Dairy-loving MP sorry for drinking milk in Commons

Labour MP Steve Witherden says he is still learning the rules of the Chamber

A thirsty MP who was caught sipping milk from a carton in the House of Commons has been given a gentle telling off for breaking the rules.

Labour's newly elected Montgomeryshire and Glyndwr MP Steve Witherden was gently reminded of the strict no food or drink rules when in the chamber after his dairy drink last week.

In a statement, a spokesman for Mr Witherden said he was "still learning the rules of the chamber" but insisted milk was "an excellent source of protein".

It follows several reports of MP blunders in Westminster, as the 335 newly elected MPs get to grips with the archaic rules of the chamber.

It has been confirmed refresher sessions on conduct are being carried out for new MPs but they are typically held on a "rolling basis" to keep MPs in check.

There are long-standing conventions for debate in the chamber, such as MPs only being able to take part with the speaker or deputy speaker's permission and the occasional need for time limits on speeches.

New MPs have stressed their frustration with some traditions in the past, such as "bobbing" whereby they must briefly and repeatedly rise in their seats in order to catch the Commons speaker's eye to be called to speak.

In a statement, a spokesman for Mr Witherden said: "While I am sure like many new MPs he is still learning the rules and won’t be planning on doing it again, he would certainly not be ashamed of supporting British dairy farmers considering how badly they were let down by the last government.

"Milk is an excellent source of protein and calcium and can be a nutritious part of a balanced diet."

Both the Senedd and the Chamber prohibit any food or drink other than water and unless needed for health reasons, which will need to be cleared prior to meetings.