MP says he received 'vilest, threatening homophobic abuse' after ex-minister's comments

A Greater Manchester MP said he received some of the 'vilest, threatening and homophobic abuse possible' as a result of the comments made by a former minister in the Commons. Chris Clarkson, MP for Heywood and Middleton, accused Chris Bryant of 'specifically' mentioning his sexuality during the bad-tempered five-hour debate.

He argued that as a result of the comments made by the Rhondda MP, the next morning his inbox was 'full of some of the vilest, threatening and homophobic abuse possible'. Mr Bryant denied mentioning Mr Clarkson’s sexuality and claimed to have also received 'plenty' of death threats and 'had the police at my house this week myself'.

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The MPs' heated exchange comes after Mr Bryant told Mr Clarkson he should be ashamed of the Government’s record on LGBT rights during the vote of confidence debate in the Commons. Mr Clarkson said: "On Monday, during the confidence debate, the honourable member for Rhondda, and I have notified him, and he has acknowledged the notification, specifically mentioned my sexuality and told me I should be ashamed to be supporting this Government.

"However, all too predictably, the next morning my inbox was full of some of the vilest, threatening and homophobic abuse possible, specifically referencing the member for Rhondda and saying how much they supported what he said. Now, this isn’t my first experience with senior members of the Labour Party dishing out abuse and then me having to live with the consequences.

"So, can I ask your guidance on how we can ensure that members are mindful of the consequences of the language they use in this chamber?"

Commons Deputy Speaker Dame Eleanor Laing said