Tory MP Mark Field Suspended After Physically Removing Protester From Mansion House

21 June 2019, 11:25 | Updated: 21 June 2019, 11:31

Conservative MP Mark Field has been suspended as a Minister while investigations take place into an incident in which he physically removed a protester from a black tie event last night.

The Tory referred himself to the Cabinet Office after being filmed physically removing a climate change protester who disrupted a speech by Philip Hammond at Mansion House.

Footage of the incident shows the moment a Greenpeace protester tries to walk past where the MP is sat, who pushed her against a pillar before grabbing her neck and pushing her out of the room.

Mr Field intervened when Philip Hammond's speech in the City of London was disrupted by 40 Greenpeace activists wearing red, and has since referred himself to the Cabinet Office and has apologised "unreservedly" to the protester.

The City of London Police are investigating the incident after receiving "a small number of third party reports of an assault" taking place at the event.

The moment MP Mark Field physically removes a Greenpeace protester
The moment MP Mark Field physically removes a Greenpeace protester. Picture: ITV

In a statement, Mr Field said: "A major security breach occurred at the dinner I attended last night when a large number of protesters suddenly and noisily stormed into Mansion House.

"In the confusion many guests understandably felt threatened and when one protester rushed past me towards the top table I instinctively reacted.

"There was no security present and I was for a split-second genuinely worried she might have been armed.

"As a result I grasped the intruder firmly in order to remove her from the room as swiftly as possible.

"I deeply regret this episode and unreservedly apologise to the lady concerned for grabbing her but in the current climate I felt the need to act decisively to close down the threat to the safety of those present.

"In view of the publicity around this incident I am referring myself to the Cabinet Office to examine whether there has been a breach of the ministerial code, and will of course cooperate fully with their investigation."

Chancellor Philip Hammond delivers a speech at Mansion House
Chancellor Philip Hammond delivers a speech at Mansion House. Picture: Getty

Dozens of protesters "gatecrashed" the black tie dinner before police arrived to "help with their ejection".

"Once in the presence of the police, the protesters were co-operative and left the premises. No arrests were made," a statement said.

As he continued his speech, Mr Hammond said: "The irony is that this is the government that has just led the world by committing to a zero carbon economy by 2050."

London Mayor Sadiq Khan responded to the incident on Twitter, describing Mr Fields' actions are "truly shocking" and said he welcomes the City of London Police's investigation.

"It is truly shocking to see this kind of behaviour from an MP," he said.

"Violence against women is endemic in our society and this behaviour is unacceptable. He should consider his position.

"I welcome the fact the City of London Police are looking into this incident."

Watch in the video above.

More Latest News

See more More Latest News

A fight broke out on Westminster Bridge

Man left fighting for his life after stabbing on Westminster Bridge - as four arrested

Zayn Malik has paid tribute to Liam Payne

'Love you bro': Zayn Malik pays tribute to Liam Payne at first show since former bandmate's death

Diane Abbott speaks to Lewis Goodall

'It's literally a life and death question': Diane Abbott calls for more discussion on assisted dying before vote

Storm Bert i battering Britain for a second day

'Danger to life' warning as Storm Bert batters Britain for second day with more than 200 flood alerts in place

Max Verstappen has won his fourth F1 world title

Max Verstappen wins fourth F1 world title after Las Vegas Grand Prix

Keir Starmer has vowed to crack down on the 'bulging benefits bill'

Keir Starmer vows to crack down on 'bulging benefits bill' as he promises 'sweeping changes' to welfare system

Zvi Kogan

Body found in search for missing rabbi in UAE as Israel says he was killed in 'anti-Semitic terror incident'

Storm Bert has begun to make an impact with snow closing roads

Storm Bert to wreak more havoc as more than 200 flood warnings issued across the UK for Sunday

Island nations which are vulnerable to climate change and some African countries have stormed out of COP29 in a row over funding.

Deal struck for $300bn for developing countries at COP29 after talks had looked set to collapse

A number of unidentified drones have been spotted over three airbases in Britain, the United States Air Force (USAF) has confirmed.

Security alert after unidentified drones spotted above three US-run RAF bases

Two-thirds of Brits support the assisted dying bill which are set to be voted on in the House of Commons next week.

'Two-thirds support assisted dying bill' poll claims after Justice Secretary expressed concerns about proposals

Russia is prepared to launch a flurry of cyber attacks on Britain and other NATO members to weaken resolve in support for Ukraine, minister Pat McFadden is set to warn the alliance.

Russia 'prepared to bash Britain with massive cyber attack', ministers to warn NATO conference

Exclusive
Singer Kate Nash says she has joined adult content site OnlyFans to sell 'pictures of [her] arse' in an interview with LBC's Natasha Devon.

'Sex work is really empowering': Singer Kate Nash tells LBC why she sells photos on OnlyFans

The UK is on a 'slippery slope to death on demand', Justice Secretary Shabana Mahmood has said in a letter to constituents.

'Slippery slope to death on demand': Justice Secretary details concern over assisted dying debate

Novak Djokovic has appointed Andy Murray as his coach for the Australian Open.

Andy Murray to coach old rival Novak Djokovic at Australian Open after retiring in August

Island nations which are vulnerable to climate change and some African countries have stormed out of COP29 in a row over funding.

Negotiators from climate-vulnerable nations walk out of COP29 in row over funding deals