Britain's new Defense Minister raised eyebrows on March 15, when following an official speech, he replied to a reporter's question on Britain's actions in relation to the case of the former Russian spy Sergei Skripal:
"What we will do is look at what Russia responds to what we have done. It's absolutely atrocious what Russia did in Salisbury. We have responded to that. Frankly, Russia should go away and should shut up. But if they do respond to the action we have taken, we will considerate it carefully and we will look at our options but it would be wrong to prejudge our response."
Frankness appreciated! pic.twitter.com/5X4xtun1cy
— Russian Embassy, UK (@RussianEmbassy) March 15, 2018
Commentators on Twitter reacted swiftly, criticizing Williamson for his inadequate and "childish" commentary on the ongoing political and diplomatic confrontation between Britain and Russia.
Defence secretary, Gavin Williamson: "Frankly, Russia should go away and shut up." Good to know we're ruled by Sensible Grown-ups, eh.
— Dawn Foster (@DawnHFoster) March 15, 2018
Perhaps someone could vaccinate "Gavin Williamson" against talking bollocks?
— carol hedges (@carolJhedges) March 15, 2018
Gavin Williamson is a threat to our defence and national security. Time for him to shut up and resign.
— Nadeem Ahmed (@Muqadaam) March 15, 2018
Gavin Williamson is an example of the depth of talent currently in power in the Conservative party, he would be out of his depth in a child's paddling pool, which is where his comments belong.
— Gordon McIntosh #FBPE (@Gordy_Mc1ntosh) March 15, 2018
Gavin Williamson is a child. The greatest security threat since the war, and we have a pre-pubescent schoolboy in charge of our armed forces.
— (((Dan Hodges))) (@DPJHodges) March 15, 2018
I'm not saying that Gavin Williamson doesn't inspire confidence, but I'm defecting to Russia before it's too late
— Michael Deacon (@MichaelPDeacon) March 15, 2018
Gavin Williamson has responded to Russia by adopting the tactics of a 14 year old whose girlfriend has dumped him. https://t.co/fSkt6qmAa6
— Larry the Cat (@Number10cat) March 15, 2018
Defence Secretary and Former Fireplace Salesman Gavin Williamson says "Russia should go away" and "shut up" 😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂 what a childish response from the Tories pic.twitter.com/GTFilPEpvt
— Mr Eton Oldboys MP (@EtonOldBoys) March 15, 2018
Gavin: Haha, I just told the nasty man to "shut up and go away."
— David Hobgen (@caughtinthedeep) March 15, 2018
Theresa: Would Gavvywavvy like a lie down with his bottle, now?
Gavin: No mummy, want to do it again, again.
Gavin Williamson — God help us all. pic.twitter.com/0LJ3jaJ7II
The British Defence Secretary Gavin Williamson the man who’s finger is on our nuclear trigger just told nuclear super-power Russia to “shut-up and go away”. You feeling safer already? #Russia @RT_com @RussiaHouseEU
— George Galloway (@georgegalloway) March 15, 2018
Frankly Russia should go away and shut up.
— Polly #ayerobot (@OorPolly) March 15, 2018
Says UK Defence Secretary pic.twitter.com/IxCwcbTQxO
Gavin Williamson, UK Defence Secretary, speaking today with all the gravitas of a snotty-nosed yoof: ‘Russia should go away and shut up!’
— Rosie R (@yorkierosie) March 15, 2018
Rich all Crompton would recognise the tone: pic.twitter.com/Mp7OIyA1W7
"Sir, Gavin Williamson says we should shut up and go away" pic.twitter.com/XKTsCq8dI9
— Enough Of That Now (@AndyGilder) March 15, 2018
British Defence Secretary: “Frankly, Russia should go away and shut up” pic.twitter.com/VpV9ZRWlKm
— James Longman (@JamesAALongman) March 15, 2018