Liberal Democrat Advisor Suggests Gassing Anti-Ulez Campaigners

Michael Tarling was responding to a photo of an anti-Ulez rally. poisoned by carbon monoxide in a social media post that has been called offensive.

Michael Tarling, councilor for Christchurch in Dorset, said on Twitter that he would «happily fill a room with carbon monoxide» in response to a photo showing a church hall where a rally against Edinburgh's ultra-low emission charge was to take place.

Mr Tarling, a chartered building consultant who once appeared in pantomime, posted his response on Friday. morning.

The liberal leadership of the Democratic Party decided not to suspend him, preferring to send him on an awareness course instead. A party spokesman said: «Michael apologized for his comments and agreed to receive appropriate awareness training.»

The advisor's account was quickly suspended by Twitter for violating its rules, which was welcomed by several users of the social media platform.

One user wrote: “Luckily Michael Tarling has an account. suspended after hate speech site. Tarling let his party down [LibDems]. Tarling was clearly happy to fill the #Together supporter room with carbon monoxide.»

Michael Tarling's Twitter account was suspended following his comment

Alan Miller, founder of the #Together group that organized the meeting in Edinburgh, wrote: «Instead of slander, open debate about what is needed. Neither liberal nor democratic.»

#Together opposes Ulez's indictment anywhere in the country, arguing that banning old diesel cars has no «measurable health benefits» and limits people's freedom and ability to earn for life.

In his biography of the Christchurch council, Mr. Tarling is described as having a «great interest in the environment and science.»

He is a member of Discover Science Christchurch, a group of scientists and engineers hoping to open a new scientific attraction in the city, and says he is «proud to appear as a panto lamp genie a few years ago.»

Earlier this year, Mr. Tarling played a major role in promoting plans to introduce a 20 mph speed limit in Christchurch.

He did not respond to requests for comment.