News

Parliament's Funniest Donald Trump-Hating Moments

by Stephanie Casella

For those who haven't heard, the British Parliament is considering banning Donald Trump from the United Kingdom. All of The Donald's antics had to get him in trouble at some point, and it looks like the U.K. will determine his fate (insomuch as his fate relates England, Wales, Northern Ireland, and Scotland). Of course, Trump's bizarre ideas and quotations have shocked Americans over the last years, so it's no wonder that the U.K. is having such an averse reaction to the real estate mogul / celebrity / politician. However, even in the midst of this serious debate, members of Parliament have said some pretty funny things.

Sure, Trump is the United States' Republican presidential frontrunner, but Parliament doesn't seem to care. What would they do if he actually obtained the party's nomination and then somehow defeated the Democratic candidate? Well, I guess they'll cross that bridge if they actually come to it. For now, some members of Parliament cannot fathom a more repulsive idea than allowing The Donald into their fine, hate-speech-opposing country. For instance, one classic, quintessentially British moment occurred when MP Gavin Newlands declared:

Donald Trump is an idiot.

Bold, Mr. Newlands. Bold, and very funny coming from a member of Parliament. Although some have called Trump's views "repugnant," others have seriously considered the implications of such a bar on one person, calling it "far too simplistic." Regardless, there are still others so enraged by Trump that they have even examined his heritage. Parliament and Scottish National Party member Anne McLaughlin remarked:

(He is) the son of a Scottish immigrant. And I apologize for that.

Perhaps Trump dislikes it when Americans apologize for America, but he never said anything about the Scottish apologizing for him. McLaughlin supports banning Trump in the name of "equality," which makes her statement even funnier.

Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images News/Getty Images

MPs have also called him a "buffoon," a "demagogue," and even a "joke." Ouch. Some see the irony in banning Trump, explaining that "the answer to his ban is not to ban him," and noting that such measures might actually generate "headlines around the world" and help in "fueling the man's publicity machine." Looks like even Britain has his number. One closing statement from Labour's spokesman, Jack Dromey, was pretty harsh:

Donald Trump is free to be a fool. But he’s not free to be a dangerous fool in Britain.

The whole notion of a ban is fairly mixed, and still up for debate. Tom Tugendhat, a Conservative member, is in opposition, but still thinks Trump is nuts:

While I think this man is crazy, I will not be the one to silence his voice.

Another Conservative, Paul Scully, reflected on other bans that have been enacted out of “incitement or hatred.” He followed that by saying:

I’ve never heard of one for stupidity. I’m not sure we should be starting now.

So much for improving America's image around the globe. Sure, views on a Trump ban aren't unanimous, but it looks like The Donald might need to reform his approach if he wants any chance of capturing Britain's affections.