The Sports Direct founder, Mike Ashley, is to be formally summonsed to appear before MPs to explain his company’s treatment of its workers. Ashley will be issued with a demand to appear before the business select committee on 7 June after refusing to agree to a number of dates suggested by MPs. A spokesman for the committee said it was reserving the right to take the matter further, “including seeking the support of the House of Commons in respect of any complaint of contempt” should the tycoon refuse to attend. The formal demand is the latest development in a spat between Ashley and MPs. Last week, Ashley accused the committee of being “deliberately antagonistic” and abusing parliamentary procedure by trying to force him to give evidence...In a letter to Iain Wright, the chairman of the business, innovation and skills committee, the Newcastle United boss said he was disgusted by the MPs’ approach. That came after the committee warned him publicly last week that he risked being in contempt of parliament if he failed to appear...