Richard Madeley has reacted with fury after The University of Oxford’s Magdalen College voted to take down a portrait of the Her Majesty The Queen from the common room.
They claimed the painting was ‘unwelcoming’ adding that they wanted to create ‘a welcoming, neutral place for all members regardless of background, demographic, or views’.
Kicking off Wednesday’s edition of Good Morning Britain, Richard raged to co-host Susanna Reid: “It’s is stupid. It is thick.
“Have they not heard of the commonwealth which is the jewell in her crown so to speak which is the exit of colonialism.”
He added: “Do you not think this is a windup?
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“I am sure these students are winding us up….
“I can’t get cross about it. It is so unintelligent that it doesn’t stack up. But that is what students do.”
Richard went on to add that Her Majesty’s portrait is on every bank note in the UK, asking if the students will now also stop using cash on the same grounds.
On Tuesday afternoon Education Secretary Gavin Williamson took to Twitter to condemn the decision.
The Conservative MP, penned: “Oxford University students removing a picture of the Queen is simply absurd.
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“She is the Head of State and a symbol of what is best about the UK.
“During her long reign she has worked tirelessly to promote British values of tolerance, inclusivity and respect around the world.”
In a statement, Magdalen College’s Middle Common Room President Matthew Katzman said: “The Magdalen College MCR voted yesterday to remove an inexpensive print of the queen that was hung in the common room a few years ago (a motion I brought forward in my role as MCR President as I do all motions raised in a sub-committee).
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‘It is being stored securely and will remain in the MCR’s art collection.
‘The action was taken after a discussion of the purpose of such a space, and it was decided that the room should be a welcoming, neutral place for all members regardless of background, demographic, or views.
‘The Royal Family is on display in many areas of the college, and it was ultimately agreed that it was an unnecessary addition to the common room.
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“The views of the MCR do not reflect the views of Magdalen College, and the aesthetic decisions made by the voting members of its committee do not equate to a statement on the Queen.
“Indeed, no stance was taken on the Queen or the Royal Family – the conclusion was simply that there were better places for this print to be hung.”
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