Custard: 1 Mandelson: 0
By Ian Dunt
Peter Mandelson has been hit in the face by green custard, thrown by an environmental activist.
“Whilst I’m prepared to take my fair share of the green revolution on my shoulders, I’m less keen on it in my face,” he said afterwards.
To see video of the attack click here.
To read comment on the attack click here.
The attack took place as Lord Mandelson attended a low-carbon economy conference in London.
Plane Stupid activist Leila Deen, who threw the custard, told the BBC: “When democracy is failing you have to resort to any means necessary as long as it is peaceful and does not harm other human beings.
“Peter Mandelson is the same person who effectively bullied Ed Miliband and other members of the Cabinet to accept a third runway that nobody wants, a third runway that no one was consulted on and no one is able to say no to.
“It’s not right that someone like Peter Mandelson can stand up and talk about being green.”
Speaking later where the incident took place Lord Mandelson said: “I don’t think anyone should overreact. If there’s a security issue it’s for the police and others.
“In a democracy people can have their say but I’d rather people said it to my face rather than throw it at my face.”
The prime minister made light of the incident later, saying: “If anyone doubted the greening of Peter Mandelson or his willingness to take the green agenda on his shoulders, we’ve seen the evidence on our screens this morning.”
Bookmakers William Hill has already laid down odds on the next type of dessert to be thrown at a government minister.
“Of course this should not be regarded as a trifling matter,” said William Hill spokesman Graham Sharpe.
“But over the centuries British democracy has regularly witnessed examples of harmless substances being directed at controversial politicians.”
Spotted dick is the favourite dessert to next be thrown at a minister with odds of 3/1. Ice cream is next, with 4/1 and apple pie on 7/1.
Gordon Brown is 3/1 favourite to next be struck by a dessert, with home secretary Jacqui Smith on 4/1 and deputy Labour leader Harriet Harman on 5/1.
