Unprecedented walkout protest in respect of Brussels terror attack victims

A council debate on the UK's membership of the EU prompted an unprecedented walkout in respect of the terror attack victims in Brussels.
By The Newsroom
Published 24th Mar 2016, 13:21 BST
Updated 24th Mar 2016, 13:43 BST
MK Conservatives walk out of council chamber in protest of EU debate just one day after the Brussels terror attacksMK Conservatives walk out of council chamber in protest of EU debate just one day after the Brussels terror attacks
MK Conservatives walk out of council chamber in protest of EU debate just one day after the Brussels terror attacks

Outraged city Conservatives left the chamber in protest when Lib Dem and Labour councillors voted for the debate to go ahead - just one day after 31 people were killed from in explosions in a Belgium airport and Metro station.

Despite the backlash, defiant Lib Dem Councillor Sam Crooks moved the motion and proudly said: “We shouldn’t give in to terrorism”.

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The move was slammed as “inappropriate” by Tory councillors. Conservative group leader Councillor Edith Bald said: “Considering the tragic events in Brussels, it is disrespectful to the terror attack victims to go ahead with this debate as the Lib Dems try to play politics with the issue.”

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Disagreeing councillors accused her party of using the terror attack as an excuse to avoid revealing their differing views on the EU.

But Mr Crooks simply said he was “saddened” by the walkout.

He said: “It was important for me to carry on as normal and not be defeated by terrorism.

“The best way to show respect to the victims is to have an sober, genuine and respectful debate about an important issue.”

Related topics:LabourBelgium