An open letter signed by 60 MPs has called for the editor of The Sun to apologise after the publication of a controversial column by Jeremy Clarkson, including an Oxford MP.

Written Mr Clarkson, the opinion piece - which was published in The Sun on Friday (December 16) – saw him describe how he “hates” Meghan Markle and would like to see her dragged through the streets.

"At night, I'm unable to sleep as I lie there, grinding my teeth and dreaming of the day when she is made to parade naked through the streets of every town in Britain while the crowds chant 'Shame!' and throw lumps of excrement at her,” he wrote.

He added he "hated [Meghan] on a cellular level".

The controversial piece has been widely slammed and IPSO, the UK’s press regulator, has received thousands of complaints.

It was removed from The Sun’s website yesterday (December 19).

60 cross-party MPs, including Oxford West and Abingdon MP Layla Moran, have now called for the editor of the Rupert Murdoch-owned tabloid to apologise.

Conservative MP Caroline Nokes, who represents Romsey and Southampton North and is chair of the Women and Equalities Select Committee, shared the letter on Twitter.

It reads: “We are horrified at the recent article by Jeremy Clarkson in your publication. As Parliamentarians of every persuasion, we condemn in the strongest terms the violent misogynistic language against the Duchess of Sussex, Meghan Markle. This sort of language has no place in our country, and it is unacceptable that it was allowed to be published in a mainstream newspaper.”

Signatories of the letter say they are “deeply concerned” by the role modelling Mr Clarkson promotes to young boys and men by using violent language.

They also demand “action” is taken against Mr Clarkson and an apology is issued by the publication to Ms Markle.

Ms Moran said: “Violent and misogynistic language has absolutely no place in our country, and I, along with male and female colleagues, am outraged that a mainstream publication allowed this to be published.

“Language does not exist in a vacuum, and I am deeply concerned that publishing such hateful material teaches men and boys that their words have no consequences, and will contribute to the surge in violence against women and girls. I am sure many men will be appalled by Clarkson's comments, and we must recognise that men also play an important role in calling out such bad behaviour.

“While there is much to do to end the epidemic of violence against women and girls, calling out misogynistic language is a vital first step.

“I am proud to have joined with female colleagues across Parliament in standing up and saying enough is enough.”

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This story was written by Sophie Perry. She joined the team in 2021 as a digital reporter.

You can get in touch with her by emailing: sophie.perry@newsquest.co.uk

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