Tories urged to suspend MP accused of rape as Labour condemns decision not to remove party whip

Latest updates and essential advice from the news source you trust Trouble viewing? [View in browser]( [Image]( [Image] Daily news briefing Latest updates and essential advice from the news source you trust Tories urged to suspend MP accused of rape as Labour condemns decision not to remove party whip Boris Johnson’s Conservative Party is facing intense pressure to suspend an MP [under investigation over an alleged rape](. Labour frontbencher Jess Phillips said it was “shocking” that the Tory whip has not been withdrawn from the former minister - a man in his fifties who has not been identified. Liberal Democrat leadership contender Layla Moran said the Conservative whips’ office should “think again” about its announcement that no decision would be made on suspension until the conclusion of the police investigation. The unnamed MP was arrested and questioned on Saturday after a woman in her twenties went to police with complaints of rape, sexual assault and coercive control. He was later released on bail to a date in mid-August pending further inquiries. Meanwhile, two tests that can [diagnose the coronavirus and the flu within 90 minutes]( are set to be introduced to hospitals, care homes and laboratories as the country prepares to face the pandemic in winter. Nearly half a million of the LamPORE swab tests will be rolled out to adult care homes and laboratories from next week, with millions more to be made available in coming months. The swab and DNA tests will aid doctors and the NHS test-and-trace system to differentiate between the viruses, allowing those with Covid-19 to effectively self-isolate. A [major incident has been declared]( in Greater Manchester in a bid to tackle a rise in coronavirus infection rates. The decision was announced three days after health secretary Matt Hancock imposed local lockdowns across the region. Greater Manchester Police’s assistant chief constable Nick Bailey said the move would help local agencies reduce the number of new cases. Mr Bailey said looking at the handling of spikes in other hot spot localities like Leicester “will enable us to maximise the capability of agencies across Greater Manchester, including additional resources if required, to instigate a prompt and positive change in direction”. Podcast [Image]( The Independent Coronavirus Podcast Subscribe now wherever you listen for all the latest coronavirus news. [Listen now]( The Independent employs over 100 journalists around the world to bring you news you can trust. Please consider a [contribution]( or [subscription](. Top stories [I'm an image]( PREMIUM [How is emergency coronavirus legislation made?]( [I'm an image]( [Tory failure to suspend MP over alleged rape ‘shocking’, says Phillips]( [I'm an image]( [Pubs, cafes and restaurants prepare for half-price meal scheme]( More news [How Nasa astronauts' splashdown has changed spaceflight]( [No plan to extend shielding to under-50s, minister insists]( [‘Ignorant’ tourists criticised for refusing to wear masks in Cornwall]( [One in five found guilty of cannabis possession is black, figures show]( [Huge surge in Amazon fires risks repeat of last year, scientists warn]( //link.e.independent.co.uk/click/21088138.77257/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuZXZlbnRicml0ZS5jby51ay9lL3ByZXZlbnRpbmctdGhlLW5leHQtcGFuZGVtaWMtdGlja2V0cy0xMTMwODM4MTg3NDY/583d2887487ccd777a8b7489Ccd2b54e1 Suggested for you [I'm an image]( [Millions of 90-minute Covid tests to be rolled out to hospitals]( [I'm an image]( [Pressure grows on Johnson to suspend Tory MP accused of rape – live]( [I'm an image]( [UK weather: The latest Met Office forecast]( [I'm an image]( [Pensioners celebrate 65th anniversary with socially distanced hug]( Follow us [Twitter]( [Facebook]( Please do not reply directly to this email You are currently registered to receive The Independent's News email. Add us to your safe list of senders. If you do not want to receive The Independent News email and Breaking News alerts, please [unsubscribe](list_name=IND_Headlines_Masterlist_CDP). If you no longer wish to receive any newsletters or promotional emails from The Independent, you can unsubscribe [here](. This e-mail was sent by Independent Digital News and Media Ltd, 2 Derry Street, London W8 5HF. Registered in England and Wales with company number 07320345. Read our [privacy notice]( and [cookie policy](.