A group for local people with learning disabilities say they are “upset and dismayed” by a social media post from Lichfield’s MP.
Michael Fabricant used the word “Remonger” on Twitter after a fellow user used the phrase to describe people who supported remain in the Brexit debate.
The Conservative MP told Lichfield Live he had never heard the term before after he was criticised by the parent of a woman with Down’s syndrome criticising him for using a “slur” with links to a derogatory term for people with disabilities.
“I didn’t use the expression – someone else did in relation to Brexit. I commented I had never heard it before.”
Michael Fabricant MP
But the Friends 2 Friends group – which supports people in Lichfield with learning difficulties – has now called on Mr Fabricant to remove the post and apologise.
In a statement, they said:
“All of us are upset and dismayed at Michael Fabricant’s tweet about ‘remongers’.
“While we accept his claim he was unaware of the term, we would like the post removed and an apology.”
Friends 2 Friends spokesperson
Members also took to Speakers’ Corner to make their point.
“The group had a discussion about bullying and verbal abuse directed at people with learning difficulties.
“Some members talked about their own experiences of this and as ever spoke with clarity and empathy.”
Friends 2 Friends spokesperson
