No charges against MP in alleged brawl

The Crown Prosecution Service said there was “insufficient evidence” to bring charges against the former Army major following the reported incident this month.

A spokesman said statements taken from witnesses to the alleged fracas in the Commons Sports and Social Club had contained “multiple inconsistencies”.

“Although there appears to have been an incident on the evening in question, evidence obtained from witnesses contained multiple inconsistencies and there is insufficient evidence that Mr Joyce committed any offence,” the spokesman said.

The Sports and Social Club was said to have been packed with revellers attending a karaoke night when the trouble reportedly flared on March 14.

Following his arrest, Mr Joyce, 52, was held at Belgravia Police Station for around 20 hours before being released on police bail.

The MP for Falkirk – who now sits as an independent – was convicted of assault last year following an incident in another Commons bar. After admitting four counts of assault he was given a 12-month community order, fined £3,000 and ordered to pay £1,400 in compensation to his victims.

Following the latest incident, he was banned by the Commons authorities from purchasing alcohol in the Palace of Westminster.