HUNDREDS of thousands of people saw New Forest MP Sir Desmond Swayne sleeping soundly in the House of Commons during a debate this afternoon.

BBC Politics tweeted images to its 429,000 followers of the long-standing Conservative MP slumped to one side as Ken Clarke MP launched into a speech on EU rights.

Despite Mr Clarke promising to make his speech short, 61-year-old Desmond Swayne was asleep within around a minute. The full speech lasted for 11 minutes.

Mr Swayne was sitting directly behind Mr Clarke and was therefore in full view of the cameras. He awoke with a start and carried on listening to Mr Clarke's speech.

The video sparked hundreds of comments on social media.

Mr Swayne said: "I simply fell asleep momentarily. I apologise unreservedly. I will endeavour to ensure it doesn't happen again."