Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Nigel Farage says breastfeeding mums 'should sit in a corner' if they are too ostentatious

The Ukip leader was talking on radio station LBC

Ella Alexander
Friday 05 December 2014 11:34 GMT
Comments
Ukip leader Nigel Farage looked increasingly uncomfortable as he was grilled on LBC
Ukip leader Nigel Farage looked increasingly uncomfortable as he was grilled on LBC

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Nigel Farage asserts that breastfeeding mothers should "sit in the corner" rather than feed their babies in an "ostentatious" way.

He said some people feel "very uncomfortable" and "embarrassed" about seeing women openly breastfeeding, although it isn’t a scene that he is "terribly hung up about".

"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?" he said on LBC Radio.

"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.

His comments come after a mother was given a large napkin to cover her baby while feeding her baby in Claridge’s to avoid causing "offence" to other guests.

"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," he said.

When asked if women should perhaps sit in a toilet if they want to feed their babies, he came up with another solution.

"Or perhaps sit in the corner, or whatever it might be – that's up to Claridge’s," he said.

"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."

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in