Autumn Statement 2015: Shadow chancellor John McDonnell just quoted Mao ZeDong’s Little Red Book in the House of Commons
Shadow chancellor John McDonnell might have been hoping to embarrass his counterpart over his growing ties with China.
But when he quoted Communist Party leader Mao ZeDong and brandished the infamous Little Red Book in the House of Commons the reaction was all directed towards McDonnell.
During his response to George Osborne's Autumn Statement, Labour's number two said: "Let's quote from Mao – rarely done in this chamber"
MPs weren't sure how to respond at first, but quickly guffaws travelled across the room, prompting McDonnell to tell them to "behave".
The quote was such: "We must learn to do economic work from all who know how, no matter who they are. We must esteem them as teachers, learning from them respectively and conscientiously. But we must not pretend to know what we do not know."
McDonnell quipped: "Thought it would come in handy in his new relationship."
Osborne was amused, but far from embarrassed by the stunt. "Look, he's brought his personal signed copy," he replied.
So far the reaction has been…
No the China power station joke won't work, Mr McDonnell, all that will cut through is that you read out communist literature in the Commons
— Harry Cole (@MrHarryCole) November 25, 2015
https://twitter.com/AFHStewart/status/669515399562665984
He read from the Little Red Book? #SpendingReview pic.twitter.com/j1iHrdXh8x
— Dave Jones (@WelshGasDoc) November 25, 2015
Here's the moment in all its glory.
John McDonnell quotes Chairman Mao's Little Red Book to @George_Osborne #bbcdp #SpendingReview https://t.co/xdu5CCDvLM
— BBC Daily Politics and Sunday Politics (@daily_politics) November 25, 2015