Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Politics
Oliver Milne

Jon Snow's 'so many white people' remark on Brexit prompts 2,000 complaints

Over 2000 people have complained after news host Jon Snow's remark he had "never seen so many white people in one place" while broadcasting at a pro-Brexit rally.

TV watchdog Ofcom said it had received 2,025 complaints and is deciding whether to investigate.

The 71-year-old presenter was signing off from Friday evening's Channel 4 News bulletin when he made the comment.

He was referring, during the live broadcast, to the pro-Brexit protesters who brought Westminster to a standstill.

"It's been the most extraordinary day," he said. "A day which has seen ... I have never seen so many white people in one place, it's an extraordinary story.

"There are people everywhere, there are crowds everywhere."

Brexit: 5 fact facts this morning as Theresa May faces soft Brexit showdown 

Brexit supporters protest as police officers stand guard outside Downing Street (REUTERS)

Brexit indicative vote options explained - full list as MPs take control tonight  

An Ofcom spokeswoman said: "We are assessing these complaints against our broadcasting rules, but are yet to decide whether or not to investigate."

The remarks drew criticism online from some viewers who described the comments about "white people" as unnecessary.

In a statement, Channel 4 News said it regretted any offence caused.

Protesters In Westminster (Alucard / SplashNews.com)

Brexit is making the UK a 'laughing stock' says Siemens boss

"This was an unscripted observation at the very end of a long week of fast-moving Brexit developments," a spokeswoman said.

"Jon has covered major events such as this over a long career and this was a spontaneous comment reflecting his observation that, in a London demonstration of that size, ethnic minorities seemed to be significantly under-represented.

"We regret any offence caused by his comment."

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.