DECEMBER 1st is World AIDS Day – an annual event for people around the world to unite in the fight against HIV.
Over 101,600 people in the UK alone are living with HIV, while globally the number is closer to 37.5 million. December 1st is a day to mark and remember one of the most destructive pandemics in history, which has taken the lives of over 35 million people.
One of the most popular means by which some choose to show solidarity with those affected is to wear a red ribbon to raise awareness – and that’s exactly what Tory leader Boris Johnson promised he was going to do.
“The reality is that HIV has not gone away, it’s important to fight the stigma. You are not alone, we will stand with you.”
— National AIDS Trust (@NAT_AIDS_Trust) November 29, 2019
Prime Minister @BorisJohnson shares his message with us to mark #WorldAIDSDay.
Let’s #RockTheRibbon together and support people living with HIV. pic.twitter.com/7rCq4r53x7
In a video released by the National AIDS Trust ahead of the date, Johnson, ribbon pinned on tight, looked into the camera and shared his thoughts on World AIDS Day; though he conveniently left out any mention of his former aide and current Tory party candidate Anthony Browne, who is under fire for claiming immigrants were bringing HIV and germs into the UK.
What he did mention, however, was that he would be wearing his ribbon on December 1st as “it’s so important to take every opportunity to raise awareness”.
His promise lasted less than 24 hours.
Appearing on the BBC on morning of Dedember 1st, Johnson spluttered his way through a series of light touch questions on the Andrew Marr show. His ribbon was noticeably absent.
Should we have expected anything less from a Prime Minister who once referred to gay men as “tank-topped bum boys”?
Labour politician Shami Chakrabarti also appeared on Andrew Marr that morning. She chose to wear the red ribbon.
The Conservatives have been approached for comment.
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