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Lowenna Waters
Jun 21, 2019
As footage of Tory MP Mark Field forcefully grabbing a female climate change protestor goes viral, a speech in which he advocates 'helping women all over the world to feel safe' has come back to haunt him.
On Thursday evening, explosive footage of Foreign Office minister Mark Field grabbing a female climate change protestor by the back of the neck, slamming her against a column, and marching her out of the room went viral.
The footage was captured at the annual Bankers' and Merchants' Dinner at Mansion House, where politicians and bankers had gathered to hear speeches by Chancellor Phillip Hammond, and the Bank of England's governor Mark Carney, on the 'state of UK politics' and how Brexit could impact the UK's economy, reports Sky News.
But, just as the speeches began, 40 protestors from Greenpeace entered the room, dressed in red, and as they walked past, Mr Field grabbed the female protestor.
However, just over a month ago, on May 7, Mr Field delivered a speech at the Westminster Hall Debate on Women Human Rights Defenders atGovernment Westminster Hall debate, regarding and celebrating the work of women human rights defenders globally.
In a tweet about the speech, shared on May 9, Mr Field wrote:
The UK remains committed to helping women all over the world to feel safe and protected in the work they do, so they can speak freely and be part of the change we all want. My remarks at the Westminster Hall Debate on Women Human Rights Defenders
It goes without saying that other Twitter users were quick to call him out for the statement.
Many called on him to resign.
Others called out the fact that the tweet really hasn't aged well, at all.
Actions speak louder than words!
In a statement to ITV News, Mr Field said:
There was no security present and I was for a split-second genuinely worried she might have been armed.
As a result I grasped the intruder firmly in order to remove her from the room as swiftly as possible.
I deeply regret this episode and unreservedly apologise to the lady concerned for grabbing her but in the current climate I felt the need to act decisively to close down the threat to the safety of those present.
A City of London Police Spokesman said:
We have received a small number of third party reports of an assault taking place at the event.
These reports are being looked into by police.
Since the footage went viral, prime minister Theresa May has taken action to suspend Mark Field from his post at the Foreign Office.
In a statement, a spokeswoman for the prime minister said:
The Prime Minister has seen the footage and she found it very concerning
HT Sky News
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