Nigel Farage and his campaign team entered a community cafe run by Hamlet Wigan CIC unannounced while campaigning in Makerfield. The cafe supports young adult trainees with additional needs and was celebrating trainees who had achieved gold Duke of Edinburgh awards. The visit included a large entourage, security presence, and media crews, and allegedly involved taking photographs and videos without permission. Gemma Crompton, the director, wrote to Farage requesting a formal apology and assurances that similar situations would not happen to other organizations supporting vulnerable people in the borough. Lee Anderson said the group visited spontaneously for tea and toilets and that a selfie was requested before they left.
"While we have absolutely no issue with individuals from any political background visiting the Hamlet, the unannounced arrival of your campaign team, accompanied by a large entourage, security presence, and media crews, created an atmosphere that many of our trainees, families, staff and customers found intimidating and overwhelming."
"We are therefore requesting a formal apology regarding the way today's visit was handled, alongside assurances that no other organisation supporting vulnerable people within the borough will experience a similar situation in future."
"I am confused as to why the lady sent the letter, as she sat with us talking to us all about the cafe and the challenges it faces. She then asked for a selfie with Rob and Nigel and thanked us for the visit. We then left."
"At the time, the cafe was holding a celebration for a dozen trainees who had attained their gold Duke of Edinburgh award. Andy Burnham, the mayor of Greater Manchester, who is running to be the MP for Makerfield, was present as a longtime supporter."
Read at www.theguardian.com
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