The Daily Mail features this story about a pro-Palestinian activist:
Thomas Bourne, 39, an Islamic convert who uses the social media handle ‘White British Muslim’, approached the Jewish comedian, 51, last month after spotting him on an escalator.
He said: ‘I was going up the escalator and looked to my side and saw someone giving me an uncomfortable even hostile look and I realised it was Matt Lucas.
‘My instant reaction – as anyone’s would be who was going to confront someone – was to pull out my camera phone and shout “Free Palestine! Free Palestine!”
‘As a result of that video and a subsequent Daily Mail article I actually lost my job.’
As commenter “MoleUK” says on the UKPolitics subreddit,
Sounds like a totally normal thing a normal person would do. Normally.
Bellend acts like a bellend and suffers repurcussions.
Every personal interaction a chance to show one’s virtues, just gotta make sure it’s captured on camera and uploaded to social media immediately. What a miserable way to live.
The interview with Mr Bourne at the PoliticsJOE podcast, from which the Mail took the story, can be seen here. The section quoted by the Mail is excerpted right at the beginning, and the video Mr Bourne himself made is shown at 8:07 and can be seen here. The interviewer, Seán Hickey, sympathetically introduces Mr Bourne with the words, “We’re going to be talking today about an incident that you found yourself involved in” as if Mr Bourne had no choice about initially accosting Matt Lucas, filming him while shouting “Free Palestine! Free Palestine!”, confronting him further at the top of the escalator (while making a point of loudly repeating his name so everyone would know it was someone famous), continuing to follow him and argue with him despite Lucas’s non-confrontational answers, and then putting the resulting video on social media.
I do not know if London Transport has any rules against shouting at strangers you think are looking at you funny, filming them, and putting the video on social media without their consent. If it does have such rules, they were not enforced on this occasion. Mr Bourne was not punished by London Transport. Nor was he punished by the law. This is not a free speech issue. The only bad result he suffered was that his employer no longer wished to have him on their roster of fundraising consultants. I can see why Mr Bourne might not be an asset for an organisation trying to raise funds.
No employer in their right mind would want to be involved with this absolute cretin. I have discussed this one today as well. Same conclusions, unsurprisingly.
“an incident that you found yourself involved in”
The passive voice. It’s always the giveaway…
Muhammed (whatever spelling is used) was himself a pale man (all the sources agree on this point – and they have no reason to lie about it) – so “white” is not relevant, as Muhammed was himself “white”.
If Mr Borne wishes to fight for Islam in “the land between the river and the sea” or anywhere else, he is free to do so – if killed he would join his false prophet.
However, the lack of any arguments against Islam from the British “intellectual” establishment, including the “mainstream” churches, is depressing – and means that increasing numbers of people will convert to Islam in the future, as they will not have heard the arguments against Islam, most people do not know the truth about Muhammed, what he taught and what he personally did, and most people do not know the truth about 14 centuries of Islamic history.
Only a few days ago the Islamic call to prayer was given at the entrance of Bristol Cathedral – and then a large group of Muslims entered the Cathedral to take part in a ritual Islamic meal, the fact that the Cathedral authorities did not see anything wrong in any of this, indeed invited-in-the-forces-of-Islam, is worthy of note.
Outwardly British institutions such as the Church of England, the other “mainstream” Churches, the Monarchy, Parliament, the Universities, and-so-on, continue to exist – but are they really not already dead? Their belief in basic doctrines (principles) having died?
Is Islam really killing Britain – or did Britain already commit suicide (spiritual and intellectual suicide), this meaning that Islam is actually INNOCENT of killing Britain, and innocent of killing other Western nations as well.
No one, including the forces of Islam, can kill something that is already dead.
If nations, or rather their “intellectual” establishment – and all their institutions, no longer believe in their core principles – they are dead.
Mr Nigel Farage, leader of the Reform Party, argues that, due to demographic and other factors, we “can not win” against Islam in Britain – can-not-win.
And the leading “conservative” publication in this country is the Spectator magazine – controlled by Michael “lockdown” Gove, and “Freddy” Gray – “Freddy” TDS Gray.
If these is any hope for Britain I see no evidence of it.
And other Western nations are in a similar condition intellectually – in terms of understanding of, and belief in, their core principles.
Paul Marks:
Maybe. The common view in the 1960s and 1970s, even on the Right, was that we could-not-win against the USSR and the socialist/communist steamroller that was going to flatten us.
Today, that could be taken as an argument in either direction. The USSR is no more but the Leftist steamroller is still there.
The converts (or “reverts, as islam would have it) always seem to have ginger beards. Odd fact. This particular loony is 6ft 11in, so I can quite see how Matt Lucas would have felt rather intimidated about having him shout in his face about Palestine. I am fairly sure that Mr Lucas has no influence over Israeli policy in this matter, being a harmless British comedian.
I would have much more confidence in someone saying “we can not lose.”
Not meaning that it’s not possible to lose, but that we had better not lose.
I have become prejudiced and discriminatory in my dotage. I no longer view Islam as at all compatible with Western free society.
If 100 Mormons moved into my complex, and 6 of them started raping and stabbing and harassing, I would not hesitate to insist that the other 94 Mormons take responsibility for their unacceptable cohorts and do their best to rein them in. Who else has as good a chance of altering their buddies’ behavior?
And so, unfair or not, I will hold all Muslims partly responsible for the uncivilized acts of Muslims.
Change my mind.
Deep Lurker – in the Cold War people on the right were NOT saying “we must not alienate the Communists”.
And it is not quite as bobby b explains – although I take his point.
It is about the basic teachings and personal example of Muhammed – what he taught and what he did, and 14 centuries of experience.
Instead of serious thought about this, we now get “Spitfire patriotism” as if it is 1940 – rather than 2026. Yes (absolutely) Spitfire patriotism was correct in 1940 – but it rather ignores what the threats now are, and what the situation (condition) of society now is.
What does Britain stand for? What are these “British values” (principles) that we are supposed to support? Certainly not Christianity – Britain, gradually, turned its back on Christianity from at least the 1960s to today – again it has been a gradual process (abortion and so on – indeed the whole social, cultural, revolution – destroying the old culture and replacing it with…., well with what?) and not Freedom of Speech, the Right to Keep and Bear Arms and the rest of Whig Classical Liberalism either – that was all rejected in Britain long ago.
This is also true of most other Western nations – it is NOT just a British collapse, it is a general collapse of Western Civilization.
What are our principles? Do we have any living principles any more?
So we are in a situation where Western nations have no clear beliefs, principles, and can not even say that the enemy is the enemy – for fear of “alienating” them, with their increasing numbers (look at the maternity wards, and schools, of Vienna and other cities). No attempt at conversion – as the West no longer believes in its principles and so can not convert people to them. Instead we are presented with flashy weapons (but only the state, and hostile populations, are allowed to have weapons – rejecting the Whig – Classical Liberal, position on these matters), sport, pornography and pop music – all very well (I am NOT “knocking” these things), but not the foundations of a civilization.
No wonder Mr Farage says we can not win.
JohnK,
Of course Matt Lucas didn’t cause the “genocide” in Gaza. I suspect Netanyahu doesn’t even know who Lucas is. Until this story broke I didn’t even know Lucas was Jewish, or is he Jew(ish)? It is simply “guilt” by (very) vague association. It is scary (and not because the guy was tall) but being shouted at for no obvious reason is scary because it spooks you – it has happened to me although in this case the guy was just a mentalist. On the escaltor was Lucas thinking of destroying Hamas? I suspect not. Maybe what to have for dinner or whatever!
bobby b,
I think you miss the point, somewhat. Muhammed himself was a liar, a cheat, a bandit, a warmonger, a rapist and peadophile. According to Islam he was also the most perfect human. That is why Islam is to blame.
Think why Islam is so concerned with things like hijab and the lowering of the gaze. It is totally different from Christianity in which resisting temptation is a big thing*. Islam is about removing temptation. Could this possibly because Muhammed was an epic cock-monster himself? A question for theologians and perverts.
Islam seeks to remove temptation, not resist it. It is a morally easy way out. Ban things by law rather than resist sins because of an inner moral code. Does that sound at all similar to more recent concepts of the secular left? Why do you think the left and Islam get along? Both are conceptually totalitarian with an idea of imposing a sort of top-down utopia.
I hope this makes sense. I have perhaps thought about it too much and written too little…
*This is especially true in the Catholic Church. What is “The Lord of the Rings” really about? Resistence to temptation. “A fundamentally religious and Catholic work” – JRRT
Amazing how anti-semites always have an excuse* and always try and make themselves the victim when caught airing their repugnant views.
How’s about Thomas Bourne al Brittani changes the narrative for once and just admits that when it comes to the Jews he’s a vile bigot. It would have the value of being a refreshing change of pace, if not exactly newsworthy.
* – Usually with claims that they are anti-Zionist, not anti-Jewish.
Sorry for this long comment, but…
bobby b, not sure what you think of AI to address things like your challenge, “change my mind”, but I asked Grok to have a go at it. I gave Grok Natalie’s original post and your comment. I won’t paste in Grok’s response…it was kind of long. But I followed up with a couple of prompts. I’m pasting in my prompts only in case you’re interested in this. You can use these prompts to see what Grok had to say. I will paste in Grok’s final assessment of whether or not there are “good Muslims” helping authorities hunt down the radical terrorist Muslims. Spoiler, Grok says ‘yes, there are’.
My first follow-up to Grok:
Not sure what bobby b will think of your argument, but I will push back on your assertion that most Muslims are mostly peaceful. That most Muslims do NOT support the violence of the radicals. Can you provide documentation to support your assertions? In particular, can you provide documented proof that the vast majority of Muslims firmly condemn the violent radicals?
Grok then cites polls; I pushed back on that:
I don’t care about polls. It’s easy for a Muslim to claim they are against the violence of the radicals when answering a poll question. What have any of these peace loving Muslims done to help hunt down and stop the radicals? Is there any documented proof that they are helping authorities in a broad way (I’m sure there are isolated anecdotes of good Muslims helping)?
Here’s Grok’s “TL;DR” response:
TL;DR: Yes, there is documented proof of broad, systemic cooperation by Muslim communities with law enforcement in the U.S. and elsewhere to help stop jihadist radicals — not just isolated anecdotes.
Key evidence:
CSIS (2025): Many FBI-disrupted plots were first flagged by Muslim community members.
DHS (2012 testimony): Nearly half of 86 U.S. terror plots foiled from 1999–2009 involved direct Muslim community help.
Triangle Center/Brennan Center analyses: ~35% of disrupted plots in the 2000s–early 2010s traced to tips from Muslim individuals, families, or mosques.
Specific examples: Virginia 5 case (2009) — Muslim advocacy group and families tipped off FBI; multiple Joint Terrorism Task Force cases where local mosques/families reported radicalization.
Organized efforts: Muslim-led deradicalization programs (e.g., WORDE in Maryland) partner with law enforcement to monitor and share information.
Official U.S. counterterrorism sources repeatedly describe Muslim communities as a “critical” and “vital” partner in preventing Islamist extremism.
All of which makes me wonder how to sift what we hear from “official sources” on such things versus what we hear from people we trust including on blogs like this one.
“Well, soothsayer. What say ye? The Ides of March have come.”
“Aye, Caesar. But not yet gone.”
From the linked DM article Mr Bourne was sacked from being a “fundraising consultant”. WTF is that?
I’ve been a “fundraising consultant”, to startup companies seeking early stage investors. In my case, because the skillset and style needed to start a technical venture is not the same as that needed to persuade investors.
But I never got paid for doing it.
I suspect Mr. Bourne operated in a different field. Just a feeling, you know, based on first impressions.
It did not seem to occur to this loony that the reason Matt Lucas might have been looking at him was because he was a 6ft 10in ginger bearded man wearing a keffiyeh. That did not necessarily mean Mr Lucas was plotting to wipe out Palestine at the time. Later? Who knows?
Bobby:
My attitude is somewhat different, but compatible.
I will hold all Muslims … indeed, all members of Group X (for any value of X) responsible for all terrorist acts of any member of Group X. That is because i believe that only collective punishment can stop terrorism.
I will also hold all members of the Deep State who allow uncontrolled immigration, responsible for all crimes committed by immigrants.
NB: I myself have been an immigrant for all my working life.
Not a model immigrant, perhaps, but not a criminal.
@bobby b
Change my mind.
Recently I have been watching the news and a lot of Minnesotans have been harassing ICE, committing violence against them and preventing them from doing their jobs. This harassment has lead directly to the death of at least two people, and many, many injuries, including to our law enforcement officers.
I will hold all Minnesotans partly responsible for the uncivilized acts of Minnesotans.
Good point.
All Minnesotans do suffer, to varying extents, the consequences of the uncivilized acts of Minnesotans.
Regarding the OP, an employer absolutely has the right to fire one of their employees for any reason whatsoever, so I don’t think what the employer did was unlawful or necessarily bad. But I do want to say that I get pretty uncomfortable when people get fired for expressing their political views, no matter how much I disagree with them, especially when they do so in their private time outside of their employer. I watched the video and it seemed a pretty innocuous interaction, I mean if you are a public figure people coming up to you, douchebags are all, is kind of part of the package, right? There didn’t seem to be any sort of assault, just an annoying person talking to him for less than a minute. I think the biggest problem from the employers pov was not what was done or said but that it got in the news.
Like I say they are within their rights to do so, but it doesn’t mean that I like it, or that I worry that the principle may well come back to bite us all in the ass. There are plenty of managers and business owners who would probably like to fire all the people who work for them who have gone to a MAGA rally. And that’s not good at all.
Trivial point, I think there is a big difference between yelling “Free Palestine” and yelling “From the River to The Sea”.
I agree. I think it is incumbent upon Minnesotans – more so than on Londoners – to fix what is going on in Minnesota.
If we – Minnesotans – do NOT fix our fraud and illegals problems, if we do not rein in our insane communists, we will all be penalized by the federal government, in the form of lowered Medicare and other fed fund disbursements to our state residents.
If we continue down this path, all Minnesotans – even we the sane! – will be embarrassed by our Minnesota-ness.
If I CHOOSE to remain a Minnesotan – if someone CHOOSES to remain a Muslim – then they choose to be treated according to people’s opinions of those affinity groups.
Perhaps not entirely fair, but as a practical matter, we NEED to motivate people to clean up their own affinity groups. As SG said above, that’s an important tool in stopping bad acts individually undertaken for group profit. They can send out individual shooters to kill and then die forever, so long as we can only address those individuals, and only then after the fact.
NickM
March 15, 2026 at 1:26 pm
“I think you miss the point, somewhat.”
But I can’t get past the idea that people hold religious belief at different levels, for different purposes. Someone who is lightly Islam – for cultural reasons, to fit in to their surroundings and family, for instance – is going to be a far different Muslim than the one who looks to Allah for a way to be powerful and ascendant.
And so I can’t see them as interchangeable. I know and like some Muslims, I dislike others, sometimes for reasons of religion, sometimes just because they’re jerks. They’re not a fungible mass.
But I CAN hold them all responsible somewhat for what the mad knifers do in service to their chosen religion. Not so much because it’s the most fair thing – but because it’s the only practical and useful thing to do if I wish to quell the baddies.
They can exert much more pressure – before the knifings start – than I can, than anyone not in their group can.
If I have a million Muslims in my city, one or two a day can lash out and kill me and mine, and there will be no way I can prevent it. I can only punish it after the fact. But if every one of those million Muslims feels serious pressure to clean up their own group, perhaps some knives will stay in the kitchen.
GregWA: Cool! I like this new Grok approach to problems. (I suppose I’ll have to try it myself some day.)
But Grok’s response, I think, supports my point – that pressure on “good Muslims” is a profitable route to take.
If the “good” community is actually useful in quelling the monsters, then there is reason to encourage them strongly in that direction. Viewing and treating them as completely blameless and unconnected would only seem to lessen their enthusiasm for stopping their mad brethren!
Fred the Fourth – “the skillset and style needed to start a technical venture is not the same as that needed to persuade investors.”
You’re telling me this now?
@bobby b
I agree. I think it is incumbent upon Minnesotans – more so than on Londoners – to fix what is going on in Minnesota.
It depends a lot on what you are actually imputing to the group as a result of the group member’s action. If you are saying you Minnesotans should take a special interest in fixing the problems of your fellow residents, I suppose I can accept that. If you are saying that you, a Minnesotan, are somehow culpable for the actions of those people or share some small part of their guilt I don’t agree. Which you should be glad of, since there are few states where more bad stuff has come out of that that tiny frozen corner of the country.
And if you think that the actions of those few Minnesotans should result in the banning of all immigration by Vikings, or some other collective punishment, I definitely don’t agree.
People are responsible for their own actions, they are not responsible for the actions of people like them. Some white people do treat black people badly, that doesn’t mean we are all racists.
To be fair….
Why should this degenerate lose his job, when “Sir Ed” Davy, who accuses the Jews of “genocide” (thus reversing the truth – for it is the forces of Islam who wish to exterminate the Jews, not the Jews who wish to exterminate the Muslims) keeps his job as leader of the Liberal Democratic Party?
A person got two years in prison for stickers that said “small hats – big problems” – But “Sir Ed Genocide” Davey – gets no prison time at all, of course NEITHER should go to prison (they are just expressing their despicable opinions and showing how vile they are) – but it does show the legal system is “two tier”, indeed the legal system has become an ass.