MP Neil Coyle to be suspended over drunken abuse

The independent MP for Bermondsey and Old Southwark was found to have breached Parliament’s bullying and harassment policy
Neil Coyle (Jonathan Brady/PA)
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A London MP who drunkenly abused a journalist and an assistant in a Westminster bar faces a five-day suspension from Parliament.

MP for Bermondsey and Old Southwark Neil Coyle used “abusive language with racial overtones” during one of the two incidents investigated, an independent report revealed on Friday.

He exposed another MP’s assistant to a “foul-mouthed and drunken” tirade and on a second occasion abused political journalist Henry Dyer.

Both incidents investigated under Parliament’s Independent Complaints and Grievance Scheme (ICGS) occurred in Strangers’ Bar in the Commons.

The Independent Expert Panel found Mr Coyle breached Parliament’s bullying and harassment policy.

The independent MP, who was suspended from Labour last year, said he accepts he was “drunk” on both occasions and has given up alcohol as a result.

He added: “I’m deeply sorry for my offensive behaviour and language...I’m ashamed that alcohol had become so problematic in my life that I had developed a dependency.”

He “was found to have used abusive language with racial overtones” towards Mr Dyer.

The journalist, who now works for the Guardian, said: “Everyone working in Parliament should be able to do so without harassment and abuse.

“I spoke out to raise awareness of racism, particularly anti-Asian racism, and of inappropriate conduct.

“I am grateful to the ICGS for the way in which they have handled this matter, and to my colleagues and friends for their support and kindness.”

It is understood that Mr Coyle remains administratively suspended from Labour and the party is taking time to read the independent report before making a further decision on his membership.

During a personal statement in the Commons on Friday he said he was “ashamed this apology is both necessary and overdue”, including to members of his local Labour Party.

"No-one should leave any MP’s company so shocked or appalled at their inappropriate behaviour or failure to meet the standards rightly expected of this office,” Mr Coyle told MPs.

"I also wish to apologise to my constituents in Southwark. They faithfully put their trust in me to stand up for their values here in Westminster in three consecutive general elections and who I failed to represent in a way they deserve or would recognise."

He added: "I also wish to thank the two complainants for their bravery. I don’t doubt that it was not easy to submit complaints. Their courage has ensured standards have been upheld through an independent process.”

Ms Huq said she had completed anti-racism training.

“During my suspension I have reflected on the offence caused by my remarks at last year’s Labour Party Conference and I want to offer, once again, my sincere apologies to everyone affected,” she said.

“As I promised at the time, I have undertaken and completed anti-racism and bias training.

“I want to make clear that I accept fully the conclusion of the Party’s inquiry and the sanction it has imposed.”

Ms Huq made the comments at a fringe event at the conference in Liverpool, during Mr Kwarteng’s time as Chancellor.

She said: “He went to Eton, I think, he went to a very expensive prep school, all the way through, the top schools in the country.

“If you hear him on the Today programme, you wouldn’t know he is black.”

At the time Labour branded the remarks “totally inappropriate” and she was immediately suspended from the party.

Ms Huq was one of three London Labour MPs suspended. Mr Coyle is awaiting to hear whether he will have the whip restored.

Islington North MP and former party leader Jeremy Corbyn lost the Whip in 2020 and Sir Keir Starmer has confirmed he will not be standing for the Labour Party at the next election.

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