DOMINIC Raab has prompted anger and disbelief after he suggested "taking the knee" is a symbol of subjugation inspired by TV drama Game Of Thrones.
The pose has become synonymous with anti-racism campaigns after being popularised in recent years by American football player Colin Kaepernick.
The Foreign Secretary said he would not take the knee in support of the Black Lives Matter movement, saying he only kneels for "the Queen and the missus when I asked her to marry me".
Raab's comments drew fierce criticism, with shadow justice secretary David Lammy describing the remarks as "deeply embarrassing".
Downing Street distanced itself from the Foreign Secretary, stressing that he had been expressing a "personal opinion".
READ MORE: Spend aid budget on replacing Queen's royal yacht, Penny Mordaunt tells PM
The de facto deputy prime minister told talkRADIO: "I understand this sense of frustration and restlessness which is driving the Black Lives Matter movement. I've got to say on this taking the knee thing – which I don't know, maybe it's got a broader history – but it seems to be taken from the Game Of Thrones.
"It feels to me like a symbol of subjugation and subordination, rather than one of liberation and emancipation – but I understand people feel differently about it so it is a matter of personal choice."
Asked if he would take the knee, Raab replied: "I take the knee for two people: the Queen and the missus when I asked her to marry me."
had to listen back a few times to check Dominic Raab really said this
— Matthew Champion (@matthewchampion) June 18, 2020
"On this taking the knee thing, I don't know maybe it's got a broader history, it seems to be taken from the Game of Thrones, feels to me like a symbol of subjugation and subordination"pic.twitter.com/xNMkWwpxfX
Lammy tweeted: "This is not just insulting to the #BlackLivesMatter movement, it is deeply embarrassing for Dominic Raab. He is supposed to be the Foreign Secretary of the United Kingdom."
Labour former shadow home secretary Diane Abbott wrote: "Taking the knee began in 2016 with American athletes refusing to stand for US national anthem.
"They were protesting police brutality and racism. But @DominicRaab thinks it comes from Game of Thrones!!!"
Raab later sought to clarify his remarks, tweeting: "I have full respect for the Black Lives Matter movement, and the issues driving them. If people wish to take a knee, that's their choice and I respect it. We all need to come together to tackle any discrimination and social injustice."
READ MORE: Nicola Sturgeon: Racist thugs must feel full force of the law
The Prime Minister's official spokesman was asked whether an intervention by someone in No 10 had prompted the Foreign Secretary's clarification.
"I am certainly not aware of the Prime Minister speaking with the Foreign Secretary this morning," the spokesman said, but added that he did not know whether anyone else in No 10 had spoken to Raab.
Though taking the knee has become popularised as an anti-discrimination gesture since 2016, it mirrors actions of earlier civil rights activists. In 1965, Martin Luther King was pictured kneeling while leading a prayer group in Alabama after protesters were arrested during a march to the Dallas County courthouse.
The image was quickly surfaced on social media after Raab’s comments.
martin luther king channels ned stark pic.twitter.com/WLIy78Im2L
— Ken Early (@kenearlys) June 18, 2020
English Premier League players also took a knee before kick-off yesterday evening in support of Black Lives Matter, as top-level football returned for the first time since lockdown began.
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