How MPs' exchanges in the Commons are reported

[saintjohnny]

Someone solve this for me. Why is it that when an MP says something to an opponent in the Commons, they have to refer to that MP indirectly, but are always reported, in quotation marks, as having said it directly? A good example is Cameron today talking to Brown. he actually said "Is the Prime Minister aware of what a pathetic figure he cuts?" but is reported by the BBC as saying "Are YOU aware of what a pathetic figure YOU cut?" Why is this?

[THECORBYLOON]

Do you have a link for the BBC report?

[Panic Button]

When they refer to eachother they say 'The Honorable Member for Camberwick Green' or whatever.

Even the sitting MPs must be confused!

[jno]

it's here, TCL, in the little panel in the middle. Interesting question. (saintjohnny's, I mean.)

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/7362283 .stm

[Kromovaracun]

They're supposed to refer to each other as 'The Right Honourable Member' allowing for several abbreviations, (or can say 'My Right Honourable friend' if they're of the same party) - and it's technically the Speaker's job to enforce such rules. Obviously if Dave got away with it, the speaker wasn't doing his job properly. But of course he could've said it and then been told off by the speaker.

Mind you, Dave refers to Brown in such a way on numerous occasions in the link, and so does Nick Clegg. So one would have to assume either there's been a change to conduct rules or that the Speaker wasn't listening...

[andy-hughes]

A Member is only addressed as a 'Right Honourable Member' if they are a member of the Privy Council - otherwise they are 'The Honourable Member For ...'

[R1Geezer]

It's reporters trying to to make it sound more personal. Look up Hansard that reports what they actually say, even the word "B0ll0cks" I believe from the other week!