THE SNP’s Joanna Cherry was abused by pro-Brexit demonstrators on her way home from the Brexit vote yesterday as tempers among protesters frayed outside of Westminster.
The Scottish MP said she was told to go back to her “own country” outside the Houses of Parliament. Another SNP was racially abused by protesters, according to Cherry.
Very relieved to be safely back to my base in London. Was abused by trailing ends of the #LeaveMeansLeave protest as I walked home. Called a traitor. Told to go back to my own country. Such a contrast from #PeoplesVoteMarch last weekend #BrexitChaos
— Joanna Cherry QC MP (@joannaccherry) March 29, 2019
Heavily armed police were stationed outside of Parliament, where the Make Brexit Happen rally – organised by EDL co-founder Tommy Robinson and Ukip leader Gerard Batten – took place. Staff were advised to leave the building for their own safety.
READ MORE: Theresa May told to resign as MPs reject deal for third time
A flute band set up by Scot Billy Mitchell, known as Orange Jacket Man from his regular Question Time appearances, was also in attendance.
The Livingston True Blue Defenders, wearing quasi-military uniforms, were spotted on the BBC’s One O’Clock news as they arrived at the rally.
On a Facebook post advising band members and fans about the trip to London, the group made sectarian jokes. They wrote: “Travelling down and booked into a Wetherspoons where we will be looked after with food and refreshments when we arrive. Tim Martin the owner of Wetherspoons is the only Tim I’ll be pleasant to this weekend!”
Following the day of protests, Cherry said she had been “relieved” to leave Westminster.
The MP for Edinburgh South West wrote: “Very relieved to be safely back to my base in London. Was abused by trailing ends of the #LeaveMeansLeave protest as I walked home. Called a traitor.
“Told to go back to my own country. Such a contrast from #PeoplesVoteMarch last weekend #BrexitChaos.”
Police confirmed that there were two arrests made at the pro-Brexit rally, with one man suspected of assaulting a police officer. “Both suspects have been taken to a central London police station, where they remain in custody,” a statement read.
A grim state of affairs outside the @HouseofCommons. A flute band playing and as they passed I saw someone doing a Nazi salute.*
— Hannah Bardell 🏴🏳️🌈 (@HannahB4LiviMP) March 29, 2019
*There is no emoji for what I’m feeling. Sick doesn’t cover it. pic.twitter.com/GzaiJySh15
During the demonstrations, Robinson, whose real name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, delivered a rambling speech which made little reference to Brexit.
He told the crowds: “As of now we do not know when we are going to leave the European Union.”
Speaking afterwards, Batten told protesters: “Theresa May has had, for the third time, her not-really-leaving deal rejected by Parliament.
“What we do know is that if we do not leave the EU it will mark the end of democracy in the UK.”
Some pro-Brexit activists wore yellow vests, while others donned masks and appeared to be swearing and shouting at the police.
Demonstrators marched to Downing Street, chanting “we want our country back” and “we want Brexit”.
Why are you making commenting on The National only available to subscribers?
We know there are thousands of National readers who want to debate, argue and go back and forth in the comments section of our stories. We’ve got the most informed readers in Scotland, asking each other the big questions about the future of our country.
Unfortunately, though, these important debates are being spoiled by a vocal minority of trolls who aren’t really interested in the issues, try to derail the conversations, register under fake names, and post vile abuse.
So that’s why we’ve decided to make the ability to comment only available to our paying subscribers. That way, all the trolls who post abuse on our website will have to pay if they want to join the debate – and risk a permanent ban from the account that they subscribe with.
The conversation will go back to what it should be about – people who care passionately about the issues, but disagree constructively on what we should do about them. Let’s get that debate started!
Callum Baird, Editor of The National
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel