Tory MP Douglas Ross' time 'better spent' at Nou Camp than in Commons, Number 10 suggests
2 min read
A Tory MP's time will be "better spent" officiating at a Champions League match rather than taking part in a Commons debate on Universal Credit, Downing Street has suggested.
Douglas Ross, who was elected MP for Moray in June, has come in for severe criticism after it emerged he will be a linesman for the clash between Barcelona and Olympiakos at the Nou Camp this evening.
It means he will miss a debate and possible vote on calls by Labour for the rollout of Universal Credit to be halted.
A Number 10 spokesman said Mr Ross's other career as a football referee "does not interfere with his parliamentary duties".
He added: "On some of these debates we may say to MPs if you feel your time can be better spent elsewhere, then ...
"You will see Tory MPs who take an interest in this speak in the debate and of course you will have ministers speak from the Despatch Box."
The spokesman also gave a clear hint that the Conservatives will not force a Commons vote on Labour's demands, meaning the party's MPs will not need to be present.
"We have made some comments previously about what we plan to do going forward in terms of non-binding votes on opposition day debates," he said.
Mr Ross was also defended by Tory colleague Robin Walker, who told the BBC’s World at One: "I think any kind of unique opportunity like that, you would have to...
"You'd have a tough time negotiating with the whips to get the time off, but that's perhaps his business."
But a spokesman for Jeremy Corbyn said it was "unacceptable" that any MPs would be missing the debate.
He said: "The shambles of the Universal Credit rollout is causing serious suffering. It's leading to increases in debt, evictions, homelessness and a six-week wait for benefits.
"It's obviously an obligation on Conservative MPs, if they recognise the reality for their own constituencies to take part in this debate and to vote in favour of what's being proposed. If you're an MP that's your first obligation, not to attend to your second job.
"It's completely unacceptable and an obligation on Conservative MPs, if they care about the suffering that their constituents are experiencing over this shambolic and cruel policy to take part, and if they fail to do that it's a measure of their own lack of responsibility and commitment."
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