A Tory MP has said sorry for a comment made during PMQs regarding Paddy Ashdown.
Lib Dem MP Layla Moran was paying tribute to the ex-leader of her party, who died in December due to bladder cancer, when the MP made his comments.
She mentioned Ashdown’s serious concern over Brexit prior to his death when Tory MP Andrew Bridgen shouted: “From the grave!” His outburst was greeted with shouts of “shame” from all sides of the House.
Ms Moran raised the Tory MP comment at the end of PMQs in a point of order.
Moran said: “During my question at the beginning where I was expressing my sadness at the loss of Lord Ashdown and his concern for the state of where we are now, the Member for North West Leicestershire shouted loudly from a sedentary position “from the grave”.
“I find such a comment disgraceful.”
She continued: “I would like to ask guidance from you Mr Speaker on how for example he might want to retract such a statement and also if this is becoming of the sort of conduct we should expect from members of this house.”
Speaker John Bercow said: “I think it was most unfortunate that was said.
“What was said should not have been said.
“If the person who said it wishes to take the opportunity to apologise it is open to that person to do so.”
Mr Bridgen took to his feet for his own point of order, and he used it to apologise if he had caused “offence”.
Bridgen said: “Mr Speaker I will apologise for my remarks if any offence was caused to any members of the house.”
Since May 2010 he has been the Member of Parliament (MP) for the constituency of North West Leicestershire. He is a long-term critic of the European Union and supported Brexit in the 2016 EU referendum.
https://www.thelondoneconomic.com/news/government-defeated-again-as-commons-wrestles-power-from-no10/09/01/
