Labour leadership contender John McDonnell’s comments on Margaret Thatcher are a sickening disgrace, and a stain on his party. In a leadership debate today, McDonnell stated that if he could return to the ‘80’s he would “assassinate Thatcher”.
As LabourList recorded (hat tip: Jonathan Isaby):
John McDonnell says he was on the GLC – and that if he could go back in time and do one thing, he would visit the 1980s and “assassinate Thatcher”.
I have had the honor of working for Margaret Thatcher, and, like anyone who has had that privilege, knows that she has dedicated her life to serving her country. The political attacks that continue to rain down upon her, nearly 20 years after she left office, are a testament to the great achievements of her leadership. McDonnell’s threatening words however, are simply beyond the pale, and represent a new low in British political debate.
I hope that McDonnell will have the decency to apologize to Lady Thatcher for his disgusting, undignified and menacing words. Labour should also swiftly and unequivocally disown and condemn McDonnell’s remarks.
