Man arrested over alleged assault on MP
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.A man was arrested by police yesterday after a clash with a senior Labour MP in Westminster. Sir Stuart Bell, the MP for Middlesbrough, was allegedly punched during the disturbance in Portcullis House, the MPs' office block next to the Commons.
Police officers detained the man, who is understood to be a member of Sir Stuart's staff, and took him for questioning in Charing Cross police station. He was later released on bail.
A Scotland Yard spokesman said: "A man aged 33 was arrested in the Palace of Westminster following an altercation with an MP.
"He was taken into custody in connection with an allegation of assault causing actual bodily harm. He was subsequently bailed to return later this month pending further inquiries."
Sir Stuart, a barrister, has been in the Commons for 21 years. A miner's son, he served as a Labour frontbencher under Neil Kinnock and has for the last seven years represented the Church of England Commissioners in the Commons.
He has also built a reputation as a novelist.
Sir Stuart, 66, would only say yesterday: "I have nothing to say on the matter."