25 Feb
General Debate
Points of Order

The Points of Order presented in this General Debate session primarily address concerns raised by certain Members about recent statements and an issue involving the BBC's broadcast choices. Among the notable contributions were contentious accusations, procedural clarifications, and public accountability demands. Lee Anderson of Ashfield (Reform) was vocal about alleged misleading accusations made by the SNP leader, demonstrating the sensitive nature of parliamentary discourse and decorum. Gregory Campbell of the DUP raised significant concerns regarding a BBC documentary, reflecting broader public sentiments and calling for ministerial accountability.

Nearly 4 hours

Lee Anderson was present in the Chamber for this duration, emphasizing his commitment and rebutting claims regarding his absence.

A Bill, the 'Crime and Policing Bill', was also presented, outlining significant legislative measures to tackle varied issues from anti-social behaviour to matters of national security, emphasizing an agenda focused on law enforcement and public safety.

7 October massacre

Referenced as part of Gregory Campbell's point regarding a controversial BBC documentary and staff conduct.

Conducted in the House of Commons, this debate displayed the rigorous examination of both parliamentary conduct and media responsibility, highlighting the roles MPs play in representing public concerns.

Thursday

Department for Culture, Media and Sport questions scheduled for this day; indirect reference in response to Campbell's inquiry.

Outcome

The session concluded without a formal outcome for the points raised. The accusations of misleading were addressed by procedural guidance from the Deputy Speaker, emphasizing moderation in debates. The call for ministerial discussion on the BBC controversy may see follow-up in a forthcoming Culture Secretary's statement.

The introduction of the 'Crime and Policing Bill' signaled an upcoming detailed legislative process that targets a comprehensive range of public order and criminal issues.

Key Contributions

Lee AndersonSpeaker
Reform

Addressed allegations of absence during a parliamentary session, clarifying his presence for nearly four hours and challenging misleading accusations by the SNP leader.

Madam Deputy SpeakerSpeaker
Ms Nusrat Ghani

Acknowledged Anderson's point but emphasized the need for respectful discourse, warning against accusations of misleading without appropriate evidence.

Mr Gregory CampbellSpeaker
DUP

Raised concerns about a BBC documentary linked to Hamas representatives, criticizing the broadcaster's due diligence and calling for governmental accountability.

Madam Deputy SpeakerSpeaker

Responded to Campbell by stating no current ministerial indication for a statement, suggested parliamentary questions as a potential follow-up.

Original Transcript
Lee Anderson
Ashfield
Reform
14:59

On a point of order, Madam Deputy Speaker. During the statement on defence and security, the leader of the Scottish National party, the right hon.

Member for Aberdeen South (Stephen Flynn), described Reform UK MPs as Putin’s puppets and said that they were missing from the Chamber during the statement. That is not true. I was present for the Prime Minister’s statement, left for a comfort break and returned for the rest of the session.

In fact, I have been in this Chamber for nearly four hours today. Funnily enough, when I returned to the Chamber, the leader of the SNP and his MPs were not actually present. The leader of the SNP has misled the House and should apologise, if you can find him.

Madam Deputy Speaker
Ms Nusrat Ghani
14:49

I am grateful to the hon. Member for giving notice of his point of order, although it was slightly longer than what he provided notice of. I have no doubt that he let the right hon. Member for Aberdeen South (Stephen Flynn) know that he would be speaking about him. The hon.

Member should know that it is not appropriate to accuse other Members of misleading the House. As ever, it is vital that Members in all parts of the House maintain good temper and moderation in debate.

Mr Gregory Campbell
East Londonderry
DUP

On a point of order, Madam Deputy Speaker. Many people will have become aware of the recent controversy regarding the BBC’s decision to broadcast on its iPlayer service the documentary “Gaza: How to Survive a Warzone”. It only withdraw it after public outcry.

It featured the son of a Hamas deputy Minister, and there has been the further revelation in the past 24 hours that the cameraman on the film put up a celebratory tweet after the 7 October massacre.

The Culture Secretary has already indicated publicly that she wants to speak to the director general of the BBC about this outrageous lack of due diligence, but has she indicated to the Speaker’s Office that she intends to make a statement to the House, to allow right hon. and hon.

Members to seek further clarification and get answers for the wider public?

All content derived from official parliamentary records