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08/03/2007
Tory frontbencher resigns over race comments
A frontbench Conservative MP has forced to quit his post following comments about the use of racist language in the Army.
Patrick Mercer, the party's spokesperson on homeland security, resigned from his post following comments he made to 'The Times' about racial abuse in the Army.
Mr Mercer, a former officer, told 'The Times': "I came across a lot of ethnic minority soldiers who were idle and useless, but who used racism as cover for their misdemeanors."
Mr Mercer said that it was common for soldiers to be given a hard time for the colour of their hair or for being overweight, as well as for their ethnicity.
Following the publication of the comments, Mr Mercer was asked to resign from his post and agreed.
Mr Mercer said that he "deeply regretted" the offence caused and said his comments were "clearly misjudged".
Conservative leader David Cameron described Mr Mercer's comments as "completely unacceptable".
(KMcA/SP)
Patrick Mercer, the party's spokesperson on homeland security, resigned from his post following comments he made to 'The Times' about racial abuse in the Army.
Mr Mercer, a former officer, told 'The Times': "I came across a lot of ethnic minority soldiers who were idle and useless, but who used racism as cover for their misdemeanors."
Mr Mercer said that it was common for soldiers to be given a hard time for the colour of their hair or for being overweight, as well as for their ethnicity.
Following the publication of the comments, Mr Mercer was asked to resign from his post and agreed.
Mr Mercer said that he "deeply regretted" the offence caused and said his comments were "clearly misjudged".
Conservative leader David Cameron described Mr Mercer's comments as "completely unacceptable".
(KMcA/SP)
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