A remarkable exchange over whether an Oxford legal expert once lived “as a badger” briefly interrupted Tuesday’s assisted dying debate.
The dispute arose after Lawrie Hooper referenced Charles Foster, a barrister and visiting professor of law at Oxford, who had given evidence to the House.
Mr Hooper said: “Mr Foster had for a period of time lived as a badger, a fox and a deer and published a book about his experiences.
“I think that possibly would have coloured whether members felt they could take some of his evidence seriously.”
Withdraw!
Chief Minister Alf Cannan rose on a point of order, demanding Mr Hooper withdraw the remark.
“He rubbished him in front of this court,” Mr Cannan said. “That is mistaken identity and giving him a chance to withdraw. If he doesn’t withdraw, we’re reporting it to members standards, because that is outrageous to rubbish somebody a professional in that way, and it goes and shows the way this house is behaving.”
Mr Hooper refused to withdraw, saying: “The individual in question published a book called Being a Beast. He is a member of the Oxford law faculty and visiting professor. It is, as far as I can tell, the same.”
While responding, Mr Cannan could be heard saying: “That is the wrong Charles Foster you muppet.”
The Speaker, Juan Watterson, intervened, telling Mr Hooper “to withdraw that comment” before moving the debate on.
Dr Michelle Haywood later appeared to reference the same issue, noting the House had heard evidence from experts “including titles such as Being a Beast about living as a badger”.
A link to the Exeter College Oxford website would however suggest Mr Hooper was correct.