A rule of thumb. When you’re in a hole, it’s generally best to stop digging. So after a spectacular display of pompous self-indulgence and partisan politics from MPs of all parties during an opposition day debate on Gaza the night before, the least you might have expected was a little contrition on Thursday morning. A walk of shame into the Commons. MPs trying not to catch one another’s eyes. We’ve all had a drink …
And it all started off quite well during culture departmental questions. Everyone was determined not to mention the war. No, not that one in the Middle East. The one that had been fought across the dispatch box. The one that MPs were really bothered about. The speaker was also in his chair. Everyone wanted to pretend everything was normal. “Yes, Mr Speaker; no, Mr Speaker.” The only hint that anything was amiss was the excessive politeness.
