Tory MP Describes Blackface as a ‘Bit of Fun’
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A senior Tory has called blackface “an entirely acceptable bit of fun” in a blog post on his official website.
Titled ‘Trudeau’s Turban’, the blog post argued that Canadian PM Justin Trudeau should have “refused to apologise” following the public backlash regarding his blackface photos.
Sir Swayne, who was knighted by David Cameron in 2016, claimed he once went to a party dressed up as singer James Brown and he “went to some trouble to be as authentic as possible”.
“I can assure readers of this column that I have no intention of apologising,” wrote Swayne.
Labour called on the Conservatives to take action following the MP for New Forest West’s remarks.
“The Tories need to explain what action will be taken against him and whether this took place while he was a government minister,” said Shadow Women and Equalities Secretary Dawn Butler.
Sir Swayne described the outrage over blackface as an “absurdity of political correctness”.
“This is another example of a politician not even trying to understand the history of oppression and racism,” Dawn Butler said, “Desmond Swayne has not only admitted to blacking up himself, but is now actively encouraging others to do so.”