THE world watched agog yesterday evening as supporters of Donald Trump ran riot in the Capitol building in Washington DC, the seat of American democracy.
Incited to march on the Capitol by the President himself, it left four people dead, Trump still refusing to acknowledge he was fairly beaten in a democratic election, and the entire USA in a state of turmoil.
Meanwhile there are calls for Trump’s immediate removal from office.
We spoke to some of our leading local politicians to get their take on events:
Rachel Maclean, MP for Redditch, said: “The disgraceful scenes we saw in Washington DC last night is a stain on America’s democracy.
The President of the United States’ comments directly led to the violence we saw on our TV screens – violence he is still yet to condemn.
As our Prime Minister said, there must be a peaceful and orderly transfer of power.
President-elect Joe Biden will be inaugurated on January 20 and the result of the free and fair election must be accepted.”
Council Leader Councillor Matt Dormer said: “He’s a disgrace, and absolute disgrace, and as someone said, he should put his big boy pants on and go.
“He’s making America look like a shambles and he has to accept the fact that he lost the election.”
Borough Mayor Gareth Prosser said: “I was truly saddened and disappointed to witness the scenes at the Capitol yesterday evening.
“It’s a very sad state of affairs and let’s not forget that four people have died because of this.”
County Councillor Robin Lunn, Leader of the Labour group at County Hall said: “I think former President George W Bush summed it up precisely when he said the scenes were like a banana republic and I condemn any politician who whips up a mob to try and overturn the result of a democratic election.
“I just hope this will put an end to any hope of Donald Trump every returning to politics.”
Councillor Bill Hartnett, Leader of the Labour group in Redditch: “I absolutely could not believe what I was seeing – I thought I was watching a film!
“Absolutely shocking scenes, an attack on democracy which we must all condemn.”
