New Forest West MP Sir Desmond Swayne tells House of Commons ‘garotting flytippers with their intestines’ would solve issue

A NEW Forest MP has told Parliament that garroting flytippers with their own intestines would drive down offences.

His comments come amid proposals to close two Forest waste and recycling centres.

Sir Desmond Swayne, who represents New Forest West, made the comment this morning (Thursday) in the House of Commons as Robbie Moore, environment, food and rural affairs minister, was questioned on ways to combat flytipping.

He said: “The penalties are insufficient; if offenders were garroted with their own intestines, there'd be fewer of them.”

Following a short burst of laughter from Sir Desmond’s fellow MPs, Mr Moore said it was “important” that councils utilised increased fixed penalty of £1,000 to “drive down” flytipping.

As reported in the A&T, Conservative-run Hampshire County Council is considering a shake up of 12 of its centres, which includes axing facilities in Marchwood and Somerley, near Ringwood, as it seeks to meet a forecasted £132m budget shortfall.

A petition against the closures, launched by the New Forest Liberal Democrats, including Cllr Jack Davies, has so far received more than 2,400 signatures.

Responding to the Tory MP’s comments, Cllr Davies told the A&T the closures would increase flytipping and fail to save money in the long-term.

He added: “We need action and not just words. I urge both New Forest MPs to keep our recycling centres open.”