Nazi Stag Party MP 'Stupid, Not Anti-Semitic'

Written By Unknown on Rabu, 22 Januari 2014 | 23.15

The actions of a Conservative MP who organised a Nazi-themed stag party in France and bought the groom an SS uniform were "stupid and offensive", an internal party inquiry has found.

MP Aidan Burley, the best man, was sacked as a ministerial aide when photographs of the episode at Val Thorens ski resort emerged in December 2011.

Conservative peer Lord Gold, author of the report into the disciplinary probe, concluded: "Mr Burley is not a bad man, still less a racist or anti-Semite.

"However, his actions were stupid and offensive, and the conclusions and recommendations reflect that."

He found there was "no political motivation whatsoever" in the Cannock Chase MP's choice of theme.

While accepting the MP left the dinner in protest at one guest raising a Nazi-themed toast, Mr Burley failed to make it "explicitly clear" that he objected, Lord Gold said.

Aidan Burley Mr Burley was sacked as a Commons aide

"Given the standards expected of a Member of Parliament, he should have done so," he continued.

He added the MP - formerly considered a rising star within the Conservative Party and who has since visited Auschwitz on the recommendation of the peer - was rightly sacked as parliamentary private secretary to Philip Hammond at the time.

Mr Burley said he regretted the episode and hoped to put it behind him.

"I was the best man and I had duties including booking the hotel and the flights. A number of people agreed on what the fancy dress should be and I was tasked with buying it," he told the Express & Star newspaper.

"I regret the incident and I hope now we can put it behind us. I apologised then and I apologise again now for my role in it.

"The outfit was bought legally in London by me as best man and I take responsibility for that. We did not know that wearing a fancy dress outfit would be illegal in France. It's not an offence in this country.

"It was done in the spirit of mocking the Nazis. There was no malicious intent, no ideological motive, no desire to offend people. And that was borne out by the investigation by the French authorities."

Lord Gold's report was released because French prosecutors have concluded their investigation into the matter.

Mark Fournier, the groom, was fined €1,500 (£1,200) for wearing the SS uniform and insignia, which is illegal in France.

The 33-year-old was also ordered to pay €1,000 (£820) to an organisation representing the families of Holocaust victims.

Mr Burley and the other guests were not prosecuted.

:: Watch Sky News live on television, on Sky channel 501, Virgin Media channel 602, Freeview channel 82 and Freesat channel 202.


Anda sedang membaca artikel tentang

Nazi Stag Party MP 'Stupid, Not Anti-Semitic'

Dengan url

http://eropaartikel.blogspot.com/2014/01/nazi-stag-party-mp-stupid-not-anti.html

Anda boleh menyebar luaskannya atau mengcopy paste-nya

Nazi Stag Party MP 'Stupid, Not Anti-Semitic'

namun jangan lupa untuk meletakkan link

Nazi Stag Party MP 'Stupid, Not Anti-Semitic'

sebagai sumbernya

0 komentar:

Posting Komentar

techieblogger.com Techie Blogger Techie Blogger