New Green MEP Magid Magid 'is asked to leave European Parliament' on his first day

Newly elected Green MEP Magid Magid has blasted the European Parliament after he was 'asked to leave' on his first day.

The 30-year-old turned up to mark the opening day of the new legislature in Strasbourg wearing a baseball cap and a T-shirt with the slogan 'f*** fascism'.

He tweeted: 'I know I'm visibly different. I don't have the privilege to hide my identity. I'm BLACK & my name is Magid. I don't intend to try fit in. Get used to it!' 

After he was inundated with responses from people on Twitter, he added: 'Thanks for the love & support guys. Just to clarity, I obviously didn't leave. But to even be put in this position says a lot about what people think the stereotypical politician is meant to look like.'

While some people were seen to be supporting him, with many saying they were 'proud' of him, others said he had not been dressed for work and that may have been the reason he was asked to leave.

Speaking after the incident, he added that he had been unsure of who the official was and said: 'I make people feel uncomfortable, people don't know how to react.'

The former Lord Mayor of Sheffield continued: 'MEPs don't reflect the people that they represent, Europe-wide and I know i'm gonna stick out like a sore thumb.'

Speaking to MailOnline a spokesperson for the European Parliament confirmed that they were treating the matter with 'utmost seriousness'.   

'We are enquiring with all the relevant departments to see whether they logged an incident involving Mr Magid and what exactly occurred.

'We also contacted Mr Magid and he told us that he was not entirely sure who the person he had the exchange with was. He mentioned this took place after the opening of the European Parliament outside the Plenary Chamber which suggests he was able to enter the building (the Chamber is set within the main EP building in Strasbourg).

The incident comes as earlier today Brexit Party MEPs turned their backs during a rendition of Ode To Joy in the European Parliament.

Leader Nigel Farage and newly elected candidates including Ann Widdecombe and Annunziata Rees-Mogg performed the protest as representatives gathered for the first session since May's European elections.

Ukip's MEPs - then led by Mr Farage - performed the same political stand at the start of the session in 2014.

Paul Nuttall, the party's deputy leader at the time, said it was intended to send a message that they did not 'recognise or respect the EU flag or anthem'.

Others in the parliament refused to stand at all as the EU's anthem - composed by Ludwig van Beethoven in 1824 - was played by a jazz ensemble.

Reflecting the political divisions being felt over Brexit in the UK, Liberal Democrat MEPs took their seats wearing yellow 'bollocks to Brexit' T-shirts.

The Brexit Party and Lib Dems - each with opposing views on leaving the EU - came first and second respectively in the EU polls.

Nigel Farage tweeted an image of his party's protest, saying: 'The Brexit Party has already made its presence felt.'

However, Labour MP David Lammy posted: 'Brexit Party MEPs turning their backs on Europe, as they do their best to isolate the UK from the world. This is petty, small minded little England at its worst. These plonkers do a proud and open nation a disservice. Shame on them.'

And Conservative MP Nicholas Soames tweeted: 'Truly pathetic oafish childish behaviour by Brexit and Liberal MEPs #growup.'

Protests were also held against the decision to deny a seat to Catalan separatist Carles Puigdemont and in defence of a German ship captain being held in Italy in a row over migrant rights.

Tuesday marks the opening of the new five-year session of the parliament, though the length of the UK's involvement remains in doubt.

UK MEPs may sit in the parliament until the country formally leaves the EU.

A deadline of October 31 has currently been set for the UK to leave, though this could be extended if a deal is not found by then.

Source: Daily Mail

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