MP rebuked for not wearing a tie
A NOTTS MP today said his "point was made" when he was rebuked in the Commons for not wearing a tie as he rose to speak of Parliament becoming an "irrelevant old boys club".
Graham Allen, MP for Nottingham North, stood up to protest about a group of Tory MPs blocking a bid by the UK Youth Parliament to use the Commons chamber for one day.
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Graham Allen
As he rose to make a point of order, Deputy Speaker Sir Alan Haselhurst told him: "It is not appropriate to address the House without being properly attired."
Mr Allen was wearing a suit but his shirt collar was open with no tie. It is common practice in the Commons chamber for men to wear both jackets and ties.
Mr Allen later said, outside the Commons: "I rose to make a point of order today about the Neanderthal MPs in Parliament who are still obstructing the UK's Youth Parliament who wish to use the chamber.
"This typifies the backward, inward-looking nature of many MPs which has led the House of Commons to appear like an irrelevant old boys club to so many electors.
"However the Deputy Speaker interrupted me to tell me I was not allowed to make a point of order in the chamber as ... I was in a state of undress. Point made!"
Mr Allen said he was wearing his "best suit" and had been offered a tie by a fellow Labour MP but did not have time to put it on.
The Government has tabled a motion which would allow the UKYP to use the chamber this year after it held its 2008 annual meeting in the House of Lords.
The motion has been on the order paper several times but has been repeatedly blocked by a group of Tories.
9 Comments
by Steve, Gunthorpe Pie
Saturday, March 14 2009, 12:58AM
“He had the chance to change the world, and he didnt wear his tie! Viva la revelution.”
by marian, Notts
Friday, March 13 2009, 9:48PM
“Mustn't let standards slip...even if some people are not competent it is comforting if they look as if they are :D”
by Miltona, Paradise Found
Friday, March 13 2009, 9:12PM
“I realise that people can do their job effectively regardless of what they are wearing ( except in the case of protective clothing that is neccessary for some jobs), but I do think Graham Allen shouild have worn a tie - it doesn't take long to put one on. Ties are not worn for any useful reason (other than to hide the fact that you might have a button missing on your shirt), so why are they worn? For formal occasions and to indicate respect, and surely the job of running the country, in the very seat of parliament, deserves respect.”
by Bill, Brighton
Friday, March 13 2009, 8:15PM
“Wonder what the UK parliament would make of this?
On Wednesday 22nd November 1972, South Australian Premier Don Dunstan wore pink shorts to work. ¿Dazzling Don Dunstan has done it again¿ reported The News in a page three story featuring this photograph. ¿Wearing deep pink tight flannel shorts, a white T-shirt, long socks, and brown shoes, South Australia¿s swinging Premier stood out like a beacon in the grey conservative decor of Parliament House.¿
The shorts are currently on display in the History Trust exhibition”
by MadBadger, The Sett
Friday, March 13 2009, 6:51PM
“"scruffy left wing half wit"
Ha, High praise indeed, coming from you.
"return of the loony leftie sadbadger , where have you been hidding all week"
What does 'hidding' mean?
Looks like both posts were made by Peter from Red Deer (not).”
by Pete, strelley
Friday, March 13 2009, 6:47PM
“return of the loony leftie sadbadger , where have you been hidding all week”
by Peter, Red Deer AB
Friday, March 13 2009, 6:46PM
“scruffy left wing half wit”
by MadBadger, The Sett
Friday, March 13 2009, 5:44PM
“"The motion has been on the order paper several times but has been repeatedly blocked by a group of Tories."
Typical conservatives.”
by Observer.l, Nottingham.
Friday, March 13 2009, 5:12PM
“Rules are Rules, even for you Graham!.....”