REDBRIDGE: "Nazi" jibe over foster care smoking ban

8:44am Tuesday 11th November 2008

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REDBRIDGE councillor Michael Stark has been branded a "Nazi" and an "ignorant pig" during a live radio debate.

Presenter Jon Gaunt was suspended over the jibes made on his national Talksport show, in reference to the decision to ban smokers from fostering in Redbridge.

Mr Gaunt, who spent time in care as a child, was interviewing Cllr Stark about the decision during the show on Friday (November 7).

During the debate, cabinet member for children's services Cllr Stark stated children's welfare should be put ahead of the needs of foster families.

But Mr Gaunt argued the ban could mean children in care would lose out on the chance to be fostered.

And the Foster Network have also criticised the ban, saying that while it was a "good move in terms of creating a smoke-free environment for a child", it did not agree with the "blanket ban on any smokers becoming foster carers".

A Talksport spokesman said: "When we have all the facts at our disposal, we will take whatever action, if any, that we deem appropriate."

Talksport is investigating Mr Gaunt's comments to Cllr Stark after "a number of complaints" from listeners.