Andrew Bridgen apologises 'unreservedly' over defence of Jacob Rees-Mogg Grenfell comments

Jacob Jarvis6 November 2019
WEST END FINAL

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Andrew Bridgen has apologised following a backlash of his defence of Jacob Rees-Mogg's recent controversial comments on Grenfell.

Mr Bridgen defended his Tory colleague on Tuesday for his "uncharacteristically clumsy" comments suggesting the victims should have used "common sense".

Asked on BBC Radio 4 if Mr Rees-Mogg was suggesting he was "cleverer" than those who died after taking the fire brigade's advice, Mr Bridgen said: "But we want very clever people running the country, and that is a bi-product of what Jacob is. And that is why he is in a position of authority.

"What he is actually saying is, he would have made a better decision than the authority figures who gave that advice."

Mr Bridgen has since has since said this was "wrong" and apologised "unreservedly".

He tweeted: "I realise that what I said was wrong and caused a great deal of distress and offence. It was not my intention to do so, and I do not want to add in any way to the pain that this tragic event has caused. I apologise."

Mr Rees-Mogg's remarks in an LBC interview on Monday sparked fury and he has since "profoundly" apologised.

Discussing London Fire Brigade’s "stay put" policy with host Nick Ferrari, he said: “I think if either of us were in a fire, whatever the fire brigade said, we would leave the burning building. It just seems the common sense thing to do. And it is such a tragedy that that didn’t happen.”

Speaking to Evan Davis on Tuesday, Mr Bridgen defended Mr Rees-Mogg.

Jacob Rees-Mogg apologised for his comments
Stefan Rousseau/PA

He said: "Jacob is a good friend of mine and he is an extremely compassionate intelligent human being.

"His comments surrounding Grenfell were uncharacteristically clumsy but I think we have to put it into the context of Jacob.

"Jacob is a leader. He's an authority figure and what he has failed to realise is that in a life-threatening and stressful situation most people will defer to the advice of an authority figure, be that someone from the fire authority or the police, and not come to their own conclusions.

"And as we know, in regards to Grenfell that advice was flawed."

Conservative MP Andrew Bridgen defended Mr Rees-Mogg's comments
REUTERS

When Mr Davis asked him if Mr Rees-Mogg was suggesting he would have ignored the fireman's advice of staying put, Mr Bridgen said: "Absolutely".

Mr Brigen's comments prompted calls for him to resign, amid similar calls for Mr Rees-Mogg to do so.

Mr Rees-Mogg apologised for his comments yesterday and said he had been unclear in how he worded what he meant to say.

Mr Rees Mogg told the Standard: “I profoundly apologise.

“What I meant to say is that I would have also listened to the fire brigade’s advice to stay and wait at the time. However, with what we know now and with hindsight I wouldn’t and I don’t think anyone else would.

“What’s so sad is that the advice given overrides common sense because everybody would want to leave a burning building.

“I would hate to upset the people of Grenfell if I was unclear in my comments. With hindsight and after reading the report no one would follow that advice. That’s the great tragedy.”

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