Childish Government plays musical chairs instead of debating

National's childish refusal to debate alcohol reform created a pantomime version of musical chairs on Q&A, when they should have discussed the important issues, says Labour’s Associate Justice spokesperson Lianne Dalziel.

“I was stunned to learn that the Prime Minister’s office had stepped in to prevent Chester Borrows from debating me on Q&A this morning. Apparently we weren’t allowed to be seen on screen together and he had to be interviewed after me.

“This created an extraordinary chair swap, while the camera was on Paul Holmes. I had to stand up and disappear quickly while Chester snuck in and took my place. It looked comical on TV and it was even more ridiculous off camera.

“It was like playing musical chairs as a child. Certainly National is behaving in a childish fashion.

“Even veteran broadcaster Paul Holmes appeared to have seen nothing like it.

“Initiating and participating in public debate is a fundamental role of Parliamentarians in a democracy.

“Chester Borrows and the Prime Minister’s office should welcome debate on alcohol reform aimed at reducing the terrible toll it is exacting on our health system and criminal justice system, let alone families and communities.

“The Prime Minister fails all New Zealanders when he fails to understand this essential principle.”