FSM and hospitality
Liberal Democrats in North Devon have called out Selaine Saxby, the Conservative MP for North Devon on failing to apologise for her offensive remarks last Friday evening. The remarks in question were posted on Facebook by Saxby, who aimed them sarcastically at hospitality businesses helping out feeding hungry school children after the government refused to supply free school meals during school holidays.
The Facebook post read: “I am delighted that our local businesses have bounced back so much after lockdown they are able to give away food for free, and very much hope they will not be seeking any further government support”.
It was a cheap jibe that infuriated people, not only in her North Devon constituency, but across the UK. As hospitality businesses stepped up to fill the gap, and did so ignoring their own difficulties.
Liberal Democrats had been calling for an apology from the recently elected MP, but locals have expressed that sorry isn’t good enough, with thousands taking to social media to register their disdain and displeasure.
Liberal Democrat spokesperson for North Devon, Alex White, says: “Saxby must go”. Further, North Devon Liberal Democrats understand the MP’s team have been in touch with local news groups. Statements from the groups allude to them being asked not to allow posts about her recent blunder, which was deleted around ten minutes after being posted from her personal account onto local Facebook group ‘North Devon News’. Comments on the stifling of the story has seen some locals saying they are being “silenced”, with others calling it “censorship”.
On Saturday, the office of Conservative MP Selaine Saxby released a statement adding insult to injury by saying: “The portrayal of my recent comments on social media, out of context, does not accurately convey my views. I, of course, deeply regret any offence which may have been caused”.
Alex White, Liberal Democrat Spokesperson for North Devon, is calling for her to go with the simple statement: “Her position has become completely untenable.” We suspect all in North Devon that are part of the hospitality and tourism industry agree with him.
News from the hospitality and catering industry is also being featured extensively in our Facebook and twitter social media accounts with the opportunity to engage with others in hospitality and share your views.
Hospitality & Catering News: FSM and hospitality – 26 October 2020 – FSM and hospitality.
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