Downing Street hits back at Lindsay Hoyle after furious Commons outburst

Downing Street hits back at Lindsay Hoyle after furious Commons outburst A war of words has broken out after the Commons Speaker's explosion Share Article Share Article Facebook X LinkedIn Reddit Bluesky Email Copy Link Link copied Add us as preferred source Comments By Katie Harris , Senior Political Correspondent 17:25, Thu, Oct 22, 2026 Updated: 17:25, Thu, Oct 22, 2026 Lindsay Hoyle explodes at Labour over Jackdaw Downing Street has hit back at Sir Lindsay Hoyle after he blasted Andy Burnham 's Government in a furious Commons tirade. The Commons Speaker erupted yesterday after the decision to give the green light to the Jackdaw gas field emerged in the media before being announced in the chamber. Sir Lindsay also lashed out at Energy Secretary Miatta Fahnbulleh for failing to turn up to the Commons, with her deputy sent instead. But speaking today, a No 10 spokesperson said: "It is not unusual for commercially sensitive announcements to remain public early in the morning before markets are open, and this ensures announcements that could potentially have a market impact are announced in a fair and orderly way, rather than igniting while markets are trading. Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT Sir Lindsay Hoyle blasted the Government in the House of Commons (Image: PARLIAMENT TV) Sadiq Khan sparks Brexit outrage with latest EU demand - 'catastrophic!' "I would also point out that Parliament were informed at the same time by a written statement ahead of the oral statement, which followed PMQs. Nothing was briefed in advance of this." The spokesperson added ministers had adopted a "long-standing practice that has taken place over successive governments" in announcing the plans, and that "doesn't detract from the importance that we place on our duties to Parliament, which we will continue to uphold and take seriously". It comes after Labour approved plans to begin drilling in the Jackdaw gas field in the North Sea following months of speculation. Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT Speaking in the Commons yesterday, Sir Lindsay said: "It is shameful that this announcement was not made to the House first, and it is an immense discourtesy to the House that the Secretary of State did not come here to make the statement. Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT "I am sorry that Sky News is more important rather than the members of both sides. It is appalling treatment. Get the latest politics news - straight from our team in Westminster and more I would like to receive emails from the Daily Express featuring our latest products, services, offers, and promotions from across the Reach Plc family . Subscribe Invalid email You agree you are 18 or over. We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you've consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and third parties based on our knowledge of you. You can unsubscribe at any time. More Info . Energy Secretary Miatta Fahnbulleh (Image: Getty) The minister will know that this issue has been of great interest to the House, evident from the many questions asked by honourable members from all sides of the House. "It is simply not good enough that it was trailed by the press last night and announced all over the media this morning b the Secretary of State before it could be properly scrutinised in this House. "And this isn't the first time on this subject, that's what's more shameful. It seems ministers once again need reminding of the Government's own ministerial code which makes clear that important policy announcements should be made first to this House. "There's no excuse, I hope the minister is taking this on board. I am sorry that he is having to take the flak for a Secretary of State who does not care about Members on this side or that side of the House — wherever. "In the end, we are elected by our electorate to hear statements here, not via the media. Am I getting the message through, Minister?" Energy minister Michael Shanks replied: "Your points have been noted, and I will absolutely take them back to the department." Lindsay Hoyle Labour Party Share Article Share Article Facebook X LinkedIn Reddit Bluesky Email Copy Link Link copied Add us as preferred source Comments