Politicians 'abused' while escorted around London by police
19 October 2019, 17:46
Jacob Rees-Mogg, Diane Abbott and Andrea Leadsom were among MPs who required police escorts as they left Parliament on Saturday.
Several MPs received abuse as they exited the House of Commons following the vote to approve the Letwin Amendment and thus potentially delay Brexit further.
Footage posted on Twitter showed Jacob Rees-Mogg being hounded by anti-Brexit protesters chanting "shame on you" as he walked home with his son surrounded by police.
Rees Mogg is accompanied by his young son and followed and barracked all the way home, protected by police. pic.twitter.com/t99hKq8sY5
— Lewis Goodall (@lewis_goodall) October 19, 2019
Diane Abbott was similarly targeted by pro-Brexit campaigners after leaving the People's Vote march and whilst walking into Westminster.
One man was heard shouting "traitor" and another told the Labour MP to "stop drinking."
Police escorting @HackneyAbbott as she is harassed by pro-Brexit supporters after leaving the stage of the #PeoplesVoteMarch pic.twitter.com/0plDF0HyF1
— Stéphanie Bosset (@39_stephs) October 19, 2019
Andrea Leadsom thanked the "superb police" as she was confronted by "frightening" People's Vote demonstrators as she too made her way home.
The Business Secretary received a chorus of boos near College Green and was also the target for "shame on you" chants.
She later tweeted: "Thank goodness for our superb police. Just walked home safely from HoC with their protection - why do the so called ‘People’s Vote’ protesters think it’s ok to abuse, intimidate and scream in the face of someone they don’t agree with?
"So frightening, and so grateful to the police."
Thank goodness for our superb police. Just walked home safely from HoC with their protection - why do the so called ‘People’s Vote’ protesters think it’s ok to abuse, intimidate and scream in the face of someone they don’t agree with? So frightening, and so grateful to the police
— Andrea Leadsom MP (@andrealeadsom) October 19, 2019
Andrea Leadsom arriving at College Green. She was followed by an angry mob. #SuperSaturday pic.twitter.com/maDb7sodCW
— André Walker (@andrejpwalker) October 19, 2019
Hundreds of thousands of people gathered in the capital on Saturday to demand a confirmatory referendum on Boris Johnson's Brexit deal.
Labour's Dawn Butler responded to Ms Leadsom saying she was "glad" she made it home safely.
"I also felt intimidated by the Brexit supporting crowds shouting. The police thankfully cornered them off," she tweeted.
"I think it's important that we encourage all side to disagree respectfully. And MPs watch our language and tone."
Hi Andrea Glad you and Michael got back home safely.
— (((Dawn Butler MP))) (@DawnButlerBrent) October 19, 2019
I also felt intimidated by the Brexit supporting crowds shouting. The police thankfully cornered them off.
I think it's important that we encourage all side to disagree respectfully.
And MPs watch our language and tone. https://t.co/cuqAzdJcfu
Michael Gove also received a police escort as he left Parliament.
Home Secretary Priti Patel responded to the scenes in London thanking the emergency services.
She said on Twitter: “Thank you for the support of police in helping people leave parliament today. We all have strong opinions … but that is never an excuse to intimidate or direct abuse to others.”
