MPS who complain of abuse are ‘bunch of snowflakes’, says Paxman

TELEVISION correspondents, journalists and MPS who complain about abuse outside Parliament are “snowflakes”, presenter Jeremy Paxman has said.

Mr Paxman made the comments after it emerged that Parliament is considering new broadcasting points inside the Palace of Westminster so MPS and journalists do not have to go to the temporary media village outside and risk being heckled.

They could be filmed in future on the roof of Parliament, in the terrace pavilion overlooking the River Thames and in New Palace Yard in the shadow of the Elizabeth Tower which houses Big Ben. More than 150 MPS wrote to Scotland Yard to complain after Tory MP Anna Soubry was filmed being heckled and verbally abused by so-called “yellow vests” protesters last Monday.

Mr Paxman said the protesters’ comments were “nasty and profoundly stupid, but I am sure things just as bad have always happened at hustings. Have we really got such a bunch of snowflakes in Parliament that they can’t face hearing from the people who pay their wages?”

“Snowflake” is a term used to describe an overly sensitive or easily offended person, or one who believes they are entitled to special treatment. Ms Soubry was called a “liar” and a “Nazi” during live interviews on BBC News and Sky on College Green, opposite the Houses of Parliament.

James Goddard, 29, was arrested on Saturday on suspicion of a public order offence connected to the haranguing of Ms Soubry. He was released on bail later the same day.

Ms Soubry last night said Mr Paxman “may not appreciate” her concerns, telling The Daily Telegraph: “I object to someone calling me a Nazi but that does not mean it is a criminal offence.

“My complaint was the abuse and intimidation when I crossed the road and the fact they tried to stop me getting into Parliament.”