BBC apologises after saying deaf MP was asleep in middle of debate

THE BBC HAS apologised after incorrectly saying a Conservative MP fell asleep during a debate in the House of Commons.

A photo of Alec Shelbrooke, a Tory MP for Elmet and Rothwell constituency in West Yorkshire, allegedly napping in parliament was widely shared on social media this morning.

However, the BBC has since apologised and noted Shelbrooke is partially deaf and closed his eyes while listening to a speaker.

The Tory MP told Guido Fawkes: “I am genuinely slightly deaf and struggle to hear. I had taken part in the debate and was trying to hear the wind ups. Seems a shame I get trolled due to being slightly deaf.”

An earlier version of this story was published before the BBC apology. The article has now been updated.

Source: Journal. ie