Dominic Raab defends Game of Thrones comments

Dominic Raab has defended himself after he was heavily criticised over his suggestion that "taking the knee" was a symbol of subjugation which originated in TV drama Game Of Thrones.

The Foreign Secretary said he would not take the knee in support of the Black Lives Matter movement, saying he only kneels for "the Queen and the missus when I asked her to marry me".

In response to the backlash, Raab said: "On this issue of bending the knee I understand that for many of them, this feels like a way of showing conscientious objection that dates back to the 2016 NFL circumstances."

The fallout started when the de facto deputy prime minister told talkRADIO: "I understand this sense of frustration and restlessness which is driving the Black Lives Matter movement.

"I've got to say on this taking the knee thing – which I don't know, maybe it's got a broader history – but it seems to be taken from the Game Of Thrones.

"It feels to me like a symbol of subjugation and subordination, rather than one of liberation and emancipation – but I understand people feel differently about it so it is a matter of personal choice."

Asked if he would take the knee, Mr Raab replied: "I take the knee for two people: the Queen and the missus when I asked her to marry me."

Mr Raab's original comments drew fierce criticism from Labour, with shadow justice secretary David Lammy describing the remarks as "deeply embarrassing".