John Redwood, the Conservative candidate for Wokingham in the forthcoming General Election has been subject to a series of mocking tweets and comments after writing about shopping habits.
In a blog, the candidate said: “If by any chance the rest of the EU does turn down our offer of tariff free trade in an unlikely fit of self harm, we can find plenty of cheaper and better substitutes.
“You do not have to buy German or French cars. There is now a good choice of models, prices and specifications available from a range of UK car factories. If the EU wants tariffs on cars I would recommend the factory owners increase their UK capacity, as we will be wanting more home produced vehicles.
“A visit to one of England’s vineyards taught me that England makes some good white wines. There are plenty of good Australian and Californian reds as well as English.
“There are many great English cheese, so you don’t need to buy French.”
Mr Redwood is a staunch Eurosceptic, but in every area covered by the Wokingham constituency he hopes to represent voted to Remain in last year’s European Referendum.
While his views were given supportive comments on his blog, Twitter users took exception to his comments.
Supportive comments included: “I could easily do without EU products, no problem” and “It is essential that we leave the single market and customs union to regain independence”.
Another said: “You forgot Chilean wine – which attracted a 32% tariff against it by the EU, presumably because it is so much better than French.”
But Twitter was not as kind to Mr Redwood as these embedded tweets show:
You do not have to elect John Redwood. A choice of Pro-European candidates are available at local polling stations. https://t.co/mqmaRPajgq
— John Lubbock (@jwsal) April 21, 2017
You do not have to elect John Redwood. A choice of Pro-European candidates are available at local polling stations.
Shout out to #John Redwood. #Brexit. https://t.co/jzjyariMH0
— Angela Marston (@AngelaMarston) April 21, 2017
“John Redwood” @johnredwood @davidschneider
After literally seconds of ceaseless searching, I have found you a befitting car, Johnny-boy. pic.twitter.com/vge6WsHZJd— Sierra Charlie (@sierracharlie1) April 21, 2017
Also standing in Wokingham is Clive Jones for the Liberal Democrats. At the time of writing, Labour, UKIP and the Greens have yet to confirm their candidates.
