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MP Eric Joyce arrested after reports of Parliament bar disturbance | MP Eric Joyce arrested after reports of Parliament bar disturbance |
(about 9 hours later) | |
MP Eric Joyce has been arrested after reports of a disturbance in a bar at the Houses of Parliament. | MP Eric Joyce has been arrested after reports of a disturbance in a bar at the Houses of Parliament. |
The independent MP for Falkirk was detained after an incident at the Sports and Social Club bar. | The independent MP for Falkirk was detained after an incident at the Sports and Social Club bar. |
The Metropolitan Police said officers had been called just before 22:30 GMT, and the arrested man "remains in custody and inquiries continue". | The Metropolitan Police said officers had been called just before 22:30 GMT, and the arrested man "remains in custody and inquiries continue". |
Joyce, 52, was convicted of assault in a parliamentary bar last year, and later resigned from the Labour Party. | Joyce, 52, was convicted of assault in a parliamentary bar last year, and later resigned from the Labour Party. |
In a statement on Thursday night, a Met police spokesman said: "Police were called shortly before 10.30pm this evening to reports of a disturbance at a bar within the House of Commons. | In a statement on Thursday night, a Met police spokesman said: "Police were called shortly before 10.30pm this evening to reports of a disturbance at a bar within the House of Commons. |
"Officers attended and a man aged in his 50s was arrested in connection with this incident. He remains in custody and inquiries continue." | "Officers attended and a man aged in his 50s was arrested in connection with this incident. He remains in custody and inquiries continue." |
'Policeman's hat' | |
The Sports and Social Club was said to be packed for its regular karaoke night at the time of the incident. | The Sports and Social Club was said to be packed for its regular karaoke night at the time of the incident. |
Tony Grew, from the PoliticsHome website, witnessed the alleged altercation, telling ITV News he saw the MP on the ground "wrestling with two police officers". | |
"There were around at least 40 or 50 parliamentary staff, shocked, watching this melee as it occurred. | |
"Bar staff were trying to push people back, telling them to stand back and let the police do their work," added Mr Grew. | |
"I can vividly remember a policeman's hat rolling on the ground towards me as I was watching this scene unfold." | |
Mr Grew suggested the altercation could have occurred because Mr Joyce became upset he was not allowed to take a glass outside into the smoking area. | |
MPs have expressed concern for Mr Joyce's welfare on Twitter. | |
'Drinking problems' | |
Conservative Penny Mordaunt said: "MPs done great stuff for mental health but must ensure that colleagues who need help get it, esp if they are now sans party." | |
Former GP Sarah Wollaston, who has led Tory calls for a minimum alcohol unit price, said: "Eric Joyce is just one of hundreds of thousands who have lost control of their drinking. Westminster is blind to drinking problems." | |
Following the fracas in February last year, the former soldier announced he would not seek re-election in 2015. | Following the fracas in February last year, the former soldier announced he would not seek re-election in 2015. |
After admitting four counts of assault, Joyce was given a 12-month community order in March that included a Friday-to-Sunday curfew and a three-month pub ban. He was fined £3,000 and ordered to pay £1,400 in compensation to his victims. | After admitting four counts of assault, Joyce was given a 12-month community order in March that included a Friday-to-Sunday curfew and a three-month pub ban. He was fined £3,000 and ordered to pay £1,400 in compensation to his victims. |
During the brawl in the Strangers' Bar, Joyce headbutted Tory MP Stuart Andrew and attacked three other politicians. | During the brawl in the Strangers' Bar, Joyce headbutted Tory MP Stuart Andrew and attacked three other politicians. |
While offering an apology in the Commons over the incident, Joyce said: "Clearly I have a number of personal issues to address, and you can be assured that this will take place." | While offering an apology in the Commons over the incident, Joyce said: "Clearly I have a number of personal issues to address, and you can be assured that this will take place." |