Lee Anderson was embroiled in a fiery debate on GB News with trade unionist Andy McDonald about an attempted conference shut down in Brussels.
NatCon platformed the likes of Nigel Farage and Suella Braverman but the event was intercepted by Brussels police with a shut down order.
Speaking on GB News, the Reform UK MP clashed with McDonald about whether the shut down is a sign of something more sinister, like the death of free speech.
McDonald accused Anderson of hypocrisy by highlighting his criticism of the pro-Palestine demonstrations that have become a regular feature of London life.
Lee Anderson clashed with Andy McDonald
GB NEWS
“This is a slippery slope”, Anderson said. “Surely this is a path towards communism?”
McDonald responded to ask how communism is set to come about as a result of the events in Brussels, before Anderson proceeded to give a definition of the ideology.
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“Is it a slippery slope then?”, he asked. “You can be as intellectual as you want.”
“I don’t think this is a slippery slope at all”, McDonald said.
“From what I understand, the Brussels mayor is a centre-left mayor, not particularly hard left.
“This NatCon conference happened in London and a Labour mayor didn’t raid it. I don’t think Labour is going to take us into a communist state.
The NatCon shut down attempt was discussed on Lee Anderson’s Real World
GB NEWS
Nigel Farage was delivering a speech at the event GB NEWS
“I sat across this table from you about a month ago and you called for all the Palestinian protests to be shut down, I remember.”
The claim prompted Lee to intervene as he denied ever calling for the protests to be shut down, instead arguing that he wanted those showing “murderous graphics” to be arrested.
“You’re being a little bit dishonest here, again”, he said.
“Let’s get it right. I was calling for people showing murderous graphics to be arrested.
“There’s nothing wrong about people peacefully protesting but when they’re inciting hatred, they should be arrested.”
After furore sparked by the attempted shut down, the NatCon conference was allowed to continue the following day.
Downing Street branded the move “extremely disturbing”.
“The Prime Minister is a strong supporter and advocator for free speech and he believes that should be fundamental to any democracy”, they said.
“Speaking more broadly to the principle of such events, he is very clear that cancelling events or preventing attendance and no-platforming speakers is damaging to free speech and to democracy as a result.
“He is very clear that free debate and the exchange of views is vital, even where you disagree.”
William Turner is a seasoned U.K. correspondent with a deep understanding of domestic affairs. With a passion for British politics and culture, he provides insightful analysis and comprehensive coverage of events within the United Kingdom.
