Eddie Izzard speaks out against ‘violent and aggressive’ nationalist supporters
Comedian Eddie Izzard has spoken out against what he described as “violent” and “aggressive” nationalists protesters who attempted to drown out a Labour campaign visit.
Izzard was speaking with the Scottish Labour leader Jim Murphy in Glasgow when protesters, some brandishing SNP literature, interrupted proceedings. They called Mr Murphy a “traitor” and a “warmonger”.
Izzard said: “It’s ok having different opinions, but everyone should be able to put their opinion forward. This aggressive, this violent emotion, why violence? Don’t have violence, we should just put our point of view forward and then everyone makes their choice on Thursday.”
The transvestite comedian added: “This is democracy, it’s all about voting. They should let the democratic process happen, it’s called democracy, we’re putting forward a point of view, we’re asking people to vote Labour and they’re scared of these words being heard.
Mr Murphy said: “This sort of aggressive nationalism should have no place in our election.
“We’ve got a few days until we can kick David Cameron out of office, a few days to change our country forever and we won’t be silenced by this form of aggressive nationalism, it’s anti-democratic.”
The Scottish Labour leader added: “This isn’t the type of Scotland we want, Scotland, the Labour Party and the people of Scotland are much better than this sort of aggressive nationalism.
“On Thursday we’ll stand up to this anti-democratic street nationalism, and get David Cameron out of office with a vote for the Labour Party.”
The SNP said: “Every party in this campaign has a right to put their case to the people and should be heard respectfully.”
Last year Izzard said: “I’ve had people attack me on the street, I’ve had people shout endless abuse at me,” he said.
“If you’re going to be a transvestite, and you’re going to be out in public, you’ve got to be tough enough. I’ll just try and be as positive and open as I can. And try and have a bit of privacy for myself. And see how it goes.”
