Although the pet owner apologised, no one seemed much bothered by it. (Source: Parliamentlive.tv)
An uninvited guest brought a bout of laughter to a UK Parliament committee’s meeting. As the EU Services Sub-Committee for the House of the Lords was hearing evidence from trade expert Sally Jones over a Zoom call, her pet cat decided to join in the proceedings.
Embarrassed by the interruption, Jones was heard saying “I’m really, really sorry your Lordships”. She then went on to explain how the pet—Leo VeradKar— opened the door and barged in.
However, the best part was not about the interruption but how feline’s entry didn’t bother anyone. Lord Cavendish, Baron Cavendish of Furness greeted the four-legged ‘expert’, saying “welcome cat”.
Watch the moment here:
How to handle an unexpected intruder like a pro, in the middle of giving evidence to a @UKHouseofLords select committee.https://t.co/hP97mQHTOT pic.twitter.com/s3mGiz50Ve
— Matt Korris (@MattKorris) June 4, 2020
His name is Leo VeradKat. Truly. My other three cats are called BrexKit, Angela Mewkel and Chequers.
— Sally Jones (@SallyJJonesEY) June 4, 2020
The incident happened recently while the committee was discussing the future of UK-EU relationship on professional and business services. People on social media lauded Jones for not getting nervous by the interruption and were left in splits.
Remember, your cats and/or dogs are ALWAYS welcome and appreciated on video calls. Kudos to @SallyJJonesEY for awesomeness here! https://t.co/JjG3llYCfR
— Corey Haines (@coreyhaines) June 5, 2020
Those who prepare witnesses for select committee appearances will have to teach a whole new range of hazards in virtual evidence sessions… https://t.co/oMB8vHuEdv
— Sir Peter Luff (@PeterJLuff) June 5, 2020
“Welcome, cat”. https://t.co/C9M7S0WPb4
— Alexander Brown (@AlexofBrown) June 4, 2020
Correct protocol. Cat must be appeased before Lordships. @HouseofLords #selectcommittee https://t.co/6xNB8ZwsB5
— Othello (@OthelloFloof) June 5, 2020
I love the mixing of personal and professional life that covid-19 had caused. In this way, we’ve learnt to be a my more understanding of eachother, and that is a great thing. https://t.co/EPsIRrKRC7
— Dicky Moore (@dickymoo) June 4, 2020
First welcome given to a cat in the Official Record?
— Stuart (@aforlornhope) June 4, 2020
Hamilton, my cat, enjoys interrupting work Teams meetings, placing his backside in direct view of the camera, and attempting to bite me if I try and move him
— Dr Alice Lilly (@aliceolilly) June 4, 2020
brilliant and professional throughout and, as ever @SallyJJonesEY
— Jon Gerlis STAY AT HOME (@JRGerlis) June 4, 2020
She handled it brilliantly. More well-behaved cats on Parliament Live, please!
— Beacon of Light (@beaconoflight7) June 4, 2020
“Welcome, cat.” – Lord Cavendish of Furness, 2020. https://t.co/C0H2yVmhAy
— David Chipakupaku 🏴🇿🇲 (@David_Chippa) June 4, 2020
My old friend @SallyJJonesEY handles tax, cats and the House of Lords with equal ease. https://t.co/O1KzPKY8jn
— Sarah Castell (@sarahcastell) June 5, 2020
Looking for the Mouse Of Lords, obviously.
— Paul Whiteley (@bastardo_pw) June 4, 2020
“Welcome, cat”
IDENTIFY THE CAT WITNESS PLEASE https://t.co/IczwRBhM3S— Liam Kirkaldy (@HolyroodLiam) June 4, 2020
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It is, however, not the only feline which won the internet by joining virtual conferences. Another cat in Britain went viral for interrupting the Dean of Canterbury while he was delivering sermon for the Morning Prayer from the gardens of Canterbury Cathedral. Similarly, two cats upstaged a journalist’s live interview when they were seen fighting in the background.
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