West Midlands MEP told to 'grow up' after reporting alleged racial abuse to police
An MEP who complained to police of alleged racial abuse has been told to 'grow up' after reporting abuse he received online to the police.
James Carver, who represents UKIP, complained over an offensive tweet which questioned his parentage and also used a derogatory word for the travelling community.
Mr Carver, who is of Romany heritage, complained to West Mercia Police.
But Dudley North MP Ian Austin questioned on Twitter whether 'hard pressed' police should spend their time dealing with people being rude on the internet, although he agreed the remarks made were 'unacceptable'.
Mr Austin said: "Has he got nothing better to do? I said the message was unacceptable but I simply asked whether investigating it is a good use of police time when thousands of officers have lost their jobs and police stations are being closed.
"It's also difficult to take his sensitivity very seriously given the abuse UKIP politicians have dished out and which he has never said a word about. Frankly I think he needs to grow up."
Mr Carver said: "Mr Austin is welcome to free speech however, free speech is one thing but racial abuse is something quite different.
"I am proud of my Romany heritage so I am extremely disappointed by Mr Austin's tweet. The police have confirmed that they are taking this matter very seriously. I'm appalled that this Labour MP has failed to recognise the seriousness of these allegations."
