Nigel Farage investigated by police over to 'take knife to the pen pushers' after Brexit – The Independent, Independent

Nigel Farage was investigated by police after vowing to “take the knife to the pen pushers in Whitehall” after the UK leaves the EU.

TheBrexit Partyleader made the comments to around 500 supporters last week after criticizing no-deal warnings from civil servants at a rally in Newport, South Wales.

It prompted a complaint from Naomi Long, a Northern Ireland MEP, that his remarks were “a clear case of incitement to violence against staff in theCivil Service.

Gwent Policelaunched an investigation on Saturday before announcing a few hours later they had decided not to take any further action.                                                                                                                                                                                                         

“We are aware of the heightened tensions that exist regarding use of language, and take all allegations and concerns from members of the public very seriously,” said Assistant Chief Constable Rhiannon Kirk.

“However, following a thorough assessment, it is our view that the comments in the video do not constitute a criminal offence.”

It comes after Boris Johnson was criticized for his “inflammatory” language in parliament when he referred to a law banning a no-deal Brexit as “the Surrender Act”.

The prime minister went on to dismiss MP’s fears about death threats by saying that the best way to honor murdered Jo Cox was to “deliver Brexit”.

Mr Farage’s speech, made at The Neon in Newport on 21 September, ended by focusing on the “wall of propaganda” about the dangers of a no-deal Brexit.                                                                                                                                                                                                      

After mocking predictions of shortages of food and medicines contained in the Operation Yellowhammer documents, Mr Farage pointed to statements by the ports of Dover and Calais that they were “ready for Brexit”.

He added: “I suggest we listen to them and not the overpaid pen pushers in Whitehall who are not doing a neutral job, and once Brexit’s done, we will take the knife to them.”

As the crowd responded with loud cheers he said: “I’ve had enough of it. Had enough of all of it. ”

After police announced they were looking into the allegations of incitement, Mr Farage partially retracted his comments by tweeting: “I should have said ‘take the ax’, which is a more traditional term for cuts.”

Three months ago hedemanded police take action against Jo Brandafter the comic joked about throwing battery acid at politicians.                                                                                                                      

Ms Brand apologized for her “crass and ill-judged” remark andScotland Yard confirmed they had decided to take no further action.