BOURNEMOUTH East MP Tobias Ellwood has issued a response over his attendance at a gathering of 27 people in London following criticism from the Home Secretary.

Mr Ellwood, who chairs the House of Commons Defence Select Committee, attended the Iraq British Business Council event in Piccadilly on Tuesday.

The business council’s website listed the event as a ‘Christmas Party’, however the Conservative former defence minister said it was a “business reception/dinner” which was Covid compliant.

When asked by ITV News if Mr Ellwood’s actions were a “egregious breach” of the coronavirus rules, Home Secretary Priti Patel said: “Well, it is. Of course it is exactly that.

“Having dinner outside of the rules with a large number of people is a breach of the regulations.”

Posting on his verified Twitter account this afternoon, Mr Ellwood apologised for his “well-intentioned attendance” at the Iraqi/British business event.

In a statement, he said: “Much comment has been made about my attendance at a business reception/dinner organised by the Iraq British Business Council and the Iraqi Embassy on Tuesday, December 15.

"In my role as chair of the Defence Select Committee I was invited to given an address and meet Iraqi business leaders and Iraqi embassy staff. We still have troops based in Iraq and the security situation is deteriorating. I work hard to leverage every opportunity to further my understanding of international foreign policy and security matters. I gleaned extremely useful intelligence from this gathering about what is happening on the ground and wider issues affecting the Middle East.

"The event took place at the respected Cavalry and Guards Club under strict Covid compliant conditions (confirmed by my office before hand). For the duration of Tier Two restrictions function rooms that usually seat over 100 have been converted to hold business events for less than 30.

"I appreciated, given the current challenges some will question the wisdom of my attendance. I am sorry that coverage of my well-intentioned attendance may have muddied the Government's clear message as we head towards Christmas. Whilst the event was fully Covid compliant - perceptions count. Something I will be more conscious of in conducting my portfolio duties during the difficult months ahead."