UK's Labour Party suspends MP over allegation of rape, child sex offences

IANS April 6, 2025 178 views

Dan Norris, Labour MP and West of England Mayor, has been suspended by his party following arrest on serious sexual allegations. The Avon and Somerset Police are investigating offences allegedly committed against a girl, with charges including child sex offences and rape. The incidents are reported to have occurred between the 2000s and 2020s. This development adds to recent challenges within the Labour Party's parliamentary ranks, coming shortly after another MP's resignation due to assault charges.

"Dan Norris MP was immediately suspended by the Labour Party" - Labour Party Spokesman
London, April 6: UK's ruling Labour Party announced that it had suspended its Member of Parliament Dan Norris after being arrested on suspicion of rape, child sex offences, child abduction and misconduct in a public office, according to local media reports.

Key Points

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High-profile Labour politician arrested on multiple serious sexual allegations

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Offences reportedly span from 2000s to 2020s

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Ongoing police investigation by Operation Bluestone team

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MP suspended from parliamentary duties

Norris is currently the Mayor of the West of England as well as an MP. The suspension means Norris, the MP for North East Somerset and Hanham, is also understood to have had the party whip suspended, meaning he is not able to sit as a Labour MP in the House of Commons.

"Dan Norris MP was immediately suspended by the Labour Party upon being informed of his arrest. We cannot comment further while the police investigation is ongoing," said a party spokesman confirming his arrest on Saturday night.

Avon and Somerset Police said it was investigating a series of allegations against a man in his sixties.

It stated that "most of the offences are alleged to have occurred in the 2000s," adding that it was also investigating an alleged offence of rape from the 2020s.

"In December 2024, we received a referral from another police force relating to alleged non-recent child sex offences having been committed against a girl," said Avon and Somerset Police in a statement.

"Most of the offences are alleged to have occurred in the 2000s but we're also investigating an alleged offence of rape from the 2020s. An investigation, led by officers within Operation Bluestone, our dedicated rape and serious sexual assault investigation team, remains ongoing and at an early stage," the statement added.

"The victim is being supported and given access to any specialist help or support she needs."

"A man, aged in his 60s, was arrested on Friday (April 4) on suspicion of sexual offences against a girl (under the Sexual Offences Act 1956), rape (under the Sexual Offences Act 2003), child abduction and misconduct in a public office," it reads.

"He's been released on conditional bail for enquiries to continue. This is an active and sensitive investigation, so we'd respectfully ask people not to speculate on the circumstances so our enquiries can continue unhindered," the statement further said.

According to earlier media reports, such an issue in the parliamentary Labour Party has blighted Prime Minister Keir Starmer's first months in office, with one MP already stepping down after being sentenced for assault.

Reader Comments

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Sarah P.
Absolutely shocking allegations. The Labour Party did the right thing suspending him immediately. These are serious crimes that need thorough investigation. My heart goes out to the victim. 💔
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James T.
Innocent until proven guilty, but suspension is the correct procedure. The police need space to do their job properly without media circus. Hope the truth comes out whatever it may be.
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Maya K.
This is devastating. As a Labour voter, I'm glad they acted swiftly, but it's worrying how many of these cases keep emerging. We need better vetting processes for candidates.
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Tom R.
The article mentions another MP stepped down recently for assault. What's going on in Westminster? Seems like there's a cultural problem that needs addressing at the root.
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Aisha L.
Respect to the police for handling this sensitively and focusing on supporting the victim. Too often these cases become about politics rather than the people affected.
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David W.
While the allegations are serious, I hope journalists will be responsible in their reporting. The media frenzy around cases like this can sometimes compromise fair trials.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Tags:
Dan Norris Labour Party UK Politics Sexual Offences Police Investigation Keir Starmer
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