Andy Burnham trains Lee Anderson in a Manchester Airport video debate

Over the weekend we saw two very contrasting approaches to sensitive matters of national concern from Lee Anderson and Andy Burnham, after viral footage of an altercation between Greater Manchester Police officers and a suspect divided the public.

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Andy Burnham tries to take the heat out of the Manchester Airport incident

An officer has been suspended and an internal investigation launched after computer footage emerged of men kicking a man in the head – once he was subdued and brought to the ground. However, another clip showed the suspect punching a female police officer in the face.

The drip-fed clips sparked wild debate online, with people quick to condemn police brutality and the actions of the man who physically assaulted the officer. While Mr. Burnham sought the middle ground, Mr. Anderson took a very different approach.

The reformist MP shared images of a policewoman being beaten and called the perpetrator “an animal that needs to be locked up”. Anderson also previously praised the officer who was seen kicking the suspect, further fanning the flames.

Lee Anderson is stirring the pot – and being trained by the Mayor of Manchester

While 30p Lee caused a storm online, Andy Burnham took a more measured approach. He insists the UK cannot become a country where “summary judgments” are handed down online and stressed the need for police to have “time and space” for their investigation.

However, the Mayor of Manchester hit out at Rep Ashfield, saying MPs should “use more judgement” and avoid “picking and choosing sides”. On Twitter/X, Burnham was praised for “acting like an adult” in the situation.

“This is a complicated issue and no one has yet learned the full story. We cannot live in a country where we have summary judgments on social media… there is a criminal investigation going on as well as an internal police investigation.”

“We now have members of Parliament pre-judging these important investigations. It’s one thing for people to react to the video on social media, but MPs should be using more judgment on these matters instead of coming together and picking sides.”

“Unfortunately, people just want to pick sides. The truth is often more complex and usually lies in between. We have no hope if MPs start joining in and adding to the furore. The footage is there, people see it’s complicated. Give the authorities space to do their job.” | Andy Burnham