LABOUR MP George Foulkes was yesterday charged with assaulting a
police officer and being drunk and disorderly after an incident last
month outside the House of Commons. The issue could threaten his future
on the Front Bench.
Mr Foulkes, 51, was bailed by police to appear before Bow Street
magistrates on September 9. The MP for Carrick, Cumnock, and Doon Valley
arrived at Charing Cross police station on the back of a motor cycle.
A Scotland Yard spokesman said the MP was charged with being drunk and
disorderly, contrary to the Criminal Justice Act, and with assaulting Mr
John Williams, a constable in the Metropolitan Police, in the execution
of his duty, contrary to the Police Act of 1951.
Mr Foulkes could not be reached for comment yesterday. A woman
answering the telephone at his home in Ayr said: ''I'm afraid there is
no comment on that.'' He is married with two sons and a daughter.
He was arrested on July 21 after attending a Westminster reception
held by the Scotch Whisky Association. He was returning on foot to the
Commons with other MPs when the incident occurred. An elderly woman
involved in the incident was taken to hospital
The day after his arrest, Mr Foulkes, a member of Labour's Front Bench
defence team, was missing from defence questions in the House,
There has been speculation that the issue could jeopardise Mr
Foulkes's chances of promotion to the Shadow Cabinet.
* Any MP convicted of an offence may be expelled from the Commons if
the House so decides.
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