Man ‘glassed in the face in bar fight at the Commons’
A COMMONS worker has been arrested after a fight in a Parliament bar in which another man was allegedly glassed in the face.
The Sports and Social bar, which has been at the centre of allegations of sexual assault in Westminster, was shut last night following the row.
Police said a man aged 57 was arrested on suspicion of grievous bodily harm and affray, while a 64-year-old was taken to hospital.
Around 12 police officers were called to the scene following the row, which erupted just after 6pm on Tuesday. The two men worked at Parliament. One is believed to be a regular at the bar, which is frequented by young researchers.
Witnesses said punches were thrown before both men left the bar. The alleged glassing is said to have taken place outside.
A spokesman for the House of Lords said an ‘investigation is under way and the bar will be temporarily closed until that investigation is complete’. Paul Edgeworth, 29, a Parliamentary researcher who saw the altercation, said the injured man was a regular at the bar.
said. and ‘He Mr he Edgeworth ‘He’s works keeps in at the himself added: Parliament,’ bar to most ‘We himself.’ nights didn’t he hear any raised voices but the man at the bar said something and the other guy went for him.
‘Then the guy left and the man at the bar followed him, grabbing on to his coat and scarf to stop him leaving. Everyone carried on drinking. I went outside afterwards and there was no sign of them, added: and and didn’t tables there’s know ‘I’ve or flying, smashed been been this but was massive in there most glass.’ happening brawls people before He until Liberal the police Democrat came in.’ councillor Greg Stone said the row was ‘not quite fisticuffs’ before the men stepped outside. He said: ‘They were arguing a little bit and then they both stepped outside spoiling for a fight a little bit.’ The Metropolitan Police confirmed officers were called to a courtyard within the Commons following a row between two men.
The injured 64- year- old was taken to hospital by ambulance.
The Sports and Social bar is a favourite for young researchers as it has a more relaxed atmosphere than other bars in Parliament.
It is the only one where drinkers do not have to be accompanied by an MP. But it has a notorious reputation and there are questions over its future. In 2013, then Labour MP Eric Joyce threw punches during a karaoke night and was wrestled to the ground before spending the night in custody.
There were also reports MPs made unwanted passes at female bar workers. Alice Bailey, 25, who worked there for four years, said she was harassed by politicians.
Theresa May has vowed to crack down on sex harassment at Westminster.