Dom Joly in Twitter debate with MP Fysh after Brexit call

Marcus Fysh became embroiled in an argument on Twitter with the likes of comedian Dom Joly and actor Ralph Little after his call to a radio station failed to leave the mark intended.

The member of parliament called London-based talk radio station LBC (Leading Britain’s Conversation) in an attempt to persuade host James O’Brien that there were positives to Brexit.

After Mr Fysh failed to convert the presenter and the show tweeted a link to his call-in, the MP responded: “In which a prominent Remainer having asked for rational discourse about why he should be optimistic then demonstrates inability to open his mind and shuts it down.”

This sparked more than 600 responses, including from James O’Brien, comedian Dom Joly and some of his Yeovil constituents.

Simon Morris, an enterprise architect from London, asked ‘could you put forward an argument as to why your constituents will be measurably better off after Brexit?’

After the MP simply replied ‘yes’, actor Ralph Little became involved.

The Royle Family star tweeted: “You have just been asked a civil question about a subject you claim to be knowledgeable about and responded in a trite and dismissive way.

“You were all talk when it was just name calling. Shame on you.

“Answer your constituents like an adult.”

During Mr Fysh’s debate with Dom Joly, the comedian told the MP to ‘not embarrass himself’, that he was ‘a numpty’, and that Mr Fysh ‘argued like a pre-schooler’.

Following the social media spat, the Somerset MP said: “As the presenter said he wanted to hear positive ideas and to take a more constructive approach, I called the LBC show to mention the very positive meetings I have had with US and Canadian representatives regarding hugely beneficial potential trade deals with North America.

“Unfortunately James O’Brien wouldn’t let me articulate this and I then experienced a similarly aggressive and negative response on Twitter.

“This is a time when we need positive action and reassurance for people and businesses.

“I am working hard at making Brexit work; I have held discussions with Government and border officials in America and Canada, for example, and this week I am meeting Michel Barnier in Brussels.

“The approach taken by those still wishing to reverse the result of the referendum actually puts at risk some of the massive opportunities that we should be seizing.”