A Labour MP who missed votes in Parliament because she was on holiday in Italy has defended her trip after critics accused her of "shameful hypocrisy".

Laura Pidcock took a four-day trip to Venice while MPs debated topics including Universal Credit.

She said the trip was a present for her 30th birthday, booked by her partner before the snap General Election was called and she became an MP.

The now-representative for North West Durham said she got permission from party whips, and insisted that a debate on the Government's controversial welfare programme was only secured after she left the country.

Ms Pidcock wrote on Facebook: "I was gutted not to be taking part, having made several intervention on Universal Credit in the past, and fought hard to get the Government to pause this disastrous roll-out".


When the @MailOnline were phoning me yesterday, I declined to answer, but I do want to say some words in explanation to my constituents. pic.twitter.com/TgaxQZ0L2t — Laura Pidcock MP (@LauraPidcockMP) October 25, 2017

"I tweeted from Italy in the lead up and during the debate because, naturally, I was keeping up to speed with what was happening in the Chamber."

She added: "If I had known the Universal Credit debate was being tabled, I probably would not have gone either, even without there being a vote.

"I take my responsibilities very seriously."

Ms Pidcock had been criticised for missing the debate after Labour slammed a Tory MP for skipping a previous vote on the matter to referee a football match.

Image: Andrew Percy accused Ms Pidcock of 'shameful hypocrisy'

Minister Andrew Percy told The Sun: "Even hypocrisy itself would be embarrassed at this shameful hypocrisy.

"Issues such as benefits might all be a big political game for MPs like Laura Pidcock but for millions of people in this country they are a serious issue.

"The least Laura Pidcock could have done is to turn up to the debate she previously criticised others for missing."

Labour's opposition day debate on Universal Credit the previous week was passed unanimously by 299 votes, as Tory whips had ordered their MPs to abstain.

Only one Conservative, Sarah Wollaston, joined the SNP and Liberal Democrats to back call to "pause" its roll-out.