Commons inquiry into Rupert Murdoch committee meeting disturbance

Commons Speaker John Bercow has ordered an "entirely independent" investigation into how a protester was able to throw a plate of shaving foam at Rupert Murdoch in Parliament.

Jonathan May-Bowles was charged with a public order offence after the incident at yesterday's much-anticipated Culture, Media and Sport Committee hearing.

The protester, who goes by the name Jonnie Marbles, threw a paper plate with white foam at the 80-year-old media mogul's face.

In a short statement to MPs, Mr Bercow said: "It is wholly unacceptable for a member of the public to treat, and to be able to treat, a witness in this way.

"It is all the more regrettable that such an incident should happen at a time when, particularly over the last few days, the work of this House and its committees has enhanced the reputation of Parliament.

"I have immediately set in hand an expert investigation into what took place, the reasons for the security failure and the lessons to be learned.

"This investigation will be entirely independent of the House authorities."

May-Bowles, 26, of Windsor, was bailed to appear before City of Westminster Magistrates Court next Friday, July 29.

He is charged with behaviour causing harassment, alarm or distress in a public place under Section 5 of the Public Order Act, Scotland Yard said.