Fruitcakes and Loonies

I've been around a while, worked in a variety of different jobs and travelled the world a bit. 

But I've never in all my days witnessed a mother breastfeeding her baby in an 'ostentatious' way which just goes to show that Nigel Farage needs to get out more instead of spending all of his spare time in the pub.

Breastfeeding mothers should sit in the corner, Nigel Farage suggests

Ukip leader makes controversial comments about breastfeeding during weekly appearance on LBC Radio

Ukip leader Nigel Farage Photo: EPA



By Ben Riley-Smith - The Telegraph

Breastfeeding mothers should "sit in the corner" rather than feed their babies in an "ostentatious" way, Nigel Farage has suggested.

The Ukip leader said some people were "very uncomfortable" and "embarrassed" when a woman breastfeeds in public.

Mr Farage said he personally was not "bothered" by the practice but said he knows older people who get "awkward" by it.

The controversial comments came during Mr Farage's weekly appearance on LBC Radio when listeners call in with questions.

It follow reports that Claridge's, a luxury Mayfair hotel, asked a breastfeeding mothers to cover herself while feeding her baby at tea.

Louise Burns tweeted: "Asked to cover up with this ridiculous shroud while breastfeeding so not to cause offence at Claridge's."

Asked about the incident, Mr Farage defended Claridge's over its policy.

"I’m not particularly bothered about it, but I know a lot of people do feel very uncomfortable, and look – this is just a matter of common sense, isn’t it? I think that given that some people feel very embarrassed by it, it isn’t too difficult to breastfeed a baby in a way that’s not openly ostentatious," Mr Farage said.

"Frankly, that’s up to Claridge’s, and I very much take the view that if you're running an establishment you should have rules.

Asked if women should be told to go to the ladies' room if they want to breastfeed, Mr Farage replied: "Or perhaps sit in the corner, or whatever it might be – that's up to Claridge’s.

"It’s not an issue that I get terribly hung up about, but I know particularly people of the older generation feel awkward and embarrassed by it.”