Anger over Hopkins’ ‘vile’ tweets
FORMER Apprentice contestant Katie Hopkins was condemned as ‘vile’ and ‘racist’ yesterday for mocking the fact a Scottish ebola patient was being treated in London.
Nurse Pauline Cafferkey is being treated at London’s Royal Free Hospital in accordance with UK protocol for ebola patients.
But Miss Hopkins, now a writer and broadcaster, joked about Scottish independence, tweeting: ‘Glaswegian ebola patient moved to London’s Royal Free Hospital. Not so independent when it matters most, are we jocksville?’
She added: ‘Little sweaty jocks, sending us ebola bombs in the form of sweaty Glaswegians just isn’t cricket. Scottish NHS sucks.’ Miss Hop- kins then insulted First Minister Nicola Sturgeon, saying: ‘Dear small woman, the people of England would like to thank you for the healthcare we are providing for your ebola victim.’
The columnist was criticised by Rutherglen and Hamilton West Labour MP Tom Greatrex, whose constituency includes Blantyre, where Miss Cafferkey works, for her comments.
He said: ‘The remarks of Katie Hopkins are beneath contempt. She has crossed a line and rather than indulge her desperate attentionseeking further, her abhorrent opinions should be left to herself.’ She was also condemned widely online, with Piers Morgan calling her a ‘repulsive creature’. Twitter user @doovde wrote: ‘You are a complete moron. Moving people to a London hospital was agreed UK protocol. How about factfinding before tweeting?’
User @TheChaoticScot said: ‘Never mind ebola, can someone place @KTHopkins in isolation so we aren’t infected with her disgusting opinions? She is a disease!’
It is understood no official complaint has been received by Police Scotland in relation to Miss Hopkins’ comments.
It is not the first time Miss Hopkins has been criticised for her views. Last year she offended Twitter users with a joke about life expectancy in Scotland following the Clutha crash.