Nigel Farage: Breastfeeding mums should 'sit in the corner'

Nigel Farage has courted controversy by suggesting that breastfeeding mothers should "perhaps sit in the corner" to avoid disturbing those around them.

The Ukip leader said it was "common sense" that some people found it uncomfortable to see women breastfeeding.

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Speaking on his weekly LBC radio phone-in he said:

He also defended upmarket hotel Claridge's over an incident where restaraunt staff asked a new mother to cover herself up using a napkin to avoid "causing offence" to other diners.

The hotel said they "of course" allow mothers to breastfeed, but "ask guests to be discreet".

"Frankly, that's up to Claridge's. I very much take the view that if you're running an establishment you should have rules," Mr Farage said.

Asked whether mums should go to the bathroom to feed their babies, he replied: "Or perhaps sit in the corner, or whatever it might be – that's up to Claridge’s."

"It’s not an issue that I get terribly hung up about, but I know particularly people of the older generation feel awkward and embarrassed by it," he added.