A British Tory MP has compared plans for a stricter smoking ban to the Holocaust, sparking outrage.
In response to the project, Esther McVey posted a message on It also includes the line: “When they took the Jews away, I was silent, I was not a Jew.”
“Frighteningly thoughtless”
The Board of Deputies of British Jews, a Jewish advocacy group, strongly condemned McVey’s post, calling it “abhorrent” and “appallingly thoughtless”.
Numerous users, including Health Minister Wes Streeting, called on the 56-year-old to remove the post. Streeting pointed out that McVey’s own party, the Conservatives, had also included tougher anti-tobacco laws in its election manifesto.
“Meaning of my words twisted”
She issued a statement shortly before midnight. The accusations were “ridiculous” and no “insult was intended.” The politician also rejected further criticism in an X-post. She will not be intimidated by “big city tyrants with a politically correct attitude” who “deliberately distort the meaning of my words.” It is more of an analogy: “Those who ban freedoms start with simple goals.”
Hospitality associations have criticised the plans
New Labour Prime Minister Keir Starmer had previously confirmed in principle that his government wanted to extend the ban on smoking outdoors. According to reports, smoking will be banned in beer gardens, in front of sports facilities and hospitals, and in small parks. Gastronomy associations have sharply criticised the plans and warned that it would be a nail in the coffin for British pubs.
Source: Krone
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