The video will start in 8 Cancel

What is really going on in politics? Get our daily email briefing straight to your inbox Sign up Thank you for subscribing We have more newsletters Show me See our privacy notice Invalid Email

A shameless Tory MP has blocked a law to give carers free hospital parking by droning on for 90 minutes.

Philip Davies drained valuable Commons time today in a cynical bid to oust a Labour backbencher's campaign.

His epic speech - aided by two more Tories who spoke for another hour and 20 minutes - meant MPs ran out of time to vote on the law.

It has now had to be shoved aside and is unlikely to see the light of day again.

Labour MP Julie Cooper, who drew up the Hospital Parking Charges Bill amid sky-high prices after caring for her mum Teresa, said the Tories' behaviour was 'shameful'.

She told the Mirror: "People all round the country who watched that debate will be disgusted - particularly carers.

(Image: BBC Parliament)

"To see the government playing games with it and to think that's clever and funny is obscene.

"I won't be letting the issue drop and I'm glad we did win some concessions. The minister said there will now be a recommendation to provide free parking."

Mr Davies is a controversial right-winger who made waves this week by calling for a 'men's rights' debate.

He is also a landlord who told MPs a law to make homes fit for human habitation would be a 'huge burden'.

READ MORE: " "

Mr Davies took advantage of a Commons loophole which puts no time limit on members' speeches during a Private Member's Bill debate.

He rambled on for 90 minutes as twitchy Labour MPs showed their anger - but were powerless to stop him.

He was even interrupted to buy more time by Tory colleague Christopher Chope, who later made an epic half-hour speech of his own.

A third Tory, David Nuttall, talked for a full 50 minutes.

Health Minister Alistair Burt spoke for more than 30 minutes before a bell rang signalling the end of the debate - and the Bill - at 2.30pm.

Shadow health minister Barbara Keeley suggested the tactics were "disgraceful and insulting to carers" - many of whom had spent thousands on a daily parking bill.

Ms Keeley quoted carers saying the Tories were "out of touch" and "the debate has brought the House of Commons into disrepute".

Labour MP Khalid Mahmood added the tactic, known as filibustering, was "bizarre" and slammed "assassins on the back bench".

He attacked those who "continued to allow this bizarre... over two hours of time taken in this chamber on a very important issue.

"People are very concerned. There are a lot of people who are looking forward to the consequences of what happens today."

During his epic speech Shipley MP Mr Davies said the bill was a 'worthy sentiment' but claimed Ms Cooper had chosen a 'dud' campaign.

He said: "I think the bill is ill thought through with many areas which are far too vague.

"It would be a logistical nightmare to enforce and implement.

"It would cost NHS Trusts up and down the country millions of pounds potentially.

"It would exempt an awful lot of people who are just as worthy recipients of some parking concessions.

"Finally hospitals already have the power to implement the policy the honourable lady is coming forward with if they so wish."

But Ms Cooper defended her Bill, which planned to set up a scheme for exempting carers from hospital parking charges in England.

It would have included anyone who can claim Carers Allowance and was spearheaded by the campaign group Carers UK.

It would only apply in England because hospital parking charges were scrapped in Scotland and Wales in 2008.

Ms Cooper's mum Teresa Fletcher had pneumonia two years ago and made a full recovery.

She told MPs: "Each night when I left tired and distressed I queued up to pay for my parking. At that time it was costing me £40 a week.

"On one of those days driving out of the car park, it occurred to me that I was lucky because I could afford to pay this charge and I went on to reflect on the matter and I thought what about those people who can't afford to pay.

"Not those who would rather not pay to park, those who can't afford.

"I was distressed worrying about my mum but I thought how much more distressing it must be for those in financial hardship - financial hardship made worse by hospital car parking charges."

Chloe Wright of Carers UK declined to comment on the Tories' shameful tactics but said: "This is a missed opportunity to better support carers."

Patients Association chief executive Katherine Murphy said: "The reality is charging for parking in hospitals is a tax on the sick.”

poll loading Should carers get free parking at hospitals? 2000+ VOTES SO FAR YES NO