House of Commons Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle erupted in a torrent of anger on Wednesday, a discharge likened to a volcanic event, after Energy Secretary Miatta Fahnbulleh failed to appear for a statement on the Jackdaw gas field.
The Speaker's fury began immediately after Prime Minister's Questions concluded. Dark smoke, described metaphorically, started rising from the "Speaker's upper slopes," and "the top of Sir Lindsay's head shot hundreds of feet in the air," according to one observer.
The cause of the Speaker's outrage was Ms. Fahnbulleh's absence. She was expected to make a statement regarding the government's approval of the Jackdaw gas field. Instead, she was reportedly in Aberdeen for a photo opportunity. The decision to approve the gas field had already been reported in the morning newspapers, leading Sir Lindsay to feel that the House had been disrespected.
In Ms. Fahnbulleh's place, junior minister Michael Shanks stood at the despatch box. Sir Lindsay expressed his anger at the "shameful" behavior and "immense discourtesy" shown to the elected legislature, stating, "It's simply not good enough!"
The Speaker's outburst was described as a "Plinian" eruption, characterized by cataclysmic force. He reportedly discarded his prepared script as his anger escalated, delivering a tirade that lasted for more than two minutes. Mr. Shanks appeared to be overwhelmed by the Speaker's ire.
When Mr. Shanks attempted to offer an apology, Sir Lindsay erupted again, sarcastically remarking that he was "sorry that Aberdeen is more important than the MPs who have been elected."
Miatta Fahnbulleh, 47, has been a notable figure in recent weeks. She has also been involved in cabinet discussions concerning immigration policy and has faced scrutiny regarding her personal choices, such as sending her children to private school while the Labour party criticizes such establishments.
