Dominic Raab: I would only take the knee for the Queen or my wife in proposing marriage

The foreign secretary, Dominic Raab, has said he views the Black Lives Matter action of taking the knee as “a symbol of subjugation and subordination”.

Raab said he understood why some people took the knee but that he would only do so “for the Queen and the Mrs when I asked her to marry me”.

The Labour leader, Keir Starmer took a knee in his office with Angela Rayner to show solidarity with the protests. Some police officers have also done so at protests as well as Premier League footballers with some voicing concern that this politicises sport.

Raab was asked whether he would adopt the pose during an interview with Talk Radio to which he replied: “Do you know what? I understand this sense of frustration, of restlessness, which is driving the Black Lives Matter movement.

“I’ve got say, on this take 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 – 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’s a matter of personal choice.”

Asked whether he would take the knee to show solidarity with Black Lives Matter Mr Raab replied: “I’d take the knee for two people: the Queen and the Mrs when I asked her to marry me.”

David Lammy responded to this saying: This is not just insulting to the Black Lives Matter movement, it is deeply embarrassing for Dominic Raab. He is supposed to be the foreign secretary of the United Kingdom.”

Raab later elaborated on his position on Twitter saying: “To be clear: 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.”

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