Rape and sexual assault

Maudi ,you are spot on,innocent until proven guilty.

Up to the whips. If an MP loses the whip he or she is effectively expelled from the party but can continue to sit as an independent MP.

Esspee
Would you feel 'ashamed to be British' if the suspicion of rape was directed at a factory worker? refuse collector? shopkeeper?
Rape is a vile crime regardless of status of employment or otherwise.

As others have pointed out, the key word is suspicion

Payment of a fine for breach of Covid restrictions is an admission that a crime was committed. Failure to pay the fine could result in a criminal prosecution. An appeal against a fine would be heard in a criminal court.

Ignore social media speculation about this arrest. One the names being banded about is someone who took part in a HoC debate yesterday (Tuesday). I'm struggling to understand how someone who was arrested on Monday and according to news reports this Wednesday morning (Sky News etc al) remains in custody, managed to do that.

I'm not ashamed to be British. Let's keep it in proportion.
I very much dislike the alleged behaviour of this MP, of course, and hope he gets what he deserves.

But even if they are "deselected" immediately that doesn't mean they stop being MP straight away, I think? A party can "disown" an MP but they stay an MP. Isn't there some rule about putting the vote to the electorate again if they get a sentence over a certain length of time?

volver

MPs can't be sacked because they are elected officials. The only people that can "sack" them are the electorate who voted for them.

I am aware of that, surely it is possible to insert a clause at time of selection, pre-election that being found guilty of a crime will lead to immediate deselection?

MPs can't be sacked because they are elected officials. The only people that can "sack" them are the electorate who voted for them.

maddyone

^We have had an MP voting whilst electronically tagged.^

I would not have been allowed to teach in such circumstances. Many other people would not be allowed to continue with their jobs under such circumstances. I’m afraid I think MPs are given far too much leeway.

I agree with you yet again maddyone I would go further and say that Councillors both local and District, or anyone in elected office should be dismissed if found guilty of crime.

I would put in a caveat to exclude speeding/parking fines, but would include dangerous/driving whilst under the influence of drink/drugs.

Kim19

Do we know why it has taken so long for this accusation to be made?

Is that relevant? There could be any number of reasons why a case of historic sexual abuse has finally come to light.

We have had an MP voting whilst electronically tagged.

I would not have been allowed to teach in such circumstances. Many other people would not be allowed to continue with their jobs under such circumstances. I’m afraid I think MPs are given far too much leeway.

I don’t think it appropriate to speculate on who the person is, as that can lead to totally innocent people being accused and found guilty in the court of public opinion. This case must be investigated properly, although the difficulties of investigating a rape accusation from fifteen years ago are huge and probably never going to be absolutely conclusive.

I hope he isn't named not because he is a Tory MP, but I feel very strongly that people's reputations can be ruined (whether you are a celebrity or an ordinary Joe Bloggs) by false accusations. All parties should remain anonymous until proven guilty.

sodapop

I agree Maddyone serious convictions should preclude anyone becoming or staying an MP.

Totally agree, there is a MP convicted of planning an acid attack still in the chamber, still drawing their salary and expenses despite having the whip withdrawn.

We have had a MP voting whilst electronically tagged

The speculation is rife all over the internet as to who the man is, one is a front runner apparently, that also is wrong IMO.

I agree Maddyone serious convictions should preclude anyone becoming or staying an MP.

MPs are convicted of crimes from all parties. Unfortunately some them have been allowed to retake their seats after conviction. Personally I feel that MPs should not be allowed to sit in parliament. People with criminal convictions, and I’m not thinking of driving convictions, I’m thinking serious crimes such as fraud etc should not be allowed to represent us in parliament.

He is innocent till proven guilty. But of course it is worrying that an MP is being investigated, especially as we know that the toxic behaviour of some in government is gradually being exposed.

Toxic masculine behaviour is not the preserve of any one country, it happens all over the world and to a greater degree in certain macho cultures where not only are women subjugated but the abhorrent crime of femicide is rife. Mexico for example. I imagine many women who live in places where that sort of danger is constant. feely deeply ashamed of what is happening in their respective countries, but unlike here, they don't have a voice, dissenters, protestors just disappear or are murdered.

The world must really look down on us and our dreadful behaviour

Extreme over inflated ego about the UK there.
Like ‘The World’ is watching our every move. lol

‘World war 3 is possible any minute but let’s worry about an alleged sexual assault in the UK’

Police haven't confirmed the man is an MP. He is under investigation so I will reserve judgement until things are clearer.

The world must really look down on us and our dreadful behaviour.

Zelensky certainly doesn’t look down on us.

GrannyGravy13

Why would anyone feel ashamed of their country due to a man who happens to be an MP being under investigation for sexual assault and rape?

How will it impact you?

Yes, it’s ridiculous to say you’re ashamed of your country because someone has been accused of rape. Not convicted, accused.

Why would anyone feel ashamed of their country due to a man who happens to be an MP being under investigation for sexual assault and rape?

How will it impact you?

Do we know why it has taken so long for this accusation to be made?

Sorry allegedly committed rape but you get my point. If hes found guilty I would say the same about shame etc.