British MP Resigns After Watching Porn In House Of Commons

Topline

A member of the U.K. Parliament announced his resignation in a BBC interview Saturday after admitting he viewed pornography twice on his phone in the House of Commons, the first time, he claimed, due to a mixup while looking for information on tractors.

Key Facts

Conservative MP Neil Parish was suspended by his party Friday after female colleagues said they saw him watching porn in the House of Commons.

Parish was also facing an investigation from the Parliamentary Commissioner for Standards that could have led to a suspension or expulsion.

Parish had been an MP representing a southwest England constituency since 2010, after serving in the European Parliament from 1999-2009.

Crucial Quote

“I was not proud of what I was doing,” Parish told the BBC, saying he watched porn on two occasions in the House of Commons, attributing it to a “moment of madness.”

Key Background

Parish, a farmer, claimed the first instance was after looking at a tractor website, saying: “I did get into another website that had a very similar name and I watched it for a bit which I shouldn’t have done.” He added his “biggest crime,” though, was choosing to watch porn for a second time while waiting for a vote, a decision he called “deliberate.” Parish indicated on Friday he intended to remain in Parliament before reversing course amid growing pressure.

Further Reading

Neil Parish MP: I’m resigning after porn moment of madness (BBC)