'Stop Brexit' activist Steve Bray forced to issue apology to Tory MP
A 'Stop Brexit' activist has apologised to a Conservative MP after falsely claiming he was involved in buying the Crooked House before it burnt down
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A "Stop Brexit" activist has apologised to a Conservative MP after falsely claiming he was involved in buying the Crooked House pub before it burnt down.
The pub, located in Himley, Staffordshire, was known as "Britain's wonkiest" inn before it was allegedly set on fire on August 5.
The 18th Century pub was sold in July by Marston's to ATE Farms Limited.
Steve Bray, a campaigner wanting to reverse the UK's withdrawal from the EU, has now apologised to Dudley North MP Marco Longhi after accusing him of being involved in the sale.
The 18th Century pub was sold in July by Marston's to ATE Farms Limited
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Writing on social media, Bray apologised to the Tory MP after admitting not "checking his facts".
He said: "I recently posted a tweet which mistakenly claimed Conservative MP Marco Longhi was involved in buying the Crooked House Pub which burned down.
"I didn’t check my facts. I apologise to Mr Longhi if my tweet caused him any upset or distress."
Earlier this week Longhi pledged support to campaigners from the Save The Crooked House (Let's Get it Re-Built) Facebook group which has over 30,000 followers.
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He attended a meeting at Himley Hall to meet campaigners and said he would lobby for a "Crooked House Law" to give more protection to heritage pubs and buildings.
Longhi told the Express & Star: "The Crooked House tragedy clearly shows the need to strengthen our laws, and this is what I have set myself to do.
"There is also a need to increase the consequences for the perpetrators of arson attacks."
He added: "I would like the committee to start supporting the development of a list locally in Dudley of those pubs which are of historical significance.
Marco Longhi attended a meeting at Himley Hall to meet campaigners and said he would lobby for a 'Crooked House Law' to give more protection to heritage pubs and buildings
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" I encourage everyone to submit their recommendations to WMCA, and I will also submit my recommendations."
On Tuesday a 23-year-old man from Leicestershire was detained on suspicion of conspiracy to commit arson with intent or being reckless as to whether life was endangered, police said.
Four men and a woman previously arrested as part of the investigation all remain on conditional bail