Jacob Rees-Mogg admits laying down in Commons was 'mistake'

Sean Morrison @seanmorrison_18 September 2019
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Jacob Rees-Mogg has admitted that reclining in the front bench of the Commons while taking questions during a Brexit debate was a “mistake”.

Images of the Leader of the House went viral after he lay across seating as he participated in a debate with other MPs about Britain’s future outside of the EU.

Asked on Wednesday night if his behaviour was acceptable, Mr Rees-Mogg replied: “In hindsight I think not.”

He did point out that historically ministers rested their feet on the table and joked that he was “restoring an ancient tradition”. But, speaking at a Daily Telegraph event, he added: “I do accept it was a mistake.”

Flat out: Jacob Rees-Mogg lies back on the green benches of the House during a debate 
AFP/Getty Images

He said that he was trying to get comfortable, but that, on reflection, it was not worth “distracting from the importance of what was going on”.

Mr Rees-Mogg was criticised by both sides of the House for his body language during the debate on September 3.

Addressing him in the Commons, Ms Lucas added: "The Leader of the House has been spread across around three seats, lying out as if that was something very boring for him to listen to tonight."

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