Brian Cox called for ban on using ‘British people’ term during woke revolt

Brian Cox addresses ‘why we exist’ on This Morning

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The famous English physicist and former musician is best known for presenting a string of science programmes including his BBC ‘Wonders of…’ series. He has been described as the natural successor for the BBC’s scientific programming by both Sir David Attenborough and Sir Patrick Moore. Prof Cox is the author or co-author of over 950 scientific publications and can often be seen giving his expert opinion on scientific breakthroughs on his social media accounts.

But he also decided to delve into the world of politics when he replied to a tweet by Home Secretary Priti Patel on plans to intercept migrants crossing the Channel.

She wrote: “We need the cooperation of the French to intercept boats and return migrants back to France.

“I know that when the British people say they want to take back control of our borders – this is exactly what they mean.

And Prof Cox did not hold back.

© GETTY Brian Cox delved into the world of politics © GETTY The Home Secretary had tweeted about migrants crossing the Channel

He replied: “I’m so sick of this ‘the British people’ nonsense.

“It’s inflammatory and divisive and also errant vacuous nonsense with no meaning in a multi-party democracy.

“The phrase should be banned from political discourse.”

Prof Cox has long been an opponent of Brexit and called for another vote on the issue, despite the UK deciding to leave the EU.

And many took issue with his apparent “woke” stance.

READ MORE: ‘Need better theory than Einstein’ Brian Cox’s claim as new force of nature possibly found

© GETTY Prof Cox has previously expressed his views on Brexitå

One response read: “Woke professor calls for the phrase ‘the British people’ to be banned. He would never say this about ‘the French people’ or ‘the German people,’ of course.”

Another message noted that Prof Cox had previously used the phrase “European citizens”.

It added: “‘British People’ used for the people of Britain – not ok. ‘European citizens’ used for the citizens of the EU (not Europe) yeah, that’s fine.”

A third reply stated: “I love your programmes and you are so knowledgeable about the universe.

“But please do not preach to us about politics. We have enough celebrities doing that with their holier than thou attitude.”

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© GETTY Sir David Attenborough has tipped Prof Cox as the natural successor for the BBC’s science programmes

And a fourth pointed out: “I’m a British person and patriotism is something I value highly.

“It’s patriots who want to look after, treasure and make their country the best it can be.

“The British people are proud and pay a lot to this country. I’m sorry you have no patriotism.”

Prof Cox attempted to clear the situation up later.

He said in August 2020: “Some are misunderstanding this.

© GETTY Prof Cox followed-up the tweet with two more

“The point is that invoking ‘the will of the people’ or derivatives in promoting policy is a well-rehearsed propaganda technique and has no place in our democratic dialogue.

“Once elected, Government must seek to unify, not to divide.

“Furthermore, governments can be radical and reforming without using division as a governing technique.

“This government has a large majority and need not apologise for its policy choices – it was elected on a manifesto. But it should calibrate its language much more responsibly.”