MPs Laugh As Robert Jenrick Speaks During Commons Debate

Robert Jenrick was openly laughed at by MPs as he criticised Labour during a Commons debate.

The Reform UK MP, who defected from the Tories in January, was left grim-faced as he failed to see the funny side of the situation.

Speaking during a debate on backing business to create economic growth, Jenrick said: “Well, what a complete shambles. Less than two years ago, this government were elected with the largest majority of any government, bar one, in 100 years.

“People across our country, including most in my home county of Nottinghamshire, put their trust in the Labour Party. Why? Because it promised change.

“It said it would do things differently, it would be better and it would end the chaos. It would put country before party. And where are we, less than two years later?”

Lib Dem MP Max Wilkinson, who was sitting in front of him, chipped in: “You’re in a different party.”

As MPs from across the chamber laughed at the remark, Jenrick tried to continue.

But pointing to the Tory benches, Wilkinson then told him: “You used to be over there.”

Jenrick, the MP for Newark, said: “The honourable member asks why I changed party. I will tell him why I changed party. It is because millions of people across the country look upon the performance of the last government, and this one, and say that these are wasted years and that our country needs real change, yet we see nothing for it.”

Subscribe to Commons People, the podcast that makes politics easy. Every week, Kevin Schofield and Kate Nicholson unpack the week’s biggest stories to keep you informed. Join us for straightforward analysis of what’s going on at Westminster.