Michael Fabricant condemned for ‘shameful’ joke about Tory MP accused of rape

Sign up for the View from Westminster email for expert analysis straight to your inbox Get our free View from Westminster email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} Conservative MP Michael Fabricant has been condemned for making a “shameful” joke about one of his colleagues being accused of rape. I’ll be there!” Recommended Tory MP arrested on suspicion of rape released on bail Labour MP Chris Bryant led the outraged response on Twitter, telling Mr Fabricant: “This shows absolutely shameful disregard for the alleged victims. You should take this down immediately.” The Tory cabinet minister Simon Hart also described the comments as “idiotic” and “insensitive”, telling BBC Politics Live: “It attempts to make light of a really serious situation – I despair when I read stuff like that”. Labour’s Charlotte Nichols said one of the grimmest things about working in Westminster “the fact people like Fabricant here trivialise these as a laughing matter or quirky bit of gossip complete with emoji.” The Independent understands that the Conservative whips’ office have spoken to Mr Fabricant over the “inappropriate” tweet.