December 15, 2021 11.01 am This story is over 27 months old

Karl McCartney’s shirt choice makes an impression in the House of Commons

“I think you need to go to Specsavers”
Karl McCartney in the House of Commons on Monday, December 13, wearing a striking floral shirt with pink tie. | Photo: Parliament TV
By Local Democracy Reporter

Lincoln MP Karl McCartney questioned the Department for Work and Pensions during a House of Commons debate, but it was his floral shirt that grabbed the attention of most, including the Speaker himself.

Mr McCartney spoke in the House of Commons on Monday, December 13, as part of a debate on proposed Universal Credit taper rate reductions, which, according to the Department for Work and Pensions, will see 1.9 million households keep an average of £1,000 a year extra in income.

The Lincoln MP spoke for his constituents in the commons, asking if the DWP would commit to helping employers in low-pay sectors to spread the message of this taper rate reduction.

He said: “Unlike the legacy system, which has in-built cliff edges, universal credit ensures that it always pays to take on more hours.

“Will my honourable friend commit to working with employers, especially those in my constituency of Lincoln, in low-pay sectors to ensure that they can help their employees understand that?”

In response to McCartney’s question, the parliamentary under-secretary of state for work and pensions, David Rutley MP, addressed the issue at hand before saving compliments for the Lincoln MP’s fetching attire.

“Throughout our job network, our employer partnership teams and employment advisers are working closely with local employers to ensure that they help claimants understand how best to benefit from the recent positive changes to universal credit taper rates and work allowances.

“I am sure that my honourable friend, with his fantastic shirt, will assist with his characteristic energy with this important task.”

It didn’t seem that this view was shared by the House, however, as Speaker of the House of Commons Sir Lindsay Hoyle jovially responded: “I think you need to go to Specsavers, Minister.”

The exchange certainly raised a few laughs inside the House of Commons, and Mr McCartney appears to have taken it in good jest from the Speaker.

Also read: Karl McCartney discusses two years back as MP, COVID policy, conduct breaches and Lincoln’s future