Rishi Sunak ridiculed online for bizarre tactic: 'No other UK PM ever seen doing this'

UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak can't seem to catch a break. He is currently being investigated by the Parliamentary standards watchdog over a declaration of interest breach related to his wife Akshata Murthy. And now, a video has forced him into the spotlight once again.

A video of what appears to be Sunak’s motorcade being escorted by police officers on bikes and running alongside on foot was filmed on Sunday 23 April. It is believed the measures were taken due road closures for the London Marathon and a four-day Extinction Rebellion protest, which threatened to disrupt the marathon.

Rishi Sunak compared to Kim Jong-un

The clip shows a group of police officers on bikes leading the motorcade, with one shouting 'out the way please' and pushing members of the public off the road. They are followed by officers running on foot. There are then several officers on motorbikes before a fleet of cars, with more officers running on foot at the rear.

One police officer was filmed confirming it was 'the Prime Minister' after being asked by a passerby.

The video has been shared widely on Twitter, sparking comparisons with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, who has also had bodyguards run alongside his car.

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@MurtazaViews tweeted:

PM Rishi Sunak enjoying VIP protocol of motorcade of cars, bikes, close protection and police running along North Korea style - no other UK PM ever seen doing this

Twitter user @snb19692 wrote:

Ahhh... the Supreme President Leader King of Kings Sunak of the UK!

@g_gosden tweeted:

Kim Jong-un or Rishi Sunak’s imperial guard. What has #brexit Britain become?

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⋙ Rishi Sunak facing backlash after being caught breaking the rules yet again

Rishi Sunak ridiculed

Others simply mocked the bizarre police escort. The account @Parody_PM tweeted:

Nothing says high status like being heralded by police on bicycles and their wheezing mates trying to keep up.

@secrettory12 wrote:

The ones at the back are jogging because Rishi offered to fill up their cars but didn't know how to use his bank card to pay.

While @thomasdolphin tweeted:

What on earth is this? Is this some kind of low-carbon motorcade??

According to a government source cited by The Telegraph, it is thought that the Metropolitan Police's tactics were to try and avoid Extinction Rebellion protesters, and not a new standard.

Asked whether this was the case, the Prime Minister’s official spokesman said: 'On security issues, that is one for the Met Police, rather than us'. However, the Met Police declined to comment on 'matters of private security'.

Sources used:

Express: 'Sunak mocked for jogging police officers next to his car as he's compared to Kim Jong-Un'

LBC: 'Rishi Sunak's police escort compared to North Korea as officers are seen jogging along next to his motorcade'

The Telegraph: 'Watch: Rishi Sunak escorted by 'North Korean-style' motorcade to avoid Extinction Rebellion'