'Get out of my pub' operator tells Labour leader
Rod Humphris, who co-runs The Raven pub in Bath, yelled at the opposition leader to “get out of my pub” yesterday (Monday 19 April).
The licensee told the politician he felt “failed” by a lack of opposition to the Government on its coronavirus restrictions, including face covering rules.
“You have failed to ask whether the lockdown was functioning,” he said.
Keir Starmer is told to leave the Raven. The team ducked inside after a confrontation pic.twitter.com/UujAx8gnbd
— Stephen Sumner (@StephenSumner15) April 19, 2021
Speaking to reporters later, Starmer said the man had “queried to some extent I think whether there’s a pandemic at all.”
He added: “I’m afraid I profoundly disagree and I think most people across the country would profoundly disagree.”
The pub’s co-owner, Tim Perry, has since apologised to Labour and asked for the pub to not be attacked on social media.
A tweet from the pub’s account said Humprhis’ views were his own and there had been no prior intention to “hijack” the politician's pre-arranged visit to the site.
Please note. There was no intention by The Raven to hijack Keir Starmer's visit to Bath.
— The Raven (@theravenofbath) April 19, 2021
Rod's opinion is his own.
Humphris later told journalists: “He has completely failed to ask the questions that needed asking, like, why did we throw away our previous pandemic preparedness?
"Why have we just accepted lockdown? Why have we just accepted the loss of all our freedoms?"
Labour's press office said it would "not be amplifying" the licensee’s views as they represented “dangerous misinformation about the Covid-19 pandemic.”
Keir argued that our NHS staff have been working tirelessly to protect public health and that restrictions - while painful - have been absolutely necessary to save lives. 2/2
— Labour Press (@labourpress) April 19, 2021
"Keir argued that our NHS staff have been working tirelessly to protect public health and that restrictions - while painful - have been absolutely necessary to save lives."
Prime Minister Boris Johnson took his first post-lockdown trip to a pub in Wolverhampton yesterday.
It’s fantastic that we’ve been able to enjoy some more freedoms with family and friends since 12 April.
— Boris Johnson (@BorisJohnson) April 19, 2021
As we continue with our cautious roadmap, please follow the rules and remember hands, face, space and fresh air. pic.twitter.com/qdqBlX7K5l
