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A right-wing newspaper blaming the Chinese Communist party for the coronavirus has been landing on the doormats in homes across Merseyside.
The publication, labelled as “full of conspiracy theories” by some concerned residents and politicians, was this week delivered by Royal Mail posties in the Kirkby area.
And the 32-page “The Epoch Times” has also been delivered to homes in Birkenhead and Toxteth within the last month.
The controversial newspaper, published in America, suggests Covid-19 should instead be called the “CCP virus.”
The sudden arrival of the publication has caused anger and surprise among some locals in Knowsley, Wirral and Liverpool.
One mum, in her 40s, from Kirkby, told the ECHO: “It was actually put through my door by a postman, along with my usual mail.
“I went berserk when I saw it.
“I put it straight in the bin.
“I’m disgusted such right-wing rhetoric is being put through my front door.”
One of the headlines in the free newspaper, which was founded by Chinese-Americans in 2000, reads: “How China’s Communist Regime Endangered the World.”
In an editorial, it is titled: “Giving the right name to the virus causing a worldwide pandemic.”
Royal Mail said today they were aware of the publication and confirmed they were delivering it, having satisfied its normal checking procedures.
But bosses stressed they in no way condoned any views held by Epoch Times.
Mick Whitley, MP for Birkenhead said: “I have had reports that some residents in Birkenhead have received unsolicited copies of a publication called the ‘Epoch Times’.
“I had a look at it and I think a better name would be the ‘Crackpot Times.’
“It is full of wild accusations that the coronavirus was deliberately spread by the Chinese government.
“Not a shred of evidence is provided for this ridiculous conspiracy theory.
“The truth is that it is a pro-Donald Trump, pro-far-right publication.
“The last thing we need is fake news and misinformation about the public health crisis we are facing.
“My advice to the people of Birkenhead who are the unfortunate recipients of this rag is to put it to good use – straight into the recycling bin.”
On its website, Epoch Times says it was founded in the United States in the year 2000 “in response to communist repression and censorship in China” by Chinese-Americans who had “fled communism”.
It says it is “free from the influence of any government, corporation, or political party” and aims to “create a independent media to bring the world uncensored and truthful information”.
Sources within postal unions have expressed surprise how the publication was delivered by a uniformed Royal Mail worker, with other standard letters, and was not inside any kind of envelope.
One representative said: “If this is being delivered through official channels, it’s a concern.”
An NBC News investigation from last year found that the outlet spent more than $1.5 million on around 11,000 pro-Donald Trump advertisements over a six month period.
The organisation’s attempt at influencing opinion outside the US is now coming under scrutiny.
It was reported this week that people in Oakville, Etobicoke, Markham, and Toronto in Canada had received copies of a special edition of the publication.
Councillor Richard Kemp, leader of Liverpool’s Liberal Democrats said: “This is a worrying sign of the Americanisation of UK politics and the influence others, including the Russians, have on UK political life.
“And that may only get worse when we leave the EU.
“Misinformation can kill.
“The American civil service has investigated the source of coronavirus, and although it came from China, they know it was not artificially manufactured.”
The paper, delivered in worldwide in more than 30 countries, was dated April/May 2020 and was described as a “special edition.”
The ECHO has approached Royal Mail for comment.
