HUDDERSFIELD MP Barry Sheerman was involved in an amazing Westminster row which ended in scuffling.

Onlookers said trouble broke out when the Blair loyalist called fellow Labour MP Bob Marshall-Andrews a traitor for opposing the Government's anti-terror laws.

Witnesses said Mr Sheerman verbally attacked the MP for talking to his "friends" in the Tory party.

Mr Marshall-Andrews shouted back and suggested that Mr Sheerman might have taken drink, it is claimed.

Labour MP Jim Dowd then became involved and has admitted "seizing the lapel" of Mr Marshall- Andrews.

But he denied they traded blows.

A Government whip separated the two.

Mr Dowd has now filed a formal complaint claiming Mr Marshall-Andrews called him a 'faggot'.

The heated confrontation broke out in the Members' Lobby of the Commons on Tuesday night.

Mr Dowd, the Labour MP for Lewisham West, said: "Mr Marshall-Andrews was holding court with three Tory MPs. One of my other colleagues had words with him - I was standing some distance away - and that seemed quite heated.

"I went over to speak to my colleague, and Mr Marshall-Andrews gratuitously issued the most offensive insult directed to me. It was fairly vile and offensive.

"I demanded that he apologise immediately, but he did not."

Meanwhile, a Labour MP today told why she joined the rebellion against Tony Blair over the detention of terrorist suspects.

Chris McCafferty, who represents Calder Valley, was among 49 Labour backbenchers who deserted the Prime Minister and voted alongside Tories.

Ms McCafferty, whose constituency included Brighouse and Elland, said today: "The European Convention on Human Rights accepts a limit of 28 days on detention without trial.

"As a member of the Council of Europe for the last two Parliaments, I think this is a powerful factor.

"I therefore think that Parliament made the right decision by voting for 28 days."

Batley and Spen Labour MP Mike Wood was another rebel.

Huddersfield MP Barry Sheerman voted with the Government, as did Kali Mountford (Colne Valley), Mary Creagh (Wakefield) and Shahid Malik (Dewsbury). Ms Mountford said: "I am very disappointed that some MPs decided to ignore the wishes of the security forces and police and hope they will not have to regret their decision in the future."

Home Secretary Charles Clarke today accepted personal responsibility for failing to persuade the Commons to endorse the Government's 90-day proposal.

The Prime Minister saw his majority of 66 overturned as the Government tumbled to a 31 vote defeat.