‘Rocco, put your tail down': MP interrupted by cat during Zoom parliamentary committee

A fluffy ginger tail interrupted an MP as he spoke at a parliamentary meeting over Zoom.

The Digital, Culture, Media and Sport Committee were meeting virtually on Friday to discuss the future of public service broadcasting.

But SNP MP John Nicolson's cat named Rocco made an impromptu appearance while he was speaking from home.

Mr Nicolson was talking to Dame Carolyn McCall, chief executive of ITV, about public service broadcasting in the wake of the coronavirus health crisis when the furry pet blocked him from view.

Mr Nicolson was asking TV bosses why subtitles were not put on kids' TV by default as it was proven to increase literacy, when an orange tail appeared on screen.

Despite initially trying to ignore it, the MP eventually batted it out of the way, saying: "Rocco, put your tail down."

This is not the first time a cat has interrupted parliamentary proceedings during the Covid-19 lockdown.

Trade expert Sally Jones was speaking to the EU Services Sub-Committee when her pet cat made its way into her office and onto her lap.

While Ms Jones apologised for the animal, the intruder was welcomed by the other members of the committee, with Lord Cavendish saying: "Welcome cat."

And it is not just Parliament that has seen feline interruptions.

Tiger the cat was broadcast stealing a vicar's milk during Canterbury Cathedral's online prayer service last Monday.

Tiger is one of four cats at the Deanery, with another named Leo going viral a few weeks ago for disappearing into Dr Willis' vestments during a service.

Children have also made Zoom appearances during lockdown.

Earlier this month health expert Dr Clare Wenham was speaking to the BBC when her daughter interrupted to ask where she could put her unicorn picture.

On the same day, Deborah Hayne was reporting on Sky News when her toddler son came in to ask for a biscuit.

Read more

Face mask rules 'won't apply to staff' amid second wave warning-LIVE

Carole Baskin pranked into namechecking Rolf Harris in video message

Barcelona unveil new kit for 2020-21 season

Cigarette smuggler who spent two years on the run finally jailed

Rishi Sunak must fight harder to beat this crash in the economy