British MP Mike Amesbury has been charged with assault following the release of a video showing him allegedly striking a man in the face, a clip that quickly went viral online.
The incident reportedly took place in late October, and surveillance footage was published by the *Daily Mail*, capturing Mr. Amesbury’s actions.
A court appearance for Mr. Amesbury is anticipated, though an exact date has not yet been set.
Rosemary Ainslie of the Cheshire Police Station urged the public to avoid any commentary or sharing of details that could interfere with the legal process. “It is extremely important that there should be no reporting commentary or sharing of information online which could in any way prejudice these proceedings,” she stated.
Ms. Ainslie added that “the Crown Prosecution Service reminds all concerned that criminal proceedings against the defendant are active and that he has the right to a fair trial.”
Following the video’s emergence, the Labour Party swiftly suspended Mr. Amesbury, pending a formal investigation into the matter. UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer reacted to the footage, describing it as “shocking” and noting that Mr. Amesbury’s suspension extended to both the party and the parliament. “I have seen the video footage; it’s shocking,” said Mr. Starmer. “We moved very swiftly to suspend him as a member and as a member of parliament.”
Since his suspension from the Labour Party, Mr. Amesbury—who has represented Cheshire in the House of Commons since 2017—now sits as an independent MP, having lost the party whip.
The incident has sparked public and political backlash, with the populist Reform UK party calling for Mr. Amesbury’s resignation and a by-election to be held in his constituency.
While MPs who lose the whip may still serve in the Commons, a recall petition could be initiated if the MP in question receives a prison sentence.
