A decision to name a £200 million research ship after Sir David Attenborough has been met with fury by an angry Twitter mob who claim the choice of name was 'undemocratic.'
A public ballot saw the name Boaty McBoatface emerge as the most popular choice, but this was rejected in favour of honouring the much-loved naturalist for his 90th birthday.
Science minister Jo Johnson today confirmed the name Boaty McBoatface would instead be used an undersea research vehicle, and the £200 million ship would be named after Sir David Attenborough.
But this was not enough to placate hordes of 'disenfranchised' Boaty fans who claimed the naming decision was undemocratic.
Outraged members of the public have taken to social media to complain about a ‘lack of democracy’, using the hashtag #thepeoplesboat.
Former BBC presenter James Hand, who came up with the Boaty McBoatface name, said he thought the RRS David Attenborough was an 'excellent choice'.
He added: "I'm really please to hear Boaty McBoatface will live on. The name appeals to the child in us: that's one of the reasons it's been so popular.
"There's something about the work of a remote-controlled underwater robot which does the same, so in a way it's quite an appropriate selection.
"I never expected Boaty to become as popular as it has, and I'm glad NERC have chosen to harness some of that interest.
"I'm looking forward to the work of both the RRS David Attenborough, and of course, Boaty McBoatface.
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