Campaigners furious after outspoken Tory critic of ‘feminist zealots’ elected to Commons Women and Equalities Committee
Philip Davies elected unopposed to powerful parliamentary group despite believing problems in society have been 'stirred up' by 'militant feminists'
WOMEN’S campaigners erupted with fury after an outspoken Tory critic of “feminist zealots” was elected to the Commons Women and Equalities Committee.
Philip Davies was elected unopposed to the powerful parliamentary group despite believing problems in society have been “stirred up” by “militant feminists and the politically correct males who pander to this nonsense.";
He defended his appointment today, telling the Sun: “I believe in true equality where we are gender blind, colour blind, sexuality blind and religion blind - what is wrong with that?”
The MP for Shipley faced calls to be suspended from the Conservatives in August after telling the International Conference on Men’s Issues that women only wanted equality when it suited them.
He has also championed the recognition of International Men’s Day in Parliament, repeatedly clashing with Labour MP Jess Phillips on the subject.
Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn branded him “deeply sexist” and accused him of having “utter contempt for women”.
And Labour’s then shadow minister for equalities Angela Rayner claimed Mr Davies “legitimises the inflammatory and toxic rhetoric of groups who are misogynistic to their core.”
She added: “He should have no place in Theresa May’s Tory party.”
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Mr Davies used a 45 minute lecture in the summer to claim: “feminist zealots really do want women to have their cake and eat it.”
Commenting on his appointment today, the Women’s Equality Party hit back saying: “I hope Philip Davies plans on bringing feminist cake and eating it.”
Sophie Walker, leader of the party branded it “a fitting end to this year of post-truth politics.”
She added: "It is shocking that no other Conservative MP cared enough about equality to put themselves forward against a man who has denied that violence against women and girls is a problem in the UK.
And she claimed it “raises serious questions about just how much the party of Government really cares about women's equality."
Ms Phillips added: “I have every faith that the intelligence and skills of those on the committee will mean he will have little effect, much like in the rest of his career.”
But this afternoon Tory MPs warned Labour not to attempt to block the appointment.
Simon Hoare pointed to Labour’s nodding through of disgraced sleazy MP Keith Vaz to the Commons Justice Committee.
He said: "Conservative MPs followed the convention of the Commons recently when we appointed Labour's nomination to the Justice Committee.
"Labour shouldn't be flouting that convention by opposing a Tory nominee to the Equalities Committee .
He warned such a move would "create unnecessary tensions".
Mr Davies echoed the concern, saying: “It would be a sad day for democracy if people were not allowed on a committee just because they happened to hold different opinions to others on the committee."
He went on: “It would be the greatest irony if the Labour Party happily vote for Keith Vaz to go on the Justice select committee but vote against me going on this committee simply because I hold a different view to them.”
The Labour Party said: ““Elections of Conservative MPs to select committees are a matter for Conservative MPs."