Student protestor tackled after trying to 'jump at' Reform council leader

[dutchman]

Warwickshire County Council leader George Finch was invited to a Q&A at Warwick PPE Society



A student protestor had to be tackled to the floor after he tried to jump at Warwickshire County Council's Reform leader. Councillor George Finch had been invited to a question and answer session at Warwick University's PPE society.

The Bedworth central representative told CoventryLive that there was a 'sensible discussion' underway when the protestor struck - attempting to jump at him and throw a shoe at him.

"I was at Warwick Uni for a Q&A, there were loads of protestors, they had to move it to another room as they needed more space," he said.

"We were talking sensibly about DEI and immigration, and then he (the protestor) went bang, swore at me and jumped at me, obviously security got to him before he got to me, and we managed to get him gone and get him dragged out."

Cllr Finch says he has since been sent social media screenshots of posts allegedly sent by the protestor, prior to the event, that asked 'Should I throw a shoe @ George Finch at the PPE Soc Reform event?' and the post included a poll of 'yes' or 'no'.

"It was quite shocking," Cllr Finch said. "It just goes to show that I am right, our educational establishments are full of lefty socialists."

He said it is not the first time he has been threatened with violence, but he remains undeterred, adding: "I am going to do more of these events.

"It is an occupational hazard with being a politician, unfortunately, and that shouldn't be the case, and it is wrong. But should we just capitulate and give up because hurty words get to us or do we fight back and keep doing the job we are doing.

"What they are doing, calling us fascists and racists, is growing our membership base and voters because they see that as an attack on democracy."

He added that the organisers of the event and security stepped in swiftly to stop the protestor.

"I believe that the PPE invited me with all good intentions, they really enjoyed the fact that I was there, it was all good intentions," he said.

"It was just that we had some bad eggs, I would say a lot of them, who were applauding the attack."

He concluded: "I just carried on after he was taken away, it was water off a duck's back and I just think 'that's life'. I know we shouldn't normalise it (attacks) but if you expect for that to happen, then you are prepared for it.."

https://www.coventrytelegraph.net/news/coventry-news/student-protestor-tackled-after-trying-33284381