Twitter outrage as pro-Brexiteers use Brussels attacks for political point-scoring
Politicians, commentators and journalists who seized upon Tuesday’s terror attacks in Brussels to make a case for Britain to leave the EU have been met with outrage.
On Tuesday morning Islamic State (IS, formerly ISIS/ISIL) terrorists carried out attacks on Brussels main airport and one Metro station, killing at least 28 people and injuring more than 100.
Stay classy, @allisonpearson. Mindblowing insensitivity. pic.twitter.com/fKQJd7fPAE
— Rebecca Roache (@rebecca_roache) March 22, 2016
Telegraph commentator Allison Pearson and media loudmouth Katie Hopkins both claimed the carnage proved mass immigration should be stopped and European borders closed.
But outraged social media users took to Twitter to criticize the kneejerk politicization of the tragedy, accusing Pearson of “mind-blowing insensitivity.”
Looking at you -> @allisonpearson, you total cretin.
— Lyall Thomas (@SkySportsLyall) March 22, 2016
Hopkins also angered users for suggesting the suicide bomb attack was the fault of liberal politicians and voters, who advocate taking in more refugees from Syria and the Middle East.
Actually saw the backlash against Allison Pearson and then plagiarised the tweet for attention. Even worse. https://t.co/pIII8euQ3H
— AintNoAlliLowEnough (@Mmords22) March 22, 2016
UKIP MEP Mike Hookem took his opportunity to release a statement suggesting European freedom of movement poses a “threat to [British] security.”
.@allisonpearson People are dead, and you're jumping on a tragedy to score cheap points. No wonder apathy is rife & journalism is struggling
— Miriam Brett (@MiriamBrett) March 22, 2016
“I am appalled at the loss of life and injuries. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the families of those killed and injured,” the MEP for Yorkshire and the Humber said.”
Every one of you who said refugees are welcome, if you said 'let them in'. You are responsible for Brussels. And you still can't see.
— Katie Hopkins (@KTHopkins) March 22, 2016
Channel 4 news already booking Muslim contributor for tonight to talk about the religion of peace.
— Katie Hopkins (@KTHopkins) March 22, 2016
How about we cut from pics of dead bodies on the Metro - to more boats, happily crossing the Med. liberal left - sh*t at joining the dots
— Katie Hopkins (@KTHopkins) March 22, 2016
“This horrific act of terrorism shows that Schengen free movement and lax border controls are a threat to our security.”
He went on to make the claim that 5,000 terrorists were living in the EU having slipped in through Syria.
“There are 94 returned jihadists currently living in Molenbeek, Brussels” he insisted.
“This fact alone should alert people to the fact that open borders are putting the lives of European citizens at risk."