Ouch
A prominent Scottish silk has been rebuked in the House of Commons today for heckling Theresa May, moments before Article 50 was officially triggered.
Joanna Cherry QC — who is MP for Edinburgh South West — was told off by House Speaker John Bercow for her “unseemly heckling” during today’s Prime Minister’s questions.
Cherry, a former lawyer at Edinburgh-based outfit Brodies, appeared to be responding to an answer given by May concerning Scotland and the referendum.
"This is very unseemly heckling. You are a distinguished QC. You wouldn't behave like that in the Scottish court." – John Bercow #PMQs pic.twitter.com/UR7xMn7EOT
— The Telegraph (@Telegraph) March 29, 2017
Rising to his feet, Bercow — who is responsible for keeping order within the Commons — gave the Scottish National Party politician a severe telling off. He said:
Ms Cherry, this is very unseemly heckling. You are a distinguished QC. You wouldn’t behave like that in the Scottish courts! You’d be chucked out.
The reprimand, which was met with laughter by MPs, also went down well with those following today’s session on Twitter.
Hahahahahah Mr Speaker giving @joannaccherry a ticking off for heckling. Naughty QC! #Brexit #Article50 #PMQs
— Stewart (@cunning_chops) March 29, 2017
Others felt the Scottish MP had been unfairly singled out.
John Bercow must have extraordinary hearing to pick out @joannaccherry for admonishment. Yet Tories heckled @AngusRobertson unfetered
— PoliticsScot (@PoliticsScot) March 29, 2017
Back in 2014 Cherry was the driving forced behind a campaign called ‘Lawyers for Yes’. Seeking Scottish independence, the group — supported by over 100 legal professionals — argued that an independent Scotland would be “fairer” and “more democratic.”
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