Channel 4 News presenter Jon Snow has come under fire after he remarked that he had “never seen so many white people in one place” as he reported on pro-Brexit protests in central London.
The broadcaster, 71, made the controversial comments as he described the scene near 10 Downing Street where crowds of Leave supporters had gathered on Friday night to protest the delay to Britain’s exit from the EU.
Speaking live from Parliament, Snow said: “We’ve just got these pictures in which were taken nearby. Police are now wearing riot gear.
“Police dogs are patrolling. The mood has changed.
“We cannot confirm whether any arrests have been made.
“It has been the most extraordinary day. A day which has seen… I’ve never seen so many white people in one place.
“It’s an extraordinary story… there are people everywhere, there are crowds everywhere.”
March 29 had been the scheduled exit date for Britain to leave the EU and pro-Brexit supporters, including some led by Tommy Robinson, had marched in central London in protest. It came after the Prime Minister suffered a third Commons defeat when her Withdrawal Agreement was rejected again by MPs.
The protests continued into the evening and clashes broke out between some protesters and police as tensions ran high. Scotland Yard said five people were arrested including one who allegedly assaulted a police officer.
The broadcaster faced a backlash online from critics after clips of his remarks were posted on social media. One wrote: “Dear @JonSnowC4 I was there yesterday and guess what? I am not white.”
Sikh Conservative Amandeep Singh Bhogal tweeted pictures from the march with the caption: “I have never seen so many PATRIOTS in one place. No one tell Jon Snow...”
Others defended his comments, with one sharing images of the crowds with the caption: “Jon Snow is right.”
A Channel 4 News spokeswoman said: "This was an unscripted observation at the very end of a long week of fast moving Brexit developments.
"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 underrepresented.
"We regret any offence caused by his comment."
