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The founder of the Pro-Brexit campaign group Leave.EU has made a joke about the climate change activist Greta Thunberg being involved in a 'freak yachting accident.'
The teenager, who has become one of the most prominent people on the planet in raising awareness about climate change, embarked on a zero-carbon two-week voyage across the Atlantic on board a solar-powered yacht on Wednesday.
Images of the 16-year-old onboard the vessel soon began to arrive online, with the Green Party MP Caroline Lucas wishing Thunberg good luck on her trip.
Bon voyage to @GretaThunberg for her 2-week zero-carbon trip by sail across the North Atlantic She’s carrying the… https://t.co/8zKhcir5a5— Caroline Lucas (@Caroline Lucas) 1565795361
Thunberg, who has become a target for online harassment and ridicule by climate change deniers, was subjected to an apparent 'joke' from Banks, who retweeted Lucas adding 'freak yachting accidents do happen in August.'
Freak yachting accidents do happen in August ... https://t.co/6CPePHYLtu— Arron Banks (@Arron Banks) 1565817064
Banks' attempt at humour was heavily admonished on social media with many branding his gag as completely unacceptable regardless of the message that she is trying to promote.
@Arron_banks It’s appalling to wish harm on a child, whether you agree with her or not.— Svenja O'Donnell (@Svenja O'Donnell) 1565817288
@Arron_banks If your reaction to a teenager not wanting the planet to die in a century is to joke about how you wis… https://t.co/3vLcWOLsik— James Felton (@James Felton) 1565847410
@Arron_banks You are utterly vile. Seek help— Paula Sherriff 🧡 (@Paula Sherriff 🧡) 1565856351
@Arron_banks You are a vile, nasty piece of work— Caroline Voaden (@Caroline Voaden) 1565822261
@Arron_banks grown man issuing veiled threats to a kid, this must be a very proud day for you— shauna (@shauna) 1565825403
In a series of tweets posted late on Wednesday, Banks has since attempted to defend himself and his joke.
Quite and one being used. Obviously I don’t hope she encounters a freak yachting accident! I just enjoy watching th… https://t.co/uDh9JRNGB6— Arron Banks (@Arron Banks) 1565817792
It was a joke .. you lefties have no sense of humour ... https://t.co/ItzpQcnvdI— Arron Banks (@Arron Banks) 1565819072
I suppose you approve of vulnerable children being abused & paraded for political purposes. Typical Labour MP.. https://t.co/EZUMRdknQC— Arron Banks (@Arron Banks) 1565856475
Thunberg was also subjected to mockery by the broadcaster Julia Hartley-Brewer, who despite criticising Banks, posted a picture of the Swede joking that she didn't feel guilty about booking a long haul flight for her family's Christmas holiday.
Unsurprisingly, her tweet was also heavily criticised by members of Twitter.
@JuliaHB1 It always amazes me to see the levels of vitriol Greta attracts from the intellectually insecure, seeming… https://t.co/sjJIkYrPq5— Graham Lithgow (@Graham Lithgow) 1565819155
@JuliaHB1 Announcing holiday plans to own a teenager who for not wanting the planet to burn. Edgy.— James Felton (@James Felton) 1565816456
@JuliaHB1 Childish and uncalled for. What has she ever done to you? You’re sounding more and more like Trump every… https://t.co/nrWVxvZqhq— Giulia (@Giulia) 1565809143
Hartley-Brewer responded to the criticism with a query about whether a political campaigner of her nature, regardless of age, should be debated.
16yr old child says “Listen to me! Do what I tell you!” Adult says “Nah, what you’re saying is nonsense.” Other adu… https://t.co/5daUdaeQFi— Julia Hartley-Brewer (@Julia Hartley-Brewer) 1565815247
HT Guardian
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