Conservative MP calls for 'sincere apology' over same-sex 'marriage'

Conservative MP Adam Afriyie has urged the Conservative Party to swallow its pride and apologise over same-sex 'marriage'.

In response to initial indicators from last week's elections, Mr Afriyie wrote that many feel that "the Conservatives have drifted away from their small-c conservative roots. I feel that too."

He went on to say, "[the] party establishment must reconnect with these supporters. And this will probably mean a swallowing of pride with a sincere apology for the way gay marriage was introduced...  I’m hopeful we’ll stand a better chance of winning people’s trust, especially if we have some undeniably conservative policies in our manifesto." 

Read Adam Afriyie's article here >

Mr Afriyie's comments follow an opinion poll published earlier this month indicating that for 28% of respondents, 'David Cameron's determination to legalise gay marriage' was a reason not to vote Conservative last week.

This week, Conservative Councillor Mary Douglas told BBC WM that same-sex 'marriage' was a reason that voters had deserted the Conservative party. Listen to the interview here >

Andrea Williams commented: "Mr Afriyie is right to call for a sincere apology from the Conservative leadership over same-sex 'marriage' but it shouldn't just be concerned with the way in which it was introduced but the very fact that it was pursued at all. David Cameron's determination to push through such revolutionary and destructive legislation with no warning has caused a huge breach of trust with voters. It will have kept many from voting Conservative last week and it is hard to see how trust will ever be restored with this Prime Minister."