Switch to an accessible version of this website which is easier to read. (requires cookies)

Farage behaves like school bully

March 1, 2010 8:15 AM
By Catherine Bearder MEP in The Independent

This week Nigel Farage sunk to a new low. His personal attack against Herman van Rompuy, President of the European Council, was more akin to the school yard tyrant than an elected Parliamentarian.

Parliament is a forum for different views and this is its strength. It's through constructive debate and hearing all sides of an argument that we come to decisions. We may disagree but it's important that views are respected.

In attacking Mr van Rompuy, a guest in our parliament Mr Farage showed no respect for Parliament. Mr Farage may claim to speak for the British people, but most of his voters would reprimand their own children were they to speak to a guest in such a way.

Mr Farage's cynical swipe at Belgium, Britain's neighbour, friend and ally, also revealed the sordid underbelly of a party recently described by its leader as only separated by a "thin line" from the BNP.

Criticising a person for their actions is acceptable and necessary in order to invite change. Criticising a person on their nationality and appearance is the act of a bully.

What would you like to do next?

  • Subscribe for updates

    Read updates from this website in your desktop or online news reader

    • On a news reader website

      •  
      •  
      •  

      In a desktop news reader or a website not listed above

      •  
    • Example monthly digest email
      •  
      •  
      •  
    • If you submit your email address, the Liberal Democrats and their elected representatives may use the information you have provided to contact you from time to time about issues we think you may find of interest. Some of the contacts may be automated. You can opt out of some or all contacts at any time by contacting us.


    • Generate different image

    Join our email list

    • If you submit your email address, the Liberal Democrats and their elected representatives may use the information you have provided to contact you from time to time about issues we think you may find of interest. Some of the contacts may be automated. You can opt out of some or all contacts at any time by contacting us.


    • Generate different image

    Follow the party's activity on...

  • Share this page

    Share this page on another website

    Link to this page

    On websites and printed material:
    southcentrallibdems.org.uk/en/article/2010/038717/farage-behaves-like-school-bully
    In text messages, Twitter, or reading over the phone:
    sc.lib.dm/a71FD

    Email this page to a friend


    • Generate different image
  • Help out or donate

    Help out in your local area

      •  
      •  
      •  
      •  
      •  
      •  
      •  
      •  
      •  
      •  
      •  
      •  
    • If you submit your email address, the Liberal Democrats and their elected representatives may use the information you have provided to contact you from time to time about issues we think you may find of interest. Some of the contacts may be automated. You can opt out of some or all contacts at any time by contacting us.


    • Generate different image
  • Tell us what you think

    Send us your views

    • If you choose to join our email list, the Liberal Democrats and their elected representatives may use the information you have provided to contact you from time to time about issues we think you may find of interest. Some of the contacts may be automated. You can opt out of some or all contacts at any time by contacting us. You do not need to join our email list to complete this form.


    • Generate different image