South Yorkshire politicians join Prime Minister in condeminng 'disgraceful scenes' as protesters storm US Capital

The Prime Minister has condemned "disgraceful scenes" in the United States as supporters of President Donald Trump stormed the Capitol in Washington DC.
By Sam Jackson
Published 6th Jan 2021, 21:53 BST
Updated 7th Jan 2021, 07:34 BST
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Amid violent clashes with police, protesters breached barricades and were able to enter the building on Capitol Hill on Wednesday, disrupting politicians' formal approval of Joe Biden's election win.

One woman was reportedly shot and five others taken to hospital.

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Boris Johnson tweeted: "Disgraceful scenes in U.S. Congress. The United States stands for democracy around the world and it is now vital that there should be a peaceful and orderly transfer of power."

Protesters gather on the U.S. Capitol Building on January 06, 2021 in Washington, DC. Pro-Trump protesters entered the U.S. Capitol building after mass demonstrations in the nation's capital during a joint session Congress to ratify President-elect Joe Biden's 306-232 Electoral College win over President Donald Trump. (Photo by Tasos Katopodis/Getty Images)Protesters gather on the U.S. Capitol Building on January 06, 2021 in Washington, DC. Pro-Trump protesters entered the U.S. Capitol building after mass demonstrations in the nation's capital during a joint session Congress to ratify President-elect Joe Biden's 306-232 Electoral College win over President Donald Trump. (Photo by Tasos Katopodis/Getty Images)
Protesters gather on the U.S. Capitol Building on January 06, 2021 in Washington, DC. Pro-Trump protesters entered the U.S. Capitol building after mass demonstrations in the nation's capital during a joint session Congress to ratify President-elect Joe Biden's 306-232 Electoral College win over President Donald Trump. (Photo by Tasos Katopodis/Getty Images)

His comments came after British politicians from all parties described the scenes in Washington as "profoundly shocking" and "utterly horrifying".

Sheffield Labour councillor Ben Curran tweeted: “Can we stop calling these people protesters!?!

This is an attack on democracy. It should concern democrats on both sides of the Atlantic.”

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Peter Garbutt, Green Party councillor for Nether Edge and Sharrow, tweeted: “I’ve got a very bad feeling about this violence in the USA.

"The lacklustre law-enforcement, coupled with apparent buck-passing amongst the various agencies who could deal with it; and it’s not just Washtington, various State Capitol under attack, too.”

Mr Trump had previously urged his supporters to travel to Washington to protest against Congress' approval of Mr Biden's victory in the November presidential election.

Both chambers of Congress were forced into an abrupt recess by the protest as they were debating the Electoral College vote that gave Mr Biden the presidency.

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Reacting on Twitter, Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer wrote: "Horrendous scenes from the US.

"These are not 'protesters' - this a direct attack on democracy and legislators carrying out the will of the American people."

Lord Chancellor and Justice Secretary Robert Buckland tweeted: "Terrible scenes at the US Congress today.

"To our great friends in the US, we have always admired your peaceful transfers of power and the graceful acceptance by candidates of both electoral victory and defeat. Those who seek to undermine this must never prevail."

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In these confusing and worrying times, local journalism is more vital than ever. Thanks to everyone who helps us ask the questions that matter by taking out a digital subscription or buying a paper. We stand together. Nancy Fielder, editor.