The Catch-up: Why do people keep throwing milkshakes at politicians?

What happened?

Nigel Farage had a milkshake thrown over him today as he campaigned for the Brexit Party in Newcastle. He is the latest in a string of far-right politicians and candidates to be pelted with the drink. A 32-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of common assault over the incident this afternoon. Newcastle resident Paul Crowther took credit for throwing the milkshake, telling the media he threw a £5.25 banana and caramel flavour drink from Five Guys over Mr Farage. Mr Crowther said: "The bile and the racism he spouts out in this country is far more damaging than a bit of milkshake to his front."

What started the ‘milkshaking’ trend?

The ‘milkshaking’ of Mr Farage follows a number of other similar incidents during the European election campaign. The trend appears to have been sparked by a viral video of Tommy Robinson having a milkshake thrown over him in Warrington. The former English Defence League leader argued with a man who was holding a milkshake, who ended up throwing the drink over Mr Robinson's head. Since then, several other members of the public appear to have been inspired by the unusual protest.

Ukip’s South West MEP candidate Carl Benjamin has been the victim of numerous attempted milkshake attacks, including one in Salisbury that left him covered in liquid. In Cornwall two protestors were stopped as they tried to throw a milkshake over him. Mr Benjamin has been widely criticised for comments he made about raping Labour MP Jess Phillips. As the milkshake trend grew in prominence a McDonald’s branch in Edinburgh was asked to stop selling them when Mr Farage made a campaign visit to the city.

Read more:

Nigel Farage covered in milkshake during Brexit Party walkabout (Yahoo News UK)

Who has been 'milkshaked' and why is it being thrown over far-right campaigners? (The Independent)

Man arrested in Newcastle after throwing milkshake at Nigel Farage (Sky News)

Investigate ‘dirty money’ fears around Brexit Party, urges Gordon Brown (Evening Standard)

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