A Conservative MP said she had been asked not to attend a scout event due to “controversial incidents” that had occurred.
Wrexham MP Sarah Atherton told the Commons that one of the district’s commissioners had asked her to avoid the case so that his “non-political” message would not be “clouded by recent controversial incidents and policies”.
Commons leader Mark Spencer said he was “disappointed” by what Mrs. Atherton said, as the Scouts are “a non-political organization that should not interfere and have not traditionally been involved in politics.”
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The Conservative MP, who previously attended an incident without scouts in her constituency without incident, said she was unsure which incidents or policies were mentioned in an email asking her not to attend the event.
A Scout spokesman told the PA news agency that their local volunteer “withdrew an invitation to their local MP based on the feelings of their local community”.
Ms Atherton told the PA she planned to attend a party on April 14 to congratulate Wrexham Scouts on helping the Maelor volunteer service – which she said was a charity she supported and provided a café at Wrexham Hospital. Maelor.
She said she received an email asking her to avoid the case “a few hours before I have to go”.
“I have always been a strong supporter of the Scout movement, both as an MP and before,” Ms. Atherton told lawmakers.
“Indeed, my son received the Queen’s Scout Award.
“But last week, the district commissioner asked me not to attend the event and I quoted: ‘Scouts is a non-political movement. I would not like this positive message to be clouded by recent controversial incidents and policies. ” “
Image: Conservative MP Sarah Atherton said she had attended scout events before without any problems
The MP later told the PA: “I was absolutely shocked, shocked and really, really disappointed, especially by our support for them in the past and in all the years I have supported the scout movement. I suspect it’s a political bias of one person ruining it for everyone else, “she said.
“I think it’s a shame. I think that perhaps the district commissioner should be aware of the role of the Member of Parliament and acknowledge all the support I have given to the Scout Movement, not only in Wrexham, but also over the years. My son was with the Scouts, I was with Brownie, and my husband was with the Scouts – we are very professional to support that. “
Mr Spencer replied: “I think my colleagues in the Chamber will recognize the great contribution that Scouting makes to young people in this country.
“As an ex-baby and a scout, I really enjoyed my time.
“And I hope that the leader who wrote to her will consider her comments and encourage her colleagues in the Chamber to get involved in the Scout movement.”
A Scout spokesman told PA: “Scout groups reflect the communities in which they work. In this case, the local volunteer withdrew an invitation to their local MP based on the feelings of their local community.
“Scouting does not support any political party and regularly engages with representatives from across the political spectrum.”
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