The Speaker of the House of Commons, Sir Lindsay Hoyle, criticized the Prime Minister for a potential leak of defense increase information that reached the press before being announced to MPs. He emphasized that such conduct undermines Commons rules and demanded accountability. Sir Keir Starmer, opposing the Prime Minister, asserted that no briefing occurred and vowed to investigate the claims. The Prime Minister, while denying discourtesy, affirmed that he had communicated with the Speaker prior to any public statements, aiming to uphold government protocol and transparency.
The government's own ministerial code says that the text of statements 'should be provided in advance to the opposition and to the speaker. It does not provide for the text to be redacted.
I am particularly concerned at the reports that some of the redacted information was provided to the media in advance. If correct that is very discourteous to this house - I take it very seriously.
Starmer insisted that no briefing was 'given to the media' and 'absolutely' there will be 'an inquiry into this.'
I spoke to you this morning Mr Speaker, I wouldn't be discourteous to you or to the opposition in that way. I give you that assurance from this dispatch box.
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