Video of Labour MP appearing to punch man is ‘shocking’, says Keir Starmer
Footage appeared to show Mike Amesbury repeatedly hitting another man in the street
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 video of suspended Labour MP Mike Amesbury appearing to punch a constituent was “shocking”, the prime minister has said.
Sir Keir Starmer also defended Labour’s decision to suspend him after he was filmed being involved in a late-night altercation.
Footage appeared to show the 55-year-old MP for Runcorn and Helsby repeatedly hitting another man as others nearby shout “stop it”.
Asked about the incident after giving a speech in Birmingham on Monday, Sir Keir said: “Look, I’ve seen the video footage. It’s shocking. We moved very swiftly to suspend him as a member and as a member of parliament.
“There is now a police investigation. In the circumstances, you’ll appreciate there’s not much more I can say.”
On Monday morning, cabinet minister Pat McFadden described the footage as “very graphic”.
The chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster told Sky News: “He’s been suspended by the Labour Party, that also means he’s not a Labour MP at the moment while the police investigation takes place.
“I’ve seen the video, there is a police investigation, I think it’s important that that runs its course.”
Questioned further about the clip, Mr McFadden added: “The video is very graphic, the police will look into that, I’m sure they’ll take it into account and they’ve got to reach their conclusion.”
The MP lost the Labour whip on Sunday, with the party saying he had been suspended “pending an investigation” into the incident.
On Sunday, Cheshire Police confirmed a 55-year-old man had been voluntarily interviewed under caution in relation to the incident after officers were called to reports of an attack in Frodsham at 2.48am on Saturday.
“He has since been released pending further inquiries,” the force said.
CCTV footage, published on Sunday, shows two men standing facing each other before the man purported to be Mr Amesbury punched the other and continued hitting him on the ground.
It is not clear from the video what happened in the moments beforehand.
It comes after different footage posted on social media over the weekend appeared to show the MP shouting and pointing his finger at a man lying in the street.
“You won’t ever threaten me again, will you? You won’t ever threaten me again will you,” he appeared to say.
In July last year, a 56-year-old man was convicted of stalking the MP at his constituency office in Frodsham, where prosecutors said he was seen staring through the glass and asked guards about their level of security.
Mr Amesbury said he will “co-operate with any inquiries” but was “determined to remain an open and accessible MP for our community” after the initial footage circulated online.
In a statement on Sunday, he said: “Last night, I was involved in an incident that took place after I felt threatened on the street following an evening out with friends.
“This morning, I contacted Cheshire Police myself to report what happened during the incident.
“I will not be making further public comment but will, of course, co-operate with any inquiries if required by Cheshire Police.”