WATCH: Andrea Leadsom condemns ‘frightening abuse’ from protesters after police escort MPs from Commons
2 min read
Andrea Leadsom has condemned “frightening” and “intimidating” Brexit protesters after police were forced to escort high profile parliamentarians from the Commons.
Jacob Rees-Mogg, walking alongside his young son, faced chants of “shame on you” as he left the Westminster estate following the extraordinary Saturday sitting.
Fellow Cabinet ministers Andrea Leadsom and Michael Gove were also accompanied by a heavy police presence, with the former describing the situation as “frightening”.
On Saturday evening she tweeted: “Thank goodness for our superb police.
“Just walked home safely from [House of Commons] with their protection - why do the so called ‘People’s Vote’ protesters think it’s ok to abuse, intimidate and scream in the face of someone they don’t agree with?
“So frightening, and so grateful to the police.”
The Business Secretary also condemned the treatment of Shadow Home Secretary Diane Abbott, who was confronted after speaking at a coinciding People’s Vote rally.
“It is despicable to treat any MP of any party the way colleagues were treated today @HackneyAbbott should be given respect - she is doing her job,” she said.
Labour frontbencher Dawn Butler later responded to Ms Leadsom, adding: “Hi Andrea, Glad you and Michael got back home safely.
“I also felt intimidated by the Brexit supporting crowds shouting. The police thankfully cornered them off.
“I think it’s important that we encourage all side to disagree respectfully. And MPs watch our language and tone.”
Meanwhile Mr Gove added: “I’d like to say thank you to our wonderful police for their kindness today #BestofBritain.
The incidents came after MPs voted by 322 to 306 to withhold approval of Boris Johnson’s Brexit deal, forcing him to request an extension from the EU until 31 January.
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