A tweet from a Tory MP about proposals to ban smoking in pub gardens has been called "repugnant" by the Board of Deputies of British Jews.

Sir Keir Starmer confirmed on Thursday that his government was looking at outlawing smoking in some public spaces, including on restaurant terraces, outside nightclubs and in some parks.

But responding to the news, former minister for "common sense" Esther McVey posted a famous Martin Niemöller poem about inaction from within Germany against the Nazis during the Second World War, adding: "Pertinent words re Starmer's smoking ban".

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The Jewish advocacy group later posted a statement on X, saying using the words that described "the horrors of the Nazis" and comparing it to the proposals was "an ill-considered and repugnant action".

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They added: "We would strongly encourage the MP for Tatton to delete her tweet and apologise for this breathtakingly thoughtless comparison."

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Health Secretary Wes Streeting also posted a response on X, pointing to plans by the previous Tory government to ban smoking for younger people and telling Ms McVey to "get a grip".

He wrote: "No, I do not think the post-war confessional of Martin Niemöller about the silent complicity of the German intelligentsia and clergy in the Nazi rise to power is pertinent to a smoking bill that was in your manifesto and ours to tackle one of the biggest killers."

Labour Party chair Ellie Reeve called Ms Mcvey's post "grossly offensive from someone who sat at the Tory cabinet table just months ago", calling for it to be condemned by Conservative leader Rishi Sunak and all the candidates running to replace him.

A number of Tory MPs have spoken out against the proposals today, accusing Labour of imposing on people's freedoms, while Reform Party leader Nigel Farage has vowed to never go to the pub again if the rule is brought in.

Others from across the hospitality industry have also warned the move will damage their incomes.

But it has been welcomed by health charities who say it will protect people from the dangers of second-hand smoke.

Sky News has contacted both Ms McVey and the Conservative Party for a response.

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