- 10 updates
Farage says breastfeeding comments were 'wildly misrepresented'
Nigel Farage has told ITV Wales his comments on breastfeeding mothers were "wildly misrepresented".
The Ukip leader stressed that he was not against breastfeeding, but that he respects the rights of private businesses towards their customers.
It comes as mothers are set to stage a "Free to Feed" protest at Claridge's after the hotel asked a new mother to cover up as she breastfed.
Live updates
- ITV Report
Women stage protest at Claridge's over breastfeeding
Farage 'misquoted' on breastfeeding mothers
Nigel Farage has told ITV Wales he was "deliberately misquoted" on his comment regarding breastfeeding mothers.
The Ukip leader said he was asked whether women should be sent to the ladies toilets to breastfeed in light of a mother at Claridge's being asked to cover up as she breastfed in the hotel.
Farage said he had replied: "No, i thought that was horrendous. Perhaps they could be asked to sit at the side of the room."
It comes as mothers staged a "Free to Feed" protest at Claridge's today.
Advertisement
Farage: Breastfeeding comments 'wildly misrepresented'
Nigel Farage has told ITV Wales his comments on breastfeeding mothers were "wildly misrepresented".
The Ukip leader stressed that he was not against breastfeeding, but that he respects the rights of private businesses towards their customers.
Farage's suggestion that breastfeeding mothers should "perhaps sit in the corner" was met with widespread criticism yesterday.
Mums to hit back at Claridge's by staging 'breast-in'
Mums are set to stage a "Free to Feed" protest at Claridge's today after the hotel asked a new mother to cover up as she breastfed.
More than 150 women are due to turn up from 2pm to demand an apology.
It comes after Ukip leader Nigel Farage appeared to agree with Claridge's policy by saying breastfeeding mothers should "sit in a corner".
Free to Feed founder Emily Slough told ITV News: "Claridge's don't get to choose what is and what isn't discreet.
"It's up to the breastfeeding mother and if she feels comfortable breastfeeding at a table, it's okay to do that."
The backlash comes Claridge's staff asked mother Lou Burns to use a large napkin while breastfeeding so as not "caused offence" to other customers.
Claridge's said it "embraces" breastfeeding, but requests that women are "discreet towards other guests".
ITV's Deputy Political Editor Chris Ship has this report:
Nigel Farage hits back over breastfeeding comments
Nigel Farage has responded to criticism over his comments on breastfeeding, insisting he does not "personally endorse" making mothers conceal themselves to avoid upsetting others.
The Ukip leader stressed that individual establishments, such as London hotel Claridges, should be free to impose whatever rules they like regarding breastfeeding.
He added that most mothers recognised it was right to be "discreet" and that it was "just a question of good manners".
PM: 'Totally unacceptable' to make mums uncomfortable
David Cameron believes it is "totally unacceptable" to make mothers feel uncomfortable about breastfeeding their babies in public, Downing St has said.
The remarks came after Ukip leader Nigel Farage said mothers should "perhaps sit in the corner" to avoid disturbing people around them.
At a regular Westminster briefing, the Prime Minister's spokesman said:
Advertisement
Mumsnet chief: Breastfeeding problem is 'bemusing'
The chief executive of popular website Mumsnet has weighed into the debate over breastfeeding, saying people who have a problem with mums feeding should "get over themselves".
She spoke out after Ukip leader Nigel Farage said mothers should "perhaps sit in the corner" to avoid disturbing people around them who might feel "uncomfortable".
Yvette Cooper: Nigel Farage should 'sit in a corner'
Shadow Home Secretary Yvette Cooper has hit out at Nigel Farage after the Ukip leader said breastfeeding mothers should "perhaps sit in the corner" to avoid disturbing people around them.
Ms Cooper tweeted:
- ITV Report
Farage: Breastfeeding mums should 'sit in the corner'
- ITV Report
Breastfeeding mum's tears after Claridge's 'humiliation'
Latest ITV News reports
-
Women stage protest at Claridge's over breastfeeding
Some 40 mothers have staged a protest outside Claridge's hotel after a woman was asked to cover up as she breastfed in the restaurant
-
Farage: Breastfeeding mums should 'sit in the corner'
The Ukip leader has courted controversy by suggesting mums breastfeeding their babies should "perhaps sit in the corner".