The Tory MP was accused of receiving a document leaked from the Home Office but why were a squad of anti-terror police used to arrest him and scare his family?

This draconian over-reaction is nothing less than an assault on our democratic rights.

MPs must be free to do their job without fear and by exposing Government shortcomings they are working in our best interests. MPs are the front line in our defence against tyranny.

Why wasn’t the Prime Minister or Home Secretary or any senior Cabinet member consulted?

Does this mean that in future police officers will have the power to order the arrest of MPs without reference to higher authority?

These are extremely troubling questions which must be answered.

A grave misuse of authority has taken place and we must ensure these bully-boy tactics are stopped and the men behind them made accountable.

Our democratic convention demands it.