and forth in the comments section of our stories. We’ve got the most informed readers in Scotland, asking each other the big questions about the future of our country.
Unfortunately, though, these important debates are being spoiled by a vocal minority of trolls who aren’t really interested in the issues, try to derail the conversations, register under fake names, and post vile abuse.
So that’s why we’ve decided to make the ability to comment only available to our paying subscribers. That way, all the trolls who post abuse on our website will have to pay if they want to join the debate – and risk a permanent ban from the account that they subscribe with.
The conversation will go back to what it should be about – people who care passionately about the issues, but disagree constructively on what we should do about them. Let’s get that debate started!
Callum Baird, Editor of The National
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel