No disciplinary action against Michael Fabricant after 'punch in the throat' tweet

Mr Fabricant made the remark about high-profile left-wing journalist Yasmin Alibhai-Brown after she clashed with right-wing commentator Rod Liddle on a television news programme.

The Lichfield MP caused a Twitter storm and landed in trouble with his party's high command after writing: "I could never appear on a discussion prog with @y_alibhai I would either end up with a brain haemorrhage or by punching her in the throat."

David Cameron condemned the comment as "completely unacceptable" but ruled out withdrawing the whip.

The Prime Minister said: "Let's be clear, it's a completely unacceptable thing to say and it's right that he apologised and he retracted and he apologised fully. He's now done that, but this should never have been said in the first place. It's not an acceptable thing to say."

Asked whether Mr Fabricant might face any further repercussions, the Prime Minister said: "Well, I think the action that needed to be taken was a swift retraction and a full apology and now that retraction and apology have been properly delivered.

"I think further action isn't necessary, but no-one should be in any doubt that it's just not an acceptable thing to say and Michael Fabricant knows that that is my view and I don't want to see this happen again."

Mr Fabricant attempted to make amends for his comment, telling Ms Alibhai-Brown she was 'utterly infuriating' but he would not have actually punched her.

He later said on Twitter: "So just for the avoidance of any doubt: I am v sorry for tweet. It was wrong to joke abt punching + I completely withdraw and apologise."

Ms Alibhai-Brown, a Muslim who came to Britain from Uganda in 1972, said the MP could 'stuff' his apology, which was 'actually making it worse'.

She called for the MP to be kicked out of the Conservative Party if he failed to issue a "proper" statement of remorse.

"I think they should withdraw the whip or get him to issue a proper statement," she said.