A Tory MP has lamented at Theresa May that he “no longer understands the rules” around freedom of expression in an emotional intervention in the row over British Olympian Louis Smith.
Charles Walker suggested Muslims should have “turned the other cheek” when gymnast Smith made a video appearing to mock Islam.
The Broxbourne MP lamented that Smith had been “hounded” on Twitter and by the media.
He also accused his colleagues of “looking the other way” when the 27-year-old medallist was sent death threats.
Smith was suspended by British Gymnastics yesterday, after he said he was “deeply sorry” for his “thoughtless actions”.
He had appeared in a film leaked to the media, seen laughing while retired gymnast Luke Carson mimicked Islamic prayer practices.
Wading into the row at Prime Minister’s Questions on Wednesday, Walker asked Theresa May “What is going on in this country?”. [The Huffington Post UK] Read more
