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Michelle Devane/PA Wire
World News

MP mocks EU leader's theology after 'place in hell' remark

Mr Rees-Mogg, a Catholic, questioned the theological authority of Donald Tusk - contrasting him with the noted 13th-century theologian Thomas Aquinas.

In a tweet, the 49-year-old said: "Mr Tusk is hardly in the Aquinas class as a theologian..."

Mr Tusk made the comments while speaking alongside the Irish prime minister (pictured below, left) on Wednesday, when he also said the bloc would not make "any new offer" to the UK concerning a Brexit agreement. Mrs May has wanted to renegotiate.

The former Polish prime minister concluded: "I have been wondering what that special place in hell looks like for those who promoted Brexit without even a sketch of a plan to carry it out safely."

Another Christian MP, Andrea Leadson, who backed Brexit, said Mr Tusk ought to apologise.

The Leader of the House of Commons told the BBC: "I think that what he has said is pretty unacceptable and pretty disgraceful.

"I'm sure that when he reflects on it he may well wish he hadn't done it."

Michelle Devane/PA Wire

Biblical scholars including John McArthur have used verses such as Hebrews 10:29 (which refers to the punishment for those who "trample on the Son of God underfoot") to argue there are "varying degrees" of suffering in hell.

Documents such as 'The Nature of Hell' report published by the Evangelical Alliance in 2000 have acknowledged differing views while trying to clarify a Biblical stance on the subject.

PA

Other MPs, such as the SNP's Westminster leader were more sympathetic towards Mr Tusk. Ian Blackford said the European Commission President spoke a lot of sense and was "expressing frustration".

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