Moment Boris Johnson’s audio cuts out after Commons coronavirus statement: ‘Have you pressed the button Prime Minister?’
MPs snickered as a technical glitch muted the Prime Minister’s video link as he answered questions on the Government’s winter coronavirus plan.
Boris Johnson was forced to dial into the Parliamentary session remotely from Downing Street as he continues his 14-day period of self-isolation.
After delivering his much-anticipated statement on Monday afternoon, the PM took questions from MPs.
But proceedings hit a stumbling block when Mr Johnson suddenly lost audio, leaving his replies mute.
The Prime Minister could be seen moving out of shot on-screen, as Commons Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle asked playfully: “Have you pressed the button Prime Minister?
He continued: “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.”
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.”
Eventually the Prime Minister came off mute
PAThe Commons was suspended for three minutes in a bid to resolve the issue. But still the chamber was met with silence from Number 10.
It was therefore down to Health Secretary Matt Hancock, seated on the front bench, to take to the dispatch box 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.”
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