Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Brendan O'Hara and Lindsay Hoyle

Wednesday 22nd October 2025 Commons Chamber

[Brendan O’Hara]

I, too, welcome the Secretary of State to his place, although it seems that his appointment has not been universally welcomed. Indeed, I hear that the Daily Record, having asked his Labour colleagues for their opinion, feared an asterisk shortage. One particularly caustic comrade said:

“If I had a pound for everyone who liked Douglas, I would have 50p.”

But rest assured, Mr Speaker, his appointment was welcomed with open arms on the SNP Benches, and I have to admit to having a grudging admiration for him as someone who cares not about the opinion of other people. But with Labour tanking in the polls, and independence the majority view in—

[Mr Speaker]

Order. Mr O’Hara, this is meant to be a question, not a statement.