Price sent out of the Commons

Price removed from Commons over war jibe

Price removed from Commons over war jibe

Plaid Cymru MP Adam Price has today been expelled from the House of Commons chamber for refusing to back down over claims that Tony Blair “misled” Parliament over the war in Iraq.

House of Commons rules bar MPs from accusing other members of lying.

After being challenged by the Speaker, Mr Price – who is running a campaign to impeach Mr Blair – refused to withdraw his remarks and was ordered to leave the chamber.

The exact nature of his ban is expected to be made clear later this evening.

Speaking afterwards, Mr Price said that his expulsion was a stand for free speech.

Mr Price said: “Most people now believe that the Prime Minister deliberately deceived Parliament and the people. He even deceived members of his own Cabinet in taking us to war two years ago. But the rules of the game in Westminster mean we cannot say what most of us think. The Prime Minister misled and MPs must be able to debate the issue.

“We will not let Tony Blair’s lies and deceit be forgotten. One hundred thousand people have died in the course of this conflict. We must take a stand. I will not be gagged and Parliament should not allow itself to be silenced.”