Angela Rayner apologises after calling fellow local MP "scum"

Chris Clarkson and Angela Rayner

It comes after the Deputy Leader of the Labour Party called Chris Clarkson "scum" while debating coronavirus restrictions.

After the remark, Chris Clarkson paused his speech to ask: "Did the Rt Honourable Lady just call me scum?"

He later wrote a letter to her saying:

"Dear Angela, I am writing regarding our exchange in the Commons Chamber on the afternoon of Wednesday 21st October 2020.

"During my contribution highlighting the importance of the public health measures being introduced in the North of England, I drew the attention of the House to comments you made towards me, namely referring to me as ‘scum’.

"As elected representatives I believe we have a duty to lead by example. I am also aware that this is not the first time you have used the phrase ‘scum’ to describe members of this Government and of my Party.

"Erskine May’s advice in Parliamentary Practice states that “good temper and moderation are the characteristics of parliamentary language”. While I strongly believe in the privilege of freedom of speech in the Chamber, it must be tempered with responsibility.

"During my contribution, I expressed my disappointment that your Party has seemingly put aside its promises of “constructive opposition”, in favour of the same divisive politics the British public voted to put aside.

"In the spirit of those promises of constructive opposition and in the interest of providing a united front in the battle against Coronavirus, I respectfully ask that you retract and apologise for your comments.

"I trust that you will reply to my concerns as a matter of urgency."

Angela Rayner has released a statement saying: "I apologise for the language that I used in a heated debate in Parliament earlier."

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