MPs debate puppies & kittens because it's not like anything else is going on

Today in things that actually happened, the mother of all parliaments debated puppies and kittens. Probably because they could not find anything else to talk about.

Here's the debate in full flow (several MPs contributed):

Here's the debate on the parliamentary calendar:

Here's an explanation of the madness from backbench Labour MP Robert Flello, who proposed the debate:

On Thursday 4 September I will therefore be leading a debate in Parliament on the regulation of the sale of puppies and kittens.

The ultimate goal of campaigners is to see a ban on the sale of puppies and kittens when their mother is not present. Over 110,000 people have signed a petition to this end, and I hope in the debate on Thursday to be able to persuade Government to take a crucial first step by outlawing the sale of puppies and kittens from high street outlets, puppy supermarkets and garden centres.

• Robert Flello MP

Here's a puppy and a kitten who are best friends:

More: Look at this baby chimp