Controversy Erupts Over Esther McVey’s Holocaust Poem Reference in Smoking Ban Debate

A tweet from Esther McVey about a smoking ban has been criticized as 'repugnant' by a Jewish organization. The ex-minister defended her use of a renowned poem by Martin Niemöller, which critiques the passivity of Germans during the Nazi era, asserting that the poem's message was relevant to the Labour Party's plans for pub gardens.

Political correspondent @NifS

Friday, August 30, 2024, 07:

A tweet by a Conservative MP regarding plans to prohibit smoking in pub gardens has been labeled "repugnant" by the Board of Deputies of British Jews.

On Thursday, Sir Keir Starmer announced that his administration is considering banning smoking in certain public areas, such as on the patios of restaurants, outside nightclubs, and in select parks.

In reaction to recent developments, Esther McVey, the ex-minister known for advocating "common sense," shared a notable poem by Martin Niemöller, which critiques the lack of opposition against the Nazis in Germany during World War II. She captioned it with a remark suggesting its relevance to Starmer's proposed smoking ban, stating: "Pertinent words re Starmer's smoking ban."

The Jewish advocacy organization subsequently shared a message on X, stating that employing language associated with "Nazi atrocities" to draw parallels to the proposals was "a thoughtless and offensive act."

They continued, "We urge the Tatton MP to remove her tweet and issue an apology for making such an incredibly insensitive comparison."

Find out more: What's the feasibility of banning smoking outdoors? It appears that lighting up in beer gardens may soon be a thing of the past.

Ms. McVey stated that it was "absurd for anyone to imply" that she was comparing the two issues, and although "no insult was meant," she would "not be pressured" into removing the tweet.

Stay informed on the most recent events in the UK and internationally by tuning into Sky News.

Health Secretary Wes Streeting shared a critical response on X, referring to the former Conservative government's intentions to prohibit smoking among younger individuals, and advised Ms. McVey to "get a grip".

He stated: "I don't believe that Martin Niemöller's post-war admission regarding the quiet compliance of the German intellectuals and religious leaders during the ascent of the Nazis is relevant to a smoking legislation that was mentioned in both your and our platforms to address one of the major causes of death."

Ellie Reeves, the chair of the Labour Party, described Ms. McVey's comments as "grossly offensive," especially considering her recent position at the Conservative cabinet table. She urged Conservative leader Rishi Sunak and all those vying to succeed him to denounce the remarks.

For an optimal video experience, it is recommended to use the Chrome browser.

In comments provided to Sky News, Ms. McVey stated: "It is absurd to think that anyone would compare the prohibition of smoking outside pubs to the atrocities committed against the Jews by the Nazis. It is preposterous to suggest that was my intention.

This is referred to as an analogy: those who limit freedoms often begin with vulnerable groups before broadening their scope.

"I believe it's clear to everyone that my intentions were not to offend or draw any parallels."

Criticizing the recently elected "socialist" Labour administration, she stated that their actions ought to "cause alarm for everyone," accusing them of "enacting legislation without any proper authorization, from taking funds from retirees, stripping rights from citizens, to overseeing a biased system of law enforcement and judicial process."

She stated, "I refuse to be pressured into deleting a tweet by individuals who are intentionally misinterpreting my words and claiming to be offended, even though they understand that no offense was meant.

"There's an excess of this politically correct intimidation aimed at suppressing dissenting voices. If they believe they can coerce me into silence, they've mistaken their mark. It's necessary for someone to confront these urban enforcers of political correctness."

Ms McVey finished by saying: "The real issue isn't my tweet, but rather Starmer's dishonesty to gain power and his subsequent disregard for the public."

Stay ahead with the latest Breaking News

Download the Sky News app at no cost

Several Conservative MPs have criticized the proposed measures today, claiming that they infringe on individual liberties. Meanwhile, Nigel Farage, the leader of the Reform Party, has declared that he will boycott pubs if the regulation is implemented.

Industry representatives from the hospitality sector have also expressed concerns that this change will negatively impact their earnings.

Health organizations have praised the move, stating it will shield individuals from the risks associated with passive smoking.

Sky News has reached out to Ms. McVey and the Conservative Party to request their comments.

Associated Subjects

Sky News Bottom Section

Information about Sky News

Services Offered by Sky News

Sky Network Channels

Additional Sky Websites