BoJo Interrupts Little Bro Mid-Flow In Commons

Boris Johnson found himself in the unusual position of having to ask his younger brother for permission to speak - as the pair took part in a House of Commons debate.

The London mayor was bound by parliamentary protocol to seek permission from Universities Minister Jo Johnson before he could contribute to a discussion on mental health issues affecting students.

Boris, the 50-year-old MP for Uxbridge and South Ruislip, arrived in the chamber after the debate had started and took his seat before asking Jo: "Will my honourable friend allow me?"

Jo, 43, laughed as he allowed his brother - and fellow Tory MP - to intervene.

Boris added: "Will my honourable brother and friend allow me on that point about diversity of students, is it not absolutely vital to maintain this country's high profile in those vital markets, particularly India, where we've seen a sad falling away of student numbers coming to Britain?"

Jo replied: "I thank the honourable member for Uxbridge for his helpful intervention.

"Of course, we do encourage diversity of students, diversity of all groups that are under-represented - people from disadvantaged backgrounds, people from the most disadvantaged sections of society and we also welcome the diversity that comes from international students, and we hope to see numbers from the country he mentioned rise and stop declining in the years ahead."

Labour MP Kevan Jones could be heard labelling the intervention from Boris as "stupid".

Mr Jones later noted he wished to make a "relevant point to the debate" when he rose to intervene.