Local Conservative MP and government minister Nigel Adams has defended telling an anti-Brexit campaigner to ‘”f*ck off” outside Parliament.
Mr Adams, whose Selby and Ainsty constituency includes rural parts of the Harrogate district such as Spofforth, Huby, Weeton and Follifoot, dropped the F-bomb outside the House of Commons on Wednesday after he was approached by anti-Brexit campaigner Steve Bray.
A spokesperson for Mr Adams said his “colourful language” reflected the views of many MPs who had encountered Mr Bray.
The spokesperson said:
“The gentleman in the blue top hat who Mr Adams directed some colourful language towards is a well known political activist known as ‘Stop Brexit Man’.
“He has spent the last few years harassing, following and hurling abuse at elected Parliamentarians as well as interrupting journalists, preventing some from doing their job of reporting the news and conducting interviews.
“Mr Adams’ remarks no doubt reflect those of many democratic representatives trying to deliver on the will of the people and others seeking to go about their business who have been harassed or had their work disrupted by this individual and his handful of followers.”
Mr Bray, who is well-known for wearing an EU top hat and taking part in daily protests outside Parliament, asked the MP a question about the vote on the Health and Care Bill.
In a video of the exchange that followed, Mr Adams said to the campaigner:
“Why don’t you talk to your MP and f*** off, you’re getting on my nerves.”
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You can watch the video below. Warning: it contains strong language.
Nigel Adams Tory MP not happy to answer some questions… tells me to fuck off & calls Sylvia a numpty. He also calls me Dave… a far right myth. #BrexitTax pic.twitter.com/OsZyufyuqj
— Steve Bray It's time we removed this corrupt gov. (@snb19692) September 8, 2021
