Meacher on mind-bending drugs — PM

Michael Meacher.

PRIME Minister David Cameron has been forced to apologise after accusing an Oldham MP of taking “mind-altering” substances.

Mr Cameron made the claim, which he dismissed as “Commons banter”, after Oldham West and Royton MP Michael Meacher asked a question about the Government’s economic policy during question time in the House of Commons.

During his question, Mr Meacher (pictured) argued that recent research in “The Economist” had indicated that the UK had fallen behind Mali and other developing countries in terms of business development.

The Labour MP asked the PM whether he was happy with being 159th in the world in terms of business investment.

In response, the Prime Minister said: “I can only conclude that he has been on a night out on the town with Rev Flowers and that the mind-altering substances have taken effect.”

The reference follows the drugs allegations surrounding fallen Methodist minister Paul Flowers, the ex-Co-op bank boss and Labour councillor, who has admitted “serious mistakes” after being filmed buying cocaine.

Angered by Mr Cameron’s joke, Mr Meacher raised a point of order at the end of prime minister’s questions and turned to speaker John Bercow.

The veteran Labour MP said: “As you would have heard, and as everyone else in the House heard, I raised a perfectly reasonable question, which was based on clear evidence as I indicated.

“Is it parliamentary for the Prime Minister to respond by accusing me of sounding as if I had been taking mind-altering substances?

“I want to ask whether it is parliamentary to use such an unjustifiable, rude and offensive phrase?”

Mr Cameron replied: “I completely respect you and the important question you asked which I tried to answer with the point about inward investment into Britain. I made a light-hearted remark.

“If it caused any offence, then I will happily withdraw it.

“I think it is very important that we can have a little bit of light-hearted banter and a sense of humour on all sides.”