Deputy Speaker mocks Labour during Sunak's cost-of-living statement demanding 'quieter banter'

Deputy Speaker mocks Labour during Sunak's cost-of-living statement demanding 'quieter banter'
Rishi Sunak levy
Max Parry

By Max Parry


Published: 26/05/2022

- 13:57

Updated: 14/02/2023

- 11:15

Dame Eleanor Laing, who was deputising for Sir Lindsay Hoyle, sent the Commons into hysterics

The Deputy Speaker, Dame Eleanor Laing, sent MPs into hysterics, after scolding the Labour benches during the Chancellor's statement on the cost-of-living in the House of Commons.

As Rishi Sunak attempted to announce plans for a windfall tax on oil and gas companies, to stem the rising household energy costs, Labour parliamentarians could be heard mocking and jeering at the 42-year-old.


Dame Eleanor, the Epping Forest MP, called "order", before rebuking the Opposition.

"A bit of gentle banter is fine," the Paisley-born Deputy Speaker said.

"But when it gets to the stage that nobody can hear what the Chancellor is saying, it's counter-productive."

Motioning her left hand to subdue Labour's more raucous MPs, she quipped: "Now, quieter banter, please."

The instruction was met with incredulous laughter by Tories and Labour politicians alike.

Shadow Chancellor Rachel Reeves could be seen chuckling as she waited for her opposite number to recommence his statement.

Former Health Secretary Matt Hancock and ex-Culture Secretary John Whittingdale could also be seen giggling, among other Conservative colleagues.

The Chancellor's statement included landmark policies to mitigate the financial squeeze facing Britons up and down the country.

He has promised a £400 "universal" grant to help all households tackle soaring energy bills.

The former Goldman Sachs analyst announced a windfall tax, as well as a multitude of one-off payments for the most vulnerable.

Ms Reeves claimed Labour are "winning the battle of ideas" after Mr Sunak's windfall tax announcement.

The Opposition called for the windfall tax policy some months ago.

MPs across the House could be seen laughing at the jibe.
MPs across the House could be seen laughing at the jibe.
GB News

Epping Forest MP Dame Eleanor Laing scolds the Labour benches from the Speakers' chair
Epping Forest MP Dame Eleanor Laing scolds the Labour benches from the Speakers' chair
GB News

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