Ex-UKIP MEP compares London New Year’s Eve pro-EU firework display to flying Argentinian flag in Falklands War ‘To be broadcasting European Brussels propaganda at this time is indeed comparable to siding with the opposition’

A former UKIP MEP has compared Sadiq Khan‘s EU-themed New Year’s firework display to “flying the Argentinian flag during the Falklands War”, and accused him of “siding with the opposition”.

The London Mayor provoked the ire of Brexiteers with an EU-themed firework display that transformed the London Eye into a giant EU flag to pay tribute to the “contribution made by Europeans” to the capital.

Former UKIP and Conservative MEP Roger Helmer provoked criticism over his comparison of Brexit negotiations with the EU to the 1982 Falklands conflict, which claimed the lives of nearly 900 people and injured many more.

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‘Brussels popaganda’

He tweeted on New Year’s Day: “While the UK is locked in critical negotiations with Brussels, Sadiq Khan chooses to display the other side’s flag on the London Eye. Would he have shown an Argentinian flag during the Falklands War?”

While the UK is locked in critical negotiations with Brussels, Sadiq Khan chooses to display the other side’s flag on the London Eye. Would he have shown an Argentinian flag during the Falklands War? https://t.co/d2O0bHbBPn — Roger Helmer (@RogerHelmerMEP) January 1, 2019

Despite receiving criticism, Mr Helmer has since doubled-down on his comments. In an interview with LBC’s Nick Abbot, the former MEP said: “We’re locked in a very difficult and obviously aggressive negotiation with Europe and it is giving us a seriously hard time.

“For the Mayor of London to come out in this way, right in the centre of the city, to be broadcasting European Brussels propaganda at this time is indeed comparable to siding with the opposition, that’s what he’s doing.”

“It would be nice to see some of our elected leaders actually siding with their own country and not siding with the other side.”

Read More New Year 2019: Brexit supporters furious after London fireworks appear to include EU flag

Mr Helmer rowed with the host, who pressed him on the proportionality of his comments, responding: “You’re making too much of this. I compared it to a small war in the south Atlantic, yes I did.”

Mr Abbot told him: “I’m making too much of it? If you were killed during that war, then you wouldn’t describe it as small.

“To bring that conflagration up in connection to a fireworks display doesn’t make it sound like you have any respect for it at all.”

Mr Helmer resigned as an MEP in 2017 amid an investigation over misuse of funds. He was first elected as a Tory MEP in 1999 but defected to UKIP in 2012.

Pro-EU display

Alongside the giant representation of the EU flag, songs such as We Are Your Friends, Stay and Don’t Leave Me Alone were included in the soundtrack to the display. Many of the songs featured artists from Ireland, France and Sweden. The message was cemented by the final song of All You Need is Love by the Beatles.

What an absolutely pathetic comparison, as a Falklands veteran i find your comments distasteful, we aren’t at war with the EU, what a disgusting individual you are, no wonder my once great nation is now a cesspit of fear/racism/xenophobia and division. — Loz Argyle (@ArgyleLoz) January 1, 2019

Mr Khan tweeted images of the display along with the comment: “Sending a message across the globe: London’s diversity will always be our strength.

“Our one million EU citizens are Londoners, they make a huge contribution, and no matter the outcome of Brexit – they will always be welcome. Happy New Year, London.”

Some 100,000 ticket-holders lined the banks of the Thames to watch 70,000 projectiles made up of eight tonnes of fireworks fire into the sky from three barges and the London Eye.

Mr Khan said: “We, in my opinion, are one of the greatest cities in the world. One of the reasons we are one of the greatest cities in the world is because of the contribution made by Europeans.”

“I think diversity is a strength and I think what tonight is about is celebrating that diversity.

“I hope that members of Parliament, members of the Government will see the fireworks tonight, will listen to the soundtrack and will reflect on what sort of country they want to live in post-March.”

The annual display on London’s South Bank often has a theme. Last year’s display celebrated the achievements of women, ahead of the 100-year anniversary of women’s suffrage.

Additional reporting by Press Association