Now, this is either a rather sneaky attempt at a political smear or an honest mistake. Over on his blog Tom Watson posted up the following:
News has just reached me that there was a small incident involving the opposition parties earlier this afternoon. Apparently, their supporters were getting a little hot under the collar, so much so that the police were called. Don’t worry though, I think it was captured on camera by Channel 4 News.
Note the use of the plural “parties” and so the implication that the fracas involved Liberal Democrat and Tory activists, with the police therefore being called to make peace between them.
Only two problems with this version of events: (a) it’s not true, and (b) it’s not what Channel 4 News broadcast. What actually happened was a run in between Conservative activists and members of the public, with the police being called to sort it out, and by chance the Liberal Democrats turning up shortly afterwards to the same venue.
To be generous, maybe Tom blogged in haste and didn’t get his wording quite right? In which case I’m sure an apology and correction will by flying off his keyboard any moment now for implying the Liberal Democrats were involved in something they weren’t.
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4 Comments
What a nerve for the Labour Party to complain about a fracas in Southall.
Those with slightly long memories will recall the incident in a Southall temple a few years back where a man was kidnapped and held hostage. A Labour councillor and magistrate (no, I’m not naming him) was involved in this incident and interviewed by the Police. If I remember rightly, no-one was charged.
Tom Watson is so crap.
Tom Watson is my hero!
Tories (1 party) scrapping with Supporters (not Labour, 2 parties) and soon joined by Lib Dem activists (2 or 3 parties in all).
Doesn’t sound wrong as such. Why did you think he meant Lib Dems anyway? Guilty feet, no rhythm etc etc.