News

Anti-vax campaigner widely criticised for comparing nurses with Nazis at London rally

RCN says struck-off nurse Kate Shemirani’s ‘reprehensible’ comments could put staff at risk

RCN says struck-off nurse Kate Shemirani’s ‘reprehensible’ comments could put nursing staff at risk

Struck-off nurse Kate Shemirani speaks to anti-vax protesters in London’s Trafalgar Square on Saturday 24 July
Kate Shemirani addresses anti-vax protesters in London’s Trafalgar Square on 24 July Picture: Martin Pope/SOPA Images via ZUMA Press Wire

A former nurse and anti-vax campaigner who compared nurses and doctors with Nazis has been accused of putting nursing staff at risk.

Police are investigating after Kay Allison Shemirani, known as Kate, likened NHS nurses and doctors to those executed after the second world war for their part in Nazi atrocities.

RCN expects employers to ensure ‘they are doing all they can to protect nursing staff’

Speaking at an anti-vax rally in central London on 24 July, Ms Shemirani urged protesters to get the names of NHS doctors and nurses administering the COVID-19 vaccine and ‘email them to me’.

‘At the Nuremberg trials, the doctors and nurses stood trial and they hung,’ she said. ‘If you are a doctor or a nurse, now is the time to get off that bus, stand with us, the people.’

Ms Shemirani, who worked as an aesthetic nurse practitioner, was removed from the Nursing and Midwifery Council register in June this year after claiming COVID-19 was a scam and vaccinations were poisonous.

Her speech at Saturday’s event – billed as a ‘live debate’ on COVID-19 – prompted a wave of criticism from nursing leaders and others.

RCN general secretary Pat Cullen said: ‘Some nursing staff have been subjected to abhorrent behaviour throughout this pandemic. Comments like these are reprehensible and could put nursing staff at risk. We urge the public to continue to support our hard-working healthcare workers.

‘We expect employers to ensure they are doing all they can to protect nursing staff.’

London Mayor calls for police investigation

Mayor of London Sadiq Khan said Ms Shemirani’s comments were ‘appalling’.

Police reviewing rally video to establish if any offences committed by speech

The Metropolitan Police confirmed they were reviewing video footage of the rally.

‘We are aware of video circulating online showing a speech that occurred during a rally in Trafalgar Square,’ a police spokesperson said. Officers are carrying out enquiries to establish whether any offences have been committed. No arrests have been made.’

What to do if you experience abuse on social media or at work

  • Do not engage with online trolls
  • Raise the matter with your line manager
  • Seek support from the RCN
  • If you are physically assaulted contact the police and report the assault
  • Report your concerns to your line manager and document the assault

Adapted from the RCN COVID-19 (coronavirus) FAQs and violence in the workplace



In other news

Jobs