Michael Fabricant’s ban from PinkNews Awards lifted after ‘misunderstanding’ at Speaker’s Office
Tory MP Michael Fabricant was formally banned from attending the PinkNews Awards today — although the ban was later lifted after the House of Commons said there was “a misunderstanding.”
Earlier today, the Conservative MP for Lichfield took to Twitter after being told he would be “formally banned from attending” the PinkNews Awards due to be held later today.
The invite only event, held in the State Rooms at Speaker’s House, is to be introduced by the Speaker of the House of Commons, John Bercow. Mr Bercow is a well known supporter of LGBT rights and his coat of arms features a rainbow flag together with the pink triangle; both symbols of gay rights, around the words “All Are Equal”.
However, Mr Fabricant condemned the Speaker for the ban, posting several tweets alleging he was “banned personally by #Bercow.”
He tweeted:
.And all because I exposed the #Speaker as a bully who abuses members of staff such as the former Clerk of the House. — Michael Fabricant (@Mike_Fabricant) October 29, 2014
He added: “I am going to be mentioned tonight at @pinknews event for work on #EqualBlood. Or will #Speaker try and censor the event?”
Following the news of his ban, Mr Fabricant tweeted he had “raised the matter” in the Chamber as a Point of Order.
Shortly after, the Speaker’s Office responded with an email which read: “I can confirm that you are welcome to attend the event in Speaker’s House tonight.
“There was a misunderstanding within our office and I apologise that you were given incorrect information.”
The MP tweeted in response:
BREAKING:The Speaker’s Office has just contacted me. There was “a misunderstanding within our office” & my ban has been lifted. I am bereft — Michael Fabricant (@Mike_Fabricant) October 29, 2014
The PinkNews Awards take place on 29 October 2014 and are generously supported by
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