Theresa May has condemned fascism and far right extremist views, but has still failed to call out Donald Trump for his ongoing defence of Nazis in the US.
Over the weekend, 32-year-old Heather Heyer was killed after a far right extremist rammed his car into a group of peaceful protesters after a series of street brawls between far right extremists, including flag-waving neo-Nazis, and protesters.
In an interview in Portsmouth during a visit to see Britain’s new aircraft carrier HMS Queen Elizabeth, May was clear in her condemnation of extremist views, but refused to criticise Trump for his ongoing defence of fascism.
May said:
“I see no equivalence between those who propound fascist views and those who oppose them.
“I see no equivalence between those who propound fascist views and those who oppose them.
“I think it is important for all those in positions of responsibility to condemn far right views wherever we hear them.”
In contrast, other MPs from across the political spectrum have castigated Trump for his comments.
Liberal Democrat leader Vince Cable has questioned why May has not revoked Trump’s invite for a state visit to the UK
After. @realDonaldTrump whitewash of murder and hatred by #WhiteSupremacists why is he still on list of invited official guests to UK?
— Vince Cable (@vincecable) August 14, 2017
Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn commented:
“What happened in Charlottesville was the KKK [Ku Klux Klan] and its supporters, white supremacists, arrived in Charlottesville in order to cause trouble.
“Surely every president of every country in the world… should be able to condemn that.”
SNP leader Nicola Sturgeon made clear Trump was on the wrong side of history
When the likes of David Duke praise you, you are on the wrong side. There are no 'fine' Nazis. We must all stand firm against far right. https://t.co/usLCb9eCbj
— Nicola Sturgeon (@NicolaSturgeon) August 16, 2017
Scottish Conservatives leader Ruth Davidson called Trump’s remarks ‘shameful’
The President of the United States has just turned his face to the world to defend Nazis, fascists and racists. For shame.
— Ruth Davidson (@RuthDavidsonMSP) August 15, 2017
Conservative business secretary Sajid Javid made clear how easy it is to tell good from bad when fascism is involved.
Neo-Nazis: bad
Anti-Nazis: good
I learned that as a child.
It was pretty obvious.— Sajid Javid (@sajidjavid) August 16, 2017
