Silencing Ian Blackford is one upside to PMQs tech troubles

Parliament, 0. Computer Bugs 1. That was the score at PMQs today after a software glitch turned the debate into a cyber-shambles.

The disaster unfolded as Ian Blackford asked his two questions. The SNP member, wearing a smart three-piece suit, joined the chamber from his sumptuously appointed country seat in the Hebrides. Blackford is known as a champion of the people and today he had a golden opportunity to stir up trouble for Boris. The very fishermen whom the PM had promised to enrich after Brexit are facing ruin because paper-wonks at sea-ports are holding up the transit of fresh fish. A perfect issue for the SNP. 

But Blackford ignored the plight of Scottish trawler men and turned instead to the presidential inauguration. He spoke, as always, with one eye on posterity even though posterity had both eyes shut, and its ears plugged for good measure.

‘This afternoon,’ he began, ‘millions around the world will breathe a massive sigh of relief as the democratic removal of Donald Trump gives us all hope that better days are ahead.