Replacement of the Chancellor of the Exchequer

Gavin Newlands Excerpts

Monday 17th October 2022 Commons Chamber

[Penny Mordaunt]

I think that the Prime Minister has shown leadership in taking the tough decision that she has and not for the first time. If our Prime Minister had not shown leadership when she was Foreign Secretary, we would not, alongside European nations, be giving the support to Ukraine that we rightly should be proud of.

[Gavin Newlands (Paisley and Renfrewshire North) (SNP)]

If the Prime Minister was as courageous the Leader of the House asserts, she would be here answering questions this afternoon. The fact that the Prime Minister is unwilling to come to the House shows her complete lack of authority—weak before the country, weak before Parliament and weak before the markets. Refusing to face parliamentary accountability for her actions is not cowardice, it is a dereliction of duty. Does the Leader of the House agree that it is well past time for this lame duck Prime Minister to go?

[Penny Mordaunt]

The Prime Minister has come to this House many times, and in the previous roles she has held, she has come to this House many times, often to talk about very difficult issues. There is a genuine reason why she is not here, and I hope that she will be able to join the House later this afternoon.