Outspoken Notts MP Lee Anderson has got into a furious row with former England footballer and TV pundit Gary Neville. The Tory MP for Ashfield lashed out on Twitter when former right back Neville launched into a World Cup Final to criticise the government’s handling of striking workers.
Nurses are set to walk out on strike for the second time tomorrow, December 20, in a row over pay and conditions, and Neville compared the situation to how migrant workers are treated in Qatar: “We can’t have people being paid an absolute pittance to work, we can’t have people in accommodation that is unsavoury and disgusting. It shouldn’t happen here.”
“The working system of Kafala, which obviously through football the conversation has started, and it’s been removed here now in Qatar. But it is abhorrent and we should detest low pay, we should detest poor accommodation and working conditions.
Read more: How Nottinghamshire MPs voted as Asylum Seekers Bill crushed in House of Commons vote
“We can never accept that in this region or any other region and it is just worth mentioning we’ve got a current government in our country that are demonising rail workers, ambulance workers and terrifying nurses.
Mr Anderson, who famously said that people could cook nutritious meals costing just 30p a day to beat the cost of living crisis, responded to Neville’s criticism of the Tory approach to industrial relations claiming he would never watch ITV again: “Another party political broadcast by a millionaire. Looks like ITV is on my banned list now. Talk about football Gary and keep your nose out of politics. You don’t know what you’re talking about.”
Gary Neville replied: “I’m glad you’re p****d off! The biggest set of charlatans to ever be in power!” Anderson did not take this well and said: “Come and stand against me at the next election then in Ashfield. Would love to see you debate with someone other than yourself.”
But Neville turned down the request, saying: “You voted to stop children eating school meals in a pandemic! That ends any debate you will ever enter with anyone!”, referring to the Marcus Rashford-inspired campaign to give free meals to needy children in school holidays.
Many on Twitter backed Neville. Lee Bromfield said: “Spot on Mr Neville. Keep highlighting these charlatans and frauds for what they are as large sections of our news media still refuse to do it.” Philip Proudfoot said: “It’s everyone’s right to stick their nose into politics - it’s called a democracy. Are you sure you know what you’re talking about?”
However British Alba was on the side of Anderson, saying: "A clear violation of your broadcasting rules, and yet you do nothing about this non stop political bias.” However Diana replied: “What broadcasting rule says presenters can’t give an opinion on an independent channel?”
Tim Edwards agreed with British Alba: “I like @GNev2 and often agree with what he says but he’s there to give his opinion on a football match and he’s hijacked the programme to give his personal opinion on matters unrelated to football. Both he and ITV should receive a reprimand for this.”
Chris Thorpe-Tracey said “Thanks for sharing this Lee, I hadn’t seen it, nice one! Yes, hats off to Gary, brilliantly concise there, makes his point well.” Referring to Anderson’s nickname, Kevin Turvey, said: “To be fair, 30p Lee. If you were better at politics, he wouldn’t feel the need to say anything.”
Read next:
- Nottinghamshire patients asked to use services 'wisely' after GP suspends urgent care
- I lived on 30p meals for just 3 days and it was exhausting
- Top chef says MP Lee Anderson talking nonsense as he shows what 30p meal looks like
- Nottinghamshire Conservative MP Lee Anderson 'glad' foodbank comments kicked off debate
- Ashfield MP Lee Anderson confirms he will stand for Conservatives again at next election
