Alan Duncan TV appearance causes US-UK spat
By politics.co.uk staff
Alan Duncan appears to have prompted a minor diplomatic spat with his comments on Have I Got News For You last Friday, leading Christian groups in the US to call for the expulsion of the British ambassador in Washington.
Asked what he thought about Miss California, Carrie Prejean, who told judges she thought marriage “should be between a man and a woman”, Mr Duncan called her “a silly bitch”.
The shadow leader of the Commons went on: “If you read that Miss California has been murdered, you will know it was me, won’t you?”
The comments were not taken as humorous on the other side of the Atlantic.
Public Advocate president Eugene Delgaudio said: “Public Advocate is concerned when government officials from abroad advocate murdering our citizens.
“The British ambassador in Washington should be sent home immediately and the president of the United States should sever diplomatic relations for a period of time.”
He continued: “Alan Duncan is not from the United States, he probably doesn’t understand our way of life. He is not an American, not a party to American politics, and yet he is trying to limit one American’s right to free speech.
“Attempting to silence one American is an attempt to silence all Americans.
“How is Duncan’s murder threat any different from King George’s threat to put down the Boston Tea Parties and the American revolution?
“Long live free speech and long live the reign of Miss California.”
Ms Prejean’s pastor, Miles McPherson, said he was praying to Jesus to forgive him.
“You cannot say it was a joke,” he said.
“The man is a leading politician who may soon have great government power.
“I have prayed to forgive him and bless him. Also his boss. They both need Jesus in their lives and I pray that Alan Duncan and his boss turn to Jesus.”
Mr Duncan is openly gay.
