Bradford West MP George Galloway has refused to take part in Parliamentary tributes to Baroness Thatcher today, claiming debate is “not allowed”.

The Respect MP, who on Monday provoked condemnation by tweeting “May she burn in the hellfires” after Lady Thatcher’s death, said he would have been first in the queue if debate was allowed.

Mr Galloway claimed House of Commons authorities had told him dissent or debate was “not allowed” during the Commons session, which has been called during Easter recess.

Asked if he would be attending, he said: “I understand it is not a debate, so no.”