Sir Peter, MP for Worthing West since 1997, previously represented Woolwich West - later renamed Eltham - since a by-election in 1975.

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The Worthing West MP rejected suggestions that it revealed prejudice within Tory ranks against those who do not fit into the traditional family structure.

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The Polish national, from Worthing, West Sussex, was released on conditional bail and has yet to be sentenced.

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His wife, actress Alexandra Bastedo, was at his bedside at Worthing Hospital in West Sussex where he was admitted following a long illness.

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Worthing Hospital in West Sussex has no spare beds.

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