The High Court ruled on 3 November that Article 50 cannot be triggered without a vote in parliament. In response, The Daily Mail published a front-page headline declaring the three judges responsible “enemies of the people”.
'Enemies of the People' The Daily Mail sounds like a Soviet era Pravda newspaper. Show trials next? Very worrying. pic.twitter.com/obXvpVbFf6
— Graham Simpson (@grahambsi) November 4, 2016
Thankfully, Twitter was on hand to draw attention to the real enemies of the people.
Using the hashtag #enemiesofthepeople, hundreds of tweeters took the opportunity to instead air their gripes with everything from public transport users to the rising price of chocolate bars.
Those who think a casserole with a pastry lid qualifies as a pie. #EnemiesOfThePeople
— The Kwisatz Hackenbush (@DocHackenbush) November 4, 2016
People that put ketchup in the fridge #enemiesofthepeople
— Tim (@CookPassTim) November 4, 2016
That guy you know who actually puts tea in one of those enormous Sports Direct mugs #enemiesofthepeople
— Skincare Consultant, Rowena (@binny_uk) November 4, 2016
People who just stand on the left side of the escalator when it's clearly stipulated to stand on the BLOODY RIGHT #enemiesofthepeople
— Jeffw (@Jeffwni) November 4, 2016
People who blocked us naming Boaty McBoatface #enemiesofthepeople
— Gemma Luck (@missgluck) November 4, 2016
People who think avocado on toast actually qualifies as breakfast #enemiesofthepeople
— Tits McGee (@Scientits) November 4, 2016
https://twitter.com/chralie/status/794488448954548225
This light relief was welcome. Calling someone an enemy of the people is couched in the language of treachery and threats to security. It is worth remembering that, when Thomas Mair – the man accused of killing MP Jo Cox in June 2016 – appeared in court, he gave his name as ‘death to traitors, freedom for Britain’.
Know your enemy
For other Twitter users, the hashtag was a chance to highlight what they see as the truly serious threats to the British people. Starting with The Daily Mail, of course…
https://twitter.com/LeeJasper/status/794487041451061248
Those judges are not #enemiesofthepeople. Do you know who is our society's enemy? Rupert Murdoch.
— Fuad Alakbarov (@DrAlakbarov) November 4, 2016
https://twitter.com/KatyBadMum/status/794475469773164544
https://twitter.com/essmarks/status/794469430868774913
Hate, mistrust, low self esteem, not thinking for self, mob mentality, spiritual numbness, nihilism, anger, ignorance. #enemiesofthepeople
— Violette L. Meier (@violettemeier) November 4, 2016
https://twitter.com/stvstheworld/status/794498460489814016
DWP policies which sanction people who've had a stroke thereby missed an appointment the following day #enemiesofthepeople
— Revd Kt 🏳️🌈 ♿ (@KtTup) November 4, 2016
The aggressive response to this court ruling from some is concerning for the many who can’t forget the way hate crime rose after the referendum vote. When passions are high, violence feels more likely.
At times like this, it’s important to remember who your real enemies are.
Get Involved!
– Find out more about the High Court ruling.
– Read more from The Canary about plans for Brexit.
Featured image via Twitter