MP ejected for slamming 'backstabbing coward' Hoon

Last updated at 13:53 16 December 2004


An MP was ordered out of the Commons chamber today after refusing to apologise for calling Defence Secretary Geoff Hoon a "backstabbing coward".

The Scottish National Party's Annabelle Ewing (Perth) was told to leave by Deputy Speaker Sir Alan Haselhurst during exchanges on the statement on reorganisation of regiments.

She said she was amazed at Mr Hoon's "gall".

"I am amazed at the gall of the Defence Secretary as the Black Watch have just returned home from the front line in Iraq where they were sent because they were indispensable to the Army.

"Why then are the Black Watch not indispensable to this Government?

"Surely it's a massive betrayal of our brave soldiers whose bravery can be contrasted with the Defence Secretary who is nothing but a backstabbing coward."

SNP colleagues left the chamber with her in protest.

Asked to withdraw

Ms Ewing was jeered at by MPs and then told by Sir Alan to "withdraw that comment immediately and apologise".

She replied: "Mr Speaker, I have the utmost respect for you but I have no respect for the Defence Secretary and I'm afraid I cannot withdraw."

Sir Alan angrily said: "You are not helping yourself. I suggest you now get up and withdraw that remark unreservedly."

Ms Ewing refused to withdraw the remark a further two times despite Sir Alan saying "serious consequences" would follow.

She was then asked to leave the Chamber and was followed by colleagues Alex Salmond (Banff and Buchan), Mike Weir (Angus) and Peter Wishart (North Tayside).

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