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# Lichfield MP criticises “fake outrage” over decision not to name or suspend arrested Conservative MP
- URL: https://lichfieldlive.co.uk/lichfield-mp-criticises-fake-outrage-over-decision-not-to-name-or-suspend-arrested-conservative-mp/
- Published: 2020-08-03T10:20:29.000Z
- Updated: 2020-08-03T10:21:01.000Z
- Description: Lichfield’s MP has criticised “fake outrage” amongst Members of Parliament over the decision not to name or suspend a Conservative MP accused of rape – insisting most did not vote against laws on the issue.
- Author: Lichfield Live
- Tags: Politics, News

Lichfield’s MP has criticised “fake outrage” amongst Members of Parliament over the decision not to name or suspend a Conservative MP accused of rape – insisting most did not vote against laws on the issue.

Reports over the weekend revealed that a Tory MP had been arrested in connection with an alleged rape.

However, the identity of the elected representative accused has not been revealed.

![Michael Fabricant](https://storage.ghost.io/c/e3/90/e390c3da-0866-4d2a-8ffe-ca4999d7ce1c/content/images/lichfieldlive-co-uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/fabricant-1.jpg)

Michael Fabricant

But Michael Fabricant, MP for Lichfield, said the rules meaning anonymity would be granted were voted on in Parliament by many of those unhappy with the decision.

> “In 2016, a law was passed saying that if an MP is arrested, he or she cannot be named unless charged with a crime – nor can they be suspended because they’d then be named or identified.  
>  
> “Only one MP voted against.  
>  
> “This is a load of fake outrage from MPs who did not vote against the 2016 rule.  
>  
> “In this country, you are innocent until proven guilty.  
>  
> “Needless to say – but I will – Jess Phillips screaming for the MP to be named and suspended did not vote against the legislation.”  
>  
> Michael Fabricant MP

But Labour MP Mrs Phillips said Mr Fabricant was wrong in his interpretation of the 2016 vote – and accused him of using “sexist language” in the comments made on social media.

> “You have completely and utterly misunderstood that legislation.  
>  
> “Charlie Elphick was named by the Conservative chief whip, so maybe take that up with him because by your account he broke the law.  
>  
> “And mind your sexist language.”  
>  
> Jess Phillips MP