Galloway and model minister say sorry for bust-up
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.The public spat between George Galloway and Ben Bradshaw ended as quickly as it started yesterday with apologies all round in the Commons.
The firebrand left-winger and the model New Labour minister made up just a day after an extraordinary stand-up row which halted a sitting.
Mr Galloway, Labour MP for Glasgow Kelvin, repeatedly accused Mr Bradshaw of lying during a debate on Iraq. He compounded what is a cardinal sin for MPs by refusing to withdraw his works when asked to do so by John McWilliam, the deputy speaker. Mr Bradshaw, the junior Foreign Office minister, earned Mr Galloway's wrath by accusing him of "being not just an apologist but a mouthpiece for the Iraqi regime over the years".
Mr McWilliam took the highly unusual step of suspending the sitting, and referred the dispute to the Speaker, Michael Martin. But yesterday both men said sorry.
Mr Bradshaw, flanked by Jack Straw, the foreign secretary, rose first to say sorry.
He said: "I hope in my time here I have always shown proper respect for the chair and observed its rulings. However, on reflection, I accept that it would have been better if I had not used the phrase that I applied to him [Mr Galloway] and I'm sorry for the offence that was caused."
Mr Galloway, seated on the back benches just a few yards further along the chamber, said: "Exchanges on both sides of the argument were decidedly robust. Nonetheless, I would like to say that I am sorry for stepping out of parliamentary order and for my failure to withdraw my remarks when asked to do so, and now to so withdraw them."
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments