Theresa May has suspended the Minister of State at the Foreign Office, Mark Field, after he was in an altercation with a Climate Emergency protestor at a “black tie” speech being given by the Chancellor. Janet Baker was one of a number of “guests” who had gained entry to the Mansion House. The women were all dressed in red. They approached the front from both sides of the room. One group had started to protest that the meeting was being attended by leaders of fossil fuel industries. Ms Baker was approaching from the other side of the room when this happened.
Field, who has been in the Army reserve forces, clearly grabbed her to control her using the “pressure points” on her neck. He claims he tackled her because he “felt threatened”. There have been a number of his supporters making ludicrous claims including that “she could be wearing a suicide vest”.
Ms Baker has refused to press assault charges against Field however the City of London Police are investigating the incident after “third party” complaints. Field referred himself to the Cabinet Office and the Conservative Party.
Theresa May has suspended him. This is unusual. Ministers under investigations or allegations either resign, are sacked or remain in office while the complaint is investigated.
Footage of the incident involving Mr Field has been widely shared on social media, with several Labour politicians calling for him to be sacked.
A Downing Street spokeswoman said Prime Minister Theresa May had "seen the footage" and "found it very concerning"
Commentators put the unusual and immediate action by May down to her trying to avoid the candidates for her Leadership being asked awkward questions. That contest has now been whittled down to the final two by Conservative MPs, with the Conservative Party ordinary members voting between the failed cocaine snorter and the Jeremy Hunt.