Boris Johnson news – live: Chief whip defends lack of action over Tory MP accused of rape as Northern Irish ‘political titan’ John Hume dies

Prime minister Boris Johnson is facing growing pressure to suspend a Tory MP who was arrested and questioned on suspicion of rape on Saturday.

Labour’s Jess Phillips warned yesterday that the decision to not withdraw the party whip from the MP while police investigate the allegations was “shocking” and sent a “terrible message from Westminster”.

Meanwhile, the former leader of Ireland’s SDLP and Nobel Peace Prize winner John Hume has died at the age of 83.

It comes as the government launches its “Eat Out to Help Out“ scheme, offering 50 per cent off eat-in meals up to £10 at some outlets to boost the hospitality sector during the coronavirus pandemic.

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