Tories seek SF expulsion from Westminister

The British Conservative Party is expected to call for the removal of Sinn Fein's right to use offices in the House of Commons at Westminster during a debate in London today.

The Tories have already said the facilities should be withdrawn from Sinn Fein following allegations that the party was spying on the British government and other politicians.

The move is the latest sign that the Conservative Party has abandoned the traditional bi-partisan approach to the Irish peace process, whereby both British parties supported each other's efforts to find peace in the North.

Quentin Davies, the shadow Northern Secretary, is due to open today's debate by arguing that Sinn Fein should have never have been given offices in Westminster, despite the fact that the party won four seats in the last British general election.

Last December, the House of Commons voted by 322 to 189 to allow Sinn Fein access to the offices even though it has refused to swear an oath of allegiance to Queen Elizabeth II.

The Tories' motion to have these facilities withdrawn is expected to be supported by both the UUP and the DUP.

Sinn Fein has described the debate as "a pointless distraction".