KICKABOUT IN THE COMMONS
Yellow card for Nationalist MP as keepie-uppie ‘stunt’ rebounds
By Rachel Watson Deputy Scottish Political Editor
THEY had promised a major Westminster shake-up when they arrived at the House of Commons in 2015.
But it appears the Nationalists are more concerned with using the historic building to perform their own ‘stunts’ than conduct political business.
One of their number, Hannah Bardell, was filmed in the chamber on Tuesday evening having a ‘kickabout’ in her socks – clearly enjoying the location of her football practice.
She was pictured with several other MPs who posed in their UK Women’s Parliamentary Football team shirts at the despatch box and Speaker’s chair.
But far from delighting the crowds, Miss Bardell’s tricks appeared to backfire, with Speaker John Bercow angrily reprimanding the group and insisting they had not sought permission from him for the ‘stunt’.
Miss Bardell had been due to play in the women’s parliamentary team on Tuesday along with former Tory minister Tracey Crouch and Labour MPs Alison McGovern, Stephanie Peacock and Louise Haigh.
However, the game was cancelled amid concerns it would clash with a vote in the Commons.
Later, the Livingston MP posted a series of pictures and video of herself on Twitter, saying that the group had decided to have ‘a kickabout and a photo in the chamber’.
Mr Bercow hit out at the women following Prime Minister’s Questions yesterday, saying he had not given them permission.
Speaking to MPs, he said: ‘It has been brought to my attention that some football skills were displayed in the chamber yesterday evening after the House rose.
‘I am informed that the doorkeepers on duty told the members concerned that the chamber was not the place for this activity. However, those doorkeepers were advised that permission had been given. Let me assure the House that that permission certainly did not come from me.’
Mr Bercow added: ‘I think I can speak for us all when I say that our historic chamber should not be used for this type of activity.
‘I gently remind colleagues if they are seeking to use the chamber outside of sitting hours beyond for the purpose of simply showing it to guests, frankly they should write to me asking for their request to be considered.’
He revealed that Miss Crouch, Miss Peacock and Miss Haigh had all sent letters of apology.
But Miss Bardell has refused to apologise, claiming that she believes her actions will help to ‘open up’ parliament.
Continuing the joke on her Twitter page, she claimed that ‘no ball games’ signs had been placed around the chamber.
Miss Bardell said: ‘I acknowledge what the Speaker said and have great respect for him but don’t see the need to apologise. I will, however, be writing to him and note he’s said the matter is now closed.
‘At a time when politics is deeply divided, this was a bit of fun on a cross-party basis and the women’s parliamentary team are seeking to cut through some of the divisions through sport and football.
‘I think it opens up parliament more and helps people see it in a more positive light.’
However, this was not the first chamber ‘stunt’ by Miss Bardell, who sparked controversy last summer when she wore a Scotland football shirt during Prime Minister’s Questions.
Miss Bardell claimed she was showing support for her national women’s team ahead of a match against England.
Last night, a Scottish Conservative spokesman said: ‘Hannah Bardell obviously likes a parliamentary stunt.
‘But the more she does it, the more her constituents will wonder if she’s taking her role seriously.’