A major controversy over freedom of the press erupts when the editor of a national newspaper refuses a subpoena from Parliament over an article by Angela Rayner

A BIG series of press freedoms ensued last night after an editor of a national newspaper declined a subpoena to meet the Speaker of the House of Commons over Angela Rayner’s flashing row.

Sir Lindsay Hoyle tried to get the Mail into Parliament on Sunday to explain why they were reporting that a Tory MP had claimed that Labor Deputy Leader Mrs Rayner had used a “basic instinct” tactic, to distract Boris Johnson on PMQs.

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But last night editor David Dillon firmly denied the subpoena, saying journalists “should not take orders from House of Commons officials, however lofty”.

In response to Sir Lindsay, he wrote: “The Mail on Sunday deplores sexism and misogyny in all its forms.

“However, journalists must be free to report what they are told by MPs about talks taking place in the House of Commons, uncomfortable as some may find them.”

Yesterday Sir Lindsay said he wanted reporters to consider the “feelings” of MPs and their families before writing stories about them.

Former Labor Secretary Kate Hoey criticized the Speaker, saying his intervention risked setting a “worrying” precedent.

The claims of an anonymous Tory MP had sparked outrage across the political spectrum.

The Prime Minister called the article “the most appalling amount of sexist, misogynistic nonsense”.

However, concerns were also raised by suggestions that the Speaker might withdraw the parliamentary passport of the journalist who reported the remarks about Ms Rayner.

Last night Mr Hoyle insisted he was backing journalists to report what they were told.

He said he was a “firm supporter and protector of press freedom”.

He didn’t want Commons passports torn off by journalists for writing things MPs didn’t like.

But he added: “I just want to ask that we all be a little bit kinder.”