CONSERVATIVE MPs have been criticised for jeering Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn over his green tie which he wore as a sign of respect to those who died in the Grenfell Tower fire.
Corbyn wore the tie to a House of Commons debate today following the publication of a report into the disaster that killed 72 people.
Relatives of those killed were in the public gallery ahead of the debate. As they watched the proceedings members from the Tory benches mocked the opposition leader for wearing the brightly coloured tie.
READ MORE: Grenfell Tower report damning of London Fire Brigade
Former prime minister Theresa May - who was Tory leader when the fire took place - was seen admonishing her colleagues by stressing the tie was to mark the tragedy.
Corbyn's spokesman said: "I think that's fairly contemptible. He was wearing a green tie as a mark of respect for the victims of the Grenfell disaster.
"I think those Tory MPs mocking his tie would be better supporting justice for the families and the victims of the Grenfell Tower fire and those who died in similar conflagrations and to deliver safety and protection for people living in tower blocks all over the country."
Shadow education secretary Angela Rayner was also critical, accusing some Tory backbenchers of a "shocking lack of awareness".
Corbyn was paying tribute to the outgoing Commons Speaker John Bercow ahead of the Grenfell debate when the mocking came.
READ MORE: Tears as Grenfell victims remembered a year on
He thanked the MP for having "reduced some of the strange customs and garments that people wear in this building", in a reference to the sometimes archaic dress code.
Some Tories interrupted by loudly heckling Corbyn. "I know you're all jealous of my tie but it's OK," he replied.
Tory backbencher Huw Merriman later remarked on the garment after complimenting Bercow on his Arsenal tie.
"I have worn mine as well but I am sorry the leader of the Opposition has not worn his," Merriman added.
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