Home   News   National   Article

‘Have you pressed the button?’ – audio of PM lost in virtual Commons statement


By PA News

Easier access to your trusted, local news. Subscribe to a digital package and support local news publishing.



Click here to sign up to our free newsletters!

Health Secretary Matt Hancock stepped into the Prime Minister’s shoes after Boris Johnson’s video link from Downing Street lost audio during a crucial statement on Covid-19.

The Commons was suspended for three minutes after the technical glitch, however, it was not fixed so Mr Hancock had to fill in.

There was a ripple of laughter from MPs in the chamber following the technical issues when the Prime Minister could be seen moving out of shot on-screen.

Commons Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle said: “Have you pressed the button Prime Minister? I think we’re just going to have to stop for a moment so we can have it checked…

“We’re just checking the sound Prime Minister, we lost your answer. Have you pressed the button by mistake Prime Minister? It’s not our end Prime Minister, it could well be yours.”

Speaker of the House of Commons Sir Lindsay Hoyle
Speaker of the House of Commons Sir Lindsay Hoyle

Sir Lindsay added: “Would Mr Hancock like to take over with the answer?”

Gesturing to the frontbench, the Speaker said: “Is one of you going to do it or not, it’s no good looking at one another? We’re going to suspend for three-minutes then.”

Mr Hancock, seated on the front bench, then took the next questions on behalf of Mr Johnson.

Sir Lindsay later suspended the Commons for a further five minutes, with another 63 MPs waiting to ask questions.

Mr Johnson returned on the screens in the chamber, claiming: “The problem does not appear to be our end, so I hope viewers will not think I’m in any way trying to avoid scrutiny by honourable members.”

Do you want to respond to this article? If so, click here to submit your thoughts and they may be published in print.

Keep up-to-date with important news from your community, and access exclusive, subscriber only content online. Read a copy of your favourite newspaper on any device via the HNM App.

Learn more


This site uses cookies. By continuing to browse the site you are agreeing to our use of cookies - Learn More