British Lawmaker Fired Over Nazi-Themed Party
A British lawmaker was fired from his job working for a senior Conservative Party minister after attending a Nazi-themed party.
Aiden Burley, 32, a parliamentary private secretary for Transport Secretary Justine Greening, was dismissed Monday a week after photos of his presence at the stag party at a French ski resort came to light. At least one party participant dressed up in an SS officer’s uniform, and the guests toasted to the Nazi Party and the Third Reich.
Prime Minister David Cameron on Monday ordered a full investigation into the incident following reports that Burley had been responsible for ordering the SS uniform costumes.
It is illegal in France to wear or exhibit in public Nazi-era memorabilia or copies of such memorabilia.
Burley apologized for the incident with an “unreserved, wholehearted and fulsome apology” in a letter to the London-based Jewish Chronicle newspaper.
“On reflection, I wish I had left as soon as I had realized what was happening,” he wrote. “What was happening was wrong and I should have completely dissociated myself from it. I had a choice, and I made the wrong choice NOT to leave. I apologize for this error of judgment.”
Burley was elected to the House of Commons as a member of Parliament for Cannock Chase in 2010.
I’m personally matching all gifts to the Forward, up to $36,000. Can I match your gift now?
Hello, fellow Forward reader! I’m Joel Brown, a Forward reader and supporter for more than 15 years, and currently the chair of the board of directors.
I’m an avid Forward reader because it ticks so many of my essential boxes: excellent journalism, Jewish focus and diverse viewpoints. In today’s political climate, what I most appreciate is the Forward’s independence — made possible by the generosity of its membership.
The Forward is committed to bringing you unbiased, nuanced Jewish news. From my position as board chair, I see an exciting future as we expand our position as the definitive independent voice of contemporary American Judaism.
— Joel Brown, Forward board chair
Support our mission to tell the Jewish story fully and fairly.
