Aimee Walker
Chris Whitty has been harassed and manhandled in the street by a pair of ‘thugs’.
The UK’s Chief Medical Officer was passing through St James’ Park in London when he was grabbed by the men who filmed the incident.
In the clip, a passerby can be heard telling them to ‘leave this gentleman alone’ and Whitty looks extremely uncomfortable.
Watch the shocking moment in the clip below…
The incident has been condemned by the newly-appointed Health Secretary, Sajid Javid, who branded it ‘totally unacceptable’.
“THE CMO work tirelessly on behalf of the country,” he penned. “We will not tolerate this sort of behaviour towards our public servants. The men behaving in this disgraceful way should be ashamed.”
Leader of the Labour Party, Keir Starmer added: “This is disgusting behaviour. Chris Whitty is a dedicated public servant who has worked tirelessly to help get us through this crisis. The police are right to investigate this harassment.”
According to Sky News, there are now discussions about providing Whitty with protection officers.
School Minister Nick Gibb explained that it is a ‘matter for security services and Chris Whitty’.
He added: “These scenes should never have occurred in our society – absolutely wrong.
“People, whatever role they have in government, should be able to walk along the street, walk through the park unaccosted by that kind of behaviour.
“It should not happen in a free, law-abiding society like ours.”
The Metropolitan Police have now released a statement regarding the incident.
It states: “We’re aware of a video being shared online showing an incident at St James’ Park. Officers spoke to all those involved at the time and their details were taken.”
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