Tory MPs accused of 'jeering' Jeremy Corbyn over Grenfell tie
3 min read
Tory backbenchers have been criticised after they were accused of “jeering” Jeremy Corbyn over a tie he wore in honour of victims of the Grenfell Tower fire.
The colour has become associated with remembering the victims of the disaster and is also worn in a small heart-shaped badge, which Mr Corbyn and Boris Johnson each wore on their lapel during Prime Minister's Questions.
It came as Mr Corbyn praised John Bercow ahead of his last day as Commons Speaker, for having “reduced some of the strange customs and strange garments that some people wear”.
It prompted some on the opposite benches to shout and gesture at his neckwear, to which he jokingly responded: “It’s alright, it’s alright I know you’re all jealous of my tie but it’s okay.”
The tribute came on the day that the long-awaited phase one report from the Grenfell inquiry fire – in which 72 people died in 2017 – was released.
But the exchange provoked condemnation among some, with Theresa May reportedly rebuking her colleagues by telling them “it’s about Grenfell”.
Meanwhile Shadow Education Secretary Angela Rayner accused those involved of a "shocking lack of awareness", while her colleague Paula Sheriff added: "You can't buy class."
Tory MP Huw Merriman also appeared unaware of the symbolism, after he commended the Speaker for wearing an Arsenal tie.
He added that he was "sorry" the Labour leader - who also supports the north London team - had "not worn his own".
Asked about the Tory MPs who mocked Mr Corbyn’s tie, a Labour spokesman said: "I think that's fairly contemptible. He was wearing a green tie as a mark of respect for the victims of the Grenfell disaster.
"I think those Tory MPs mocking his tie would be better supporting justice for the families and the victims of the Grenfell Tower and those who died in similar conflagrations and to deliver safety and protection for people living in tower blocks all over the country."
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