MPS clash in fiery debate on Trump state visit

A Scottish MP clashed with a former minister over his defence of Donald Trump’s claim that he would grab a woman “by the pussy” as MPS debated calls to cancel the US president’s invitation for a state visit to the UK.

Hundredsprotestednoisily outside Westminster as Mpscrowdedwestminster Hall to debate a 1.8 million strong petition demanding the invitation be revoked.

Conservative Sir Edward Leigh said the lewd claim made in a leaked video during the presidential campaign was “horrible and ridiculous” but said many politicians had made “some ridiculous sexual comment” in private. Sir Edward added that it was “very foolish” to “lecture” the US.

Hannah Bardell, the SNP MP for Livingston, voiced outrage, demanding: “Is he seriously suggesting that it is a legitimate perspective and point of view that the comments made, in public, by Trump on a number of issues, including marriage equality for LGBT people, and in private... on sexual abuse and attacking women, are a legitimate position?”

Several MPS defended Commons Speaker John Bercow, who faces a motion of no confidence for vetoing an address to parliament by Mr Trump. The government says the state visit will go ahead.