PRIME Minister Boris Johnson has branded two lads who approached England’s chief medical officer Chris Whitty as “thugs” following a viral video.
Mr Johnson hit out after the video was posted online and showed Professor Chris Whitty being approached in a central London park.
“I’m shocked at seeing the despicable harassment of chief medical officer Chris Whitty,” Mr Johnson said.
I’m shocked at seeing the despicable harassment of Chief Medical Officer Chris Whitty.
I condemn the behaviour of these thugs. Our hard-working public servants should not have to face this kind of intimidation on our streets and we will not tolerate it.
— Boris Johnson (@BorisJohnson) June 29, 2021
“I condemn the behaviour of these thugs. Our hard-working public servants should not have to face this kind of intimidation on our streets and we will not tolerate it.”
The Metropolitan Police are investigating after the footage, lasting around 20 seconds and apparently taken in St James’s Park, was shared on social media.
It shows two grinning men grabbing Prof Whitty as they shout “Oi oi” and say “One photo please?”
As Prof Whitty attempts to walk away, the men grab him again.
With a line of police vans visible in the background, a voice is heard saying “leave the gentleman alone” before the clip ends.
Home Secretary Priti Patel said she was “just horrified” by the incident and that officials are looking at support available to Prof Whitty.
Health Secretary Sajid Javid also condemned the behaviour.
I’ve seen the video of the CMO being harassed. It’s appalling and totally unacceptable. The CMO works tirelessly on behalf of the country. We will not tolerate this sort of behaviour towards our public servants. The men behaving in this disgraceful way should be ashamed.
— Sajid Javid (@sajidjavid) June 29, 2021
“I’ve seen the video of the CMO being harassed,” he said. “It’s appalling and totally unacceptable. The CMO works tirelessly on behalf of the country.
“We will not tolerate this sort of behaviour towards our public servants. The men behaving in this disgraceful way should be ashamed.”
The Met tweeted: “We are aware of a video being shared online showing an incident in St James’s Park. Officers spoke to all those involved at the time and their details were taken.
We are aware of a video being shared online showing an incident in St James’s Park.
Officers spoke to all those involved at the time and their details were taken. We are in contact with the victim and the circumstances continue to be investigated.
— Metropolitan Police (@metpoliceuk) June 28, 2021
“We are in contact with the victim and the circumstances continue to be investigated.”
A number of other MPs were swift to condemn those involved in the latest incident.
Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer said: “This is disgusting behaviour. Chris Whitty is a dedicated public servant who has worked tirelessly to help get us through this crisis.
More follows.
