Bradshaw slams 'insulting' racism claim
CULTURE Secretary Ben Bradshaw has criticised actress Emma Thompson as "insulting" over her claim that Exeter and its university are racist.
Mr Bradshaw, Exeter's MP, denied the city had a problem with racism and said the BNP had almost no presence there.
He said: "Emma Thompson is a great actress but her comments about Exeter, racism and the BNP are both untrue and insulting. The BNP is virtually non-existent in Exeter and polled dismally here in the last local elections.
"Any incidence of racism is one too many, but Exeter comes top or near top in every survey of places for friendliness and quality of life."
He added: "Our excellent university has an international reputation and has seen big increases in overseas students. Overwhelmingly, they report a very positive experience."
University of Exeter students have started a campaign to get an apology from the actress, star of some films.
Jonnie Beddall, president of the University of Exeter Politics Society, launched the campaign in response to Ms Thompson's claim that the BNP leader Nick Griffin would love the city.
Mr Beddall said: "Contrary to Emma Thompson's scandalous claims that both city and University of Exeter are racist, we know that it is not. Not only is Exeter an especially welcoming place for people of all backgrounds, but why should we feel guilty just for belonging to a community that doesn't represent metropolitan London?"
The Oscar-winning actress made her comments in a speech to Exeter students after claiming her Rwandan-born adopted son Tindyebwa Agaba suffered racist abuse while studying in the city.
Ms Thompson, 50, said the BNP leader would "love" Exeter University because there was so much "depressing" racism there.
Tindy, 22, read politics at the university, but his mother said he suffered a "rough" time with "unpleasant experiences" because he was black.
Mr Beddall said: "It offends all my sensibilities to be accused of being racist by one of London's celebrity elite.
"Is one celebrity's soundbite worth the livelihoods and self-respect of an entire city?"
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by Michael White, Brugge Flanders
Wednesday, November 11 2009, 9:22AM
“Obviously there is no publicity to be had from adopting a British baby, even were the child not white. An actress without publicity is no actress. And by the way: 'Blesssed are the meek for they shall inherit the earth': but the meek don't want it!”
by The Gaffer, Saltash
Tuesday, November 10 2009, 11:18PM
“Usual attention seeking from a celeb and given too much publicity.
Yes, Mr Nick Griffin would love Exeter, simply because it is a nice place to live.
Many of us do not agree with his policies, but at least he is honest.”
by Bogeymen R US, Brown's Failed State
Tuesday, November 10 2009, 5:18PM
“I guess Mr Bradshaw doesn't listen to the Westminster Hour on Sunday evenings either.
One of the MPs doubted that the BNP are getting the levels if support being talked about and how the BNP are being used to motivate Labour activists to give them something to rally behind before the election in 2010.
'British jobs for British people'? Was that an idea from former New Labour spin doctor Derek Draper?”
by Bob, North Devon
Tuesday, November 10 2009, 3:58PM
“This narrow-minded, PC-motivated outburst by little Ben typifies the twelve-and-half wasted years of New Labour rule.
If they had spent as much effort in attending to all the really important issues instead, this country wouldn't be the Basket-case they have made of it.
The sooner we have the General Election, the better.”
by Allan, Brasil
Tuesday, November 10 2009, 3:20PM
“Theo, i am trying to become more like yourself and obtain info.: I.E. Green peace,adopting Tindy putting him as a pawn into the public eye.Is it not the meek that shall inherit the world.”