A nationwide saga has been caused by the controversial Jo Swinson, who is a member of the Liberal Democrats and is also the frontrunner to become the next leader when Sir Vince Cable stands down as leader on the 23rd of July. Swinson’s voting record as an MP being far from consistent with the Lib Dem constitutional mission of enacting “a free, fair, and open society”.
Just one example of this was Ms Swinson voting for increased restrictions on legal aid which would evidently hinder access to justice for those the Lib Dem’s claim to support. However, it has not stopped there in a bizarre rant Ms Swinson branded Britain a ‘racist country’. Ms Swinson has been accused of smearing and drastically generalising the entire nation of Great Britain in an absurd way.
Jo Swinson is the current deputy leader of the party and she made the comments whilst suggesting black people are not treated equally in several aspects of public life. The interview in question was conducted for the New European newspaper, and Ms Swinson shocked many when she stated ‘I recognise that ours is still a racist country.’ Jo Swinson only confirmed her leadership bid on the 31st of May and her challenge appears to be on a sticky wicket already.
Criticisms have come in their droves from all wings of British politics. One of the first out of the blocks was former Conservative party deputy chairmen and current MP James Cleverly, whose mother came from Sierra Leone. Mr Cleverly pulled no punches saying, ‘One of the reasons my mother and people like her came to live and aspire to live in this country is because it is a beacon of tolerance and openness around the world.’ Mr Cleverly went on to condemn Ms Swinson’s blanket description stating, ‘For Jo Swinson to brand the entire country racist is as absurd as it is offensive and untrue.’ More worryingly for Jo Swinson, supporters of her main rival for the leadership of the Lib Dem’s Ed Davey blasted Jo Swinson saying, ‘This is a ridiculous remark which Ed just wouldn’t make.’ Ms Swinson is yet to issue a public apology.
Current Affairs Correspondent | My name is Oliver Down I am 22, and a staunch brexiteer. I am a Bristolian lad who studied politics in Leicester. I believe in free speech and accurate journalism and I won’t be afraid to give you “the other side” of the story!
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