PMQs; we deserve better than ‘flip flop’ gags at time of crisis – The Yorkshire Post says

Their rumbustious exchanges on the so-called Russia Report – and then cheap ‘gags’ at the expense of each other – came over as unedifying on an issue as serious as national security.

The Prime Minister has still to learn the art of statesmanship one year into office; meanwhile the approach pursued by the Labour leader risks charges of inconsistency or, as Mr Johnson put it, “more flip flops than on Bournemouth beach”.

Both leaders will, therefore, have much to reflect upon this summer as Parliament winds down for the summer interlude. For, while all politicians will welcome a short break, the country is still in the grip of the Covid-19 pandemic – a fact that was not obvious at this particular PMQs.

And there will be no let up for all those key workers from NHS staff and teachers preparing for a new academic year to carers, volunteers and many others as they continue to put duty first.

That is why Ministers on duty over the coming weeks should make themselves available for appropriate scrutiny to ensure that the Covid-19 response remains robust and responsible.

There should be no need to wait for Parliament’s resumption on September 1 or its recall – MPs have shown that it is possible to ask questions ‘remotely’ in the Commons. Equally the onus is on Downing Street to hold regular press conferences so the national – and regional – media can raise pertinent issues. If the Government has nothing to hide, it should also have nothing to fear from this.

Editor’s note: first and foremost - and rarely have I written down these words with more sincerity - I hope this finds you well.

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James Mitchinson

Editor