UK politician offends Lebanon with Brexit analogy

Sir Vince Cable, the leader of the UK Liberal Democrats, was chastised by Lebanese politicians after he made a comment comparing UK Prime Minister Theresa May’s Brexit negotiation position to that of a hostage in Beirut.

In a comment to BuzzFeed on September 14, the pro-EU politician said, “It’s a bit like being handcuffed to a radiator in the basement of a flat in Beirut, and she is at the mercy of other people.” The comments sparked a backlash in Lebanon from those angered by its outdated image of the country. Member of Parliament Nadim Gemayel told the British press that it was regretful that so many continued to see Lebanon as it was during its civil war. “Unfortunately, Lebanon has gotten used to these outdated stereotypes,” he said. “Those who’ve actually visited Lebanon will realise how ridiculously far Sir Vince’s comments are from the truth.”