Starmer condemns ‘shocking’ video of Labour MP appearing to punch a constituent

Sir Keir Starmer has said the incident involving MP Mike Amesbury assaulting a member of the public is ‘shocking’ and defended Labour’s decision to suspend him.

Mr Amesbury, the MP Runcorn and Helsby, lost the Labour whip on Sunday after a clip was published by MailOnline in which he is apparently seen repeatedly hitting the man lying on the ground as others nearby shout ‘stop it’.

CCTV footage shows the man flying onto the floor of a car park after being attacked by Amesbury, who appears to punch him six times, including on the face.

During a speech in the West Midlands ahead of Wednesday’s Budget, Starmer said: ‘On Mike Amesbury, I’ve seen the video footage, it’s shocking. We moved swiftly to suspend him and suspend him as a member of parliament. There is now a police investigation and in the circumstances, you’ll appreciate there’s not much more I can say about that.’

Cabinet minister Pat McFadden has said video footage is ‘very graphic’.

When asked about the clip, the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster told Sky News: ‘He’s been suspended by the Labour Party, that also means he’s not a Labour MP at the moment while the police investigation takes place. I’ve seen the video, there is a police investigation, I think it’s important that that runs its course.’

Questioned further about the clip, Mr McFadden added: “The video is very graphic, the police will look into that, I’m sure they’ll take it into account and they’ve got to reach their conclusion.”

A spokesperson for the Labour Party said: ‘Mike Amesbury MP has been assisting Cheshire Police with their inquiries following an incident on Friday night.

‘As these inquiries are now ongoing, the Labour Party has administratively suspended Mr Amesbury’s membership of the Labour Party pending an investigation.’

Hours after the first video of the incident emerged, Amesbury said on social media he ‘felt threatened on the street following an evening out with friends.’

In a previous video circulated online, the 55-year-old appears to be standing over the man who is sat on the floor, while saying: ‘You won’t ever threaten me again, will you? You won’t ever threaten me again.’

After others in the footage point out he is the local MP, Mr Amesbury says: ‘Yes I am, and you won’t threaten the MP ever again, will you?’

Cheshire Police confirmed it has ‘voluntarily interviewed’ a 55-year-old man in relation to the incident.

‘He has since been released pending further enquiries,’ the force added.

The police said previously it was called to ‘reports of an assault in Frodsham’ at 2.48am on Saturday, October 26.

‘A caller reported he had been assaulted by a man in Main Street.

‘Enquiries are ongoing,’ the force said earlier.

In a statement posted on X, Amesbury said: ‘Last night, I was involved in an incident that took place after I felt threatened on the street following an evening out with friends.

‘This morning, I contacted Cheshire Police myself to report what happened during this incident.

‘I will not be making further public comment but will, of course, cooperate with any inquiries if required by Cheshire Police.

‘I remain fully committed to working hard for the people of Runcorn and Helsby, and am determined to remain an open and accessible MP for our community.’

Labour MP Bridget Phillipson said the incident is a ‘matter for the police’.

Asked whether the Labour Party was investigating, the Education Secretary told Sky News’s Sunday Morning With Trevor Phillips programme: ‘Mike Amesbury, who’s the MP in question, has gone forward to the police.

‘He is co-operating with any investigation they would want to take forward. It is a matter for the police and we want to allow them to do that work.’

The Labour Party said previously: ‘We are aware of an incident that took place last night.

‘We understand that Mike Amesbury MP approached Cheshire Police to report what happened this morning himself and that he will cooperate with any inquiries they have.’

Metro approached Mike Amesbury for a comment.

The Conservative Party spokesman said the MP has ‘questions to answer about his actions and it is right they are thoroughly investigated.’

Reform UK called for Amesbury to resign so that a by-election could be held in his seat.

Reform, led by Nigel Farage, came second in the Runcorn and Helsby constituency in the general election with 7,662 votes while Amesbury got 22,358.

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