Menston and Burley MP is sorry for failing to declare trip (From Ilkley Gazette)

Menston and Burley MP is sorry for failing to declare trip

10:00am Tuesday 12th March 2013 in Local news

Menston and Burley-in-Wharfedale MP Philip Davies has apologised after failing to declare that he had accepted a free day at Cheltenham races during a parliamentary investigation into problem gambling.

Mr Davies said he was sorry for the error, telling MPs that he was not influenced in any way after accepting the freebie from Ladbrokes in March, 2011.

He had “properly and accurately” detailed the trip in the register of interests. But under rules, MPs must tell colleagues if they have ever accepted any related interests before speaking in a debate or tabling questions.

Mr Davies said that he had subsequently submitted three parliamentary questions on problem gambling, held an adjournment debate on problem gambling, and been a member of the Commons Culture, Media and Sport select committee when it held an investigation into the Gambling Act 2005. His apology follows a complaint to the parliamentary commissioner for standards which was subsequently dismissed.