Last week, we reported from Hen Harrier Day at Carsington Water in the Peak District, hosted by Chris Packham and his friends at Wild Justice.
Attendees were shocked to hear BBC regular Packham state that any members of the crowd who banked with Barclays should ‘stick their head in a bucket and set fire to it’.
One member of the public reported the presenter to Derbyshire police, writing to Derbyshire Constabulary to ask how such remarks could be legal given the 'recent spate of direct action' and stating that they could be seen as an incitement. However, the police confirmed they did not believe a crime had been committed.
The attendee told C4PMC: “Here we were being told by Packham that we should set ourselves on fire for having the audacity to bank with a mainstream high street bank, whilst at the same time his event was burning large amounts of diesel right there in front of us. It was a hypocritical luvvie gathering.”
More recently however, the RSPCA and RSPB have been reported to the charity watchdog the Charity Commission by Greg Smith MP, over the comments made by Chris Packham on the day.
In letters to the RSPB’s Beccy Speight and Chris Sherwood of the RSPCA,
Smith argued that: “In recent weeks, the use of intemperate and inflammatory language has led directly to grave instances of violent public disorder. Had Mr Packham’s comments been made during that time in the context of a debate about immigration, it is likely that he would have been subject to arrest… His language of violence has no place in any civilised exchange of views.”
Smith also urged the charities to consider whether Packham was a “fit and proper person” to remain in his respective roles at the RSPB (Vice President) and the RSPCA (President).
A spokesman for the Charity Commission has said that:
“We are aware of potential concerns about comments made by Chris Packham, the president of the RSPCA and vice-president of the RSPB. We are assessing information to determine if there is a role for the commission.”
Comments