Hunt joins long list of briefing paper blunderers
Yes, they’re still doing it. Even though countless colleagues have been caught out in exactly the same way, Government figures continue to amble dozily out of Downing Street clutching confidential paperwork, directly in front of photographers with zoom lenses.
We know times are tough, and the Government is determined to keep tight control of the public purse. But really: I’m sure the taxpayer wouldn’t object if, in the name of basic security, ministers invested in ring-binders.
Yesterday’s daydreamer was Jeremy Hunt, the Health Secretary, who was photographed holding notes he and his team had prepared on Brexit. One line in particular caught the eye: “Hard Brexit means people fleeing UK.”
I assume that this is not Mr Hunt’s own view, given that a so-called “hard Brexit” (leaving the single market and customs union) happens to be official Government policy. I imagine he noted it down as an example of the kind of criticism his opponents might make. On the other hand, maybe it’s the Government’s new line on immigration. “Hard Brexit means people fleeing the UK – and that’s why we’re pursuing it! There’ll be far less pressure on the NHS once everyone’s left the country! Instead of waiting months for an operation, you can have it straight away! Although admittedly you may have to perform it yourself!”
Later, when Mr Hunt faced MPS, Labour’s Heidi Alexander ranted that “doctors and nurses are leaving in their droves” and “EU staff no longer want to come here”. The blame, she said, lay squarely with Mr Hunt. “Well,” he huffed, “she may have noticed a little thing called Brexit happened – which is the cause of understandable concern.” Funny how things turn out. According to his notes, Mr Hunt’s opponents were supposed to blame Brexit, and he was supposed to defend it. Instead, his opponents didn’t blame Brexit, he did.
Afterwards, Labour tabled an urgent question about education spending. They were led by Angela Rayner, the shadow education secretary. “The Education Secretary bid for extra money for schools this weekend!” she bellowed. “Not at Cabinet, but on the front page of the Torygraph! And no wonder, when Arlene Foster [DUP leader] got a billion pounds! She must be the most expensive right-winger since Cristiano Ronaldo!”
Personally, I enjoyed that joke more when the SNP’S Alison Thewlis told it a week earlier. I look forward to hearing it again. Perhaps the next MP will bear in mind that Ronaldo actually enjoyed his greatest success in the centre.