Foreign Office Minister Mark Field has been suspended from his post after he was filmed forcefully grabbing a climate change protester who gatecrashed a black-tie dinner.

A spokesperson for Prime Minister Theresa May said she had seen the footage of the incident and "found it very concerning".

The Tory MP was facing calls to be sacked following the confrontation in which he was seen to physically frogmarch the female protester from the event at London's Mansion House, with Labour branding the video "horrific".

Climate protester: I haven't had an apology

Image: The protester has been named as Janet Barker. Pic: Janet Barker

The environmental activist involved Janet Barker, who lives on a farm in Wales, told Sky News: "There was over 300 people in that room at the time and there was only one who reacted in that way.

"I think it was quite obvious we were there... for a peaceful protest."


She added: "I don't intend to press charges. I haven't had an apology from him. My priority is the planet and the future of it and that's what I am focusing on.

"I was shaken up after it happened. I wasn't expecting that kind of reaction. I was expecting a conversation, a dialogue with people."

Bankers and politicians had gathered at the City of London event on Thursday night to hear speeches by Chancellor Philip Hammond and the Bank of England's governor Mark Carney.

But just as Mr Hammond was speaking 40 Greenpeace activists dressed in red entered the room to demand action on climate change.

Greenpeace condemns 'violent' MP

As Ms Barker walked past Mr Field, he stood, pushed her against a nearby pillar and grabbed her by the back of the neck before pushing her out of the room.

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City of London Police said they were looking into a "small number" of third-party reports of an assault at the Mansion House event.

Conservative Party chairman Brandon Lewis said he had spoken to Chief Whip Julian Smith and there would be an inquiry.

Mr Field, who has previously urged police to "take a much firmer grip" on climate change demonstrations after the widespread disruption caused by Extinction Rebellion protests, has referred himself to the Cabinet Office for investigation and has apologised "unreservedly" to the protester.

I agree with @vickyford . In this age where politicians have been murdered, jokes are made about throwing acid at us and we have all been threatened , no one knows what her motives were.

If she had been carrying a weapon @MarkFieldUK would be hailed a hero now. https://t.co/tqLp15JypH — Maria Caulfield MP (@mariacaulfield) June 21, 2019

In a statement he said: "A major security breach occurred at the dinner I attended last night when a large number of protesters suddenly and noisily stormed into Mansion House.

"In the confusion many guests understandably felt threatened and when one protester rushed past me towards the top table I instinctively reacted.

"There was no security present and I was for a split-second genuinely worried she might have been armed.

Image: Ms Barker lives on a farm in Wales. Pic: Janet Barker

"As a result I grasped the intruder firmly in order to remove her from the room as swiftly as possible. I deeply regret this episode and unreservedly apologise to the lady concerned for grabbing her but in the current climate I felt the need to act decisively to close down the threat to the safety of those present.

"In view of the publicity around this incident I am referring myself to the Cabinet Office to examine whether there has been a breach of the ministerial code, and will of course co-operate fully with their investigation."

Climate protesters call for action as they are ejected

His actions towards the protester have polarised opinion, with critics rounding on him while some colleagues have rallied to his defence.

Rebecca Newsom of Greenpeace said: "I don't see any justification for the kind of violent behaviour we saw from his last night.

"It's and extremely shocking and concerning state of affairs. I think the Conservative Party and he personally need to look hard into this and actually review whether that kind of behaviour is appropriate for anyone let alone somebody in public office."

Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt, whose leadership bid was supported by Mr Field, said: "Mark has issued a full and unreserved apology.

"He recognises that what happened was an over-reaction.

"What we need now - in his interests but also in the interests of the lady involved - is a proper, independent inquiry by the Cabinet Office."

This is horrific. Conservative Foreign Office Minister Mark Field violently grabs a woman as she protests about climate change at the bankers’ banquet.



This appears to be assault. He must be immediately suspended or sacked. Due to Violence against women.https://t.co/fjy6HZXyyG https://t.co/mM8hJ47ult — (((Dawn Butler MP))) (@DawnButlerBrent) June 20, 2019

Tory MP for Lewes Maria Caufield tweeted: "In this age where politicians have been murdered, jokes are made about throwing acid at us and we have all been threatened, no one knows what her motives were.

"If she had been carrying a weapon @MarkFieldUK would be hailed a hero now."

But Labour MP Dawn Butler, who is shadow secretary of state for women and equalities, described footage of the incident as "horrific".

She tweeted: "He must be immediately suspended or sacked. Due to violence against women.

"I'm sure I'm not the only one who is wondering why no one intervened. So much violence does not seem justified. An investigation needs to take place as soon as possible."