British MP arrested on rape allegations

By Burak Bir

LONDON (AA) - Conservative Party MP Crispin Blunt confirmed Thursday his arrest on rape allegations.

"It has been reported that an MP was arrested yesterday [25 October] in connection with an allegation of rape. I am confirming that MP was me," the 63-year-old MP for Reigate said in a statement on X.

"The fact of the arrest requires a formal notification of the Speaker and then my chief whip. I have now been interviewed twice in connection with this incident, the first time three weeks ago, when I initially reported my concern over extortion," he said.

He said the arrest was "unnecessary" because said he remains ready to fully cooperate with the investigation that he is confident will end without charge.

"I do not intend to say anything further on this matter until the police have completed their inquiries," he added.

Blunt will sit as an independent MP as the Conservative Party withdrew his whip Thursday – meaning he is suspended from the party -- after he published his statement.