David Cameron apologises for 'sexist' remarks

[RowanMumsnet]

Morning all

The Sunday Times is today reporting that David Cameron is apologising for 'using words that could have been interpreted as sexist' in his replies to two women MPs during Prime Minister's Questions; he's also saying that the Conservatives must to more to appeal to women voters.

The full article is here (£), but - at the risk of bringing the wrath of News International on my head [buttock-clench emoticon] here are the most relevant parts:

'David Cameron has issued a heartfelt apology for disrespectful remarks he made to two female MPs and admitted that the Conservative party must do more to appeal to women voters.

The prime minister acknowledged making a 'terrible mistake' in the House of Commons by using words that could have been interpreted as sexist.

In a highly personal interview, he insisted he was not 'one of the lads' and had not meant to cause offence... Cameron acknowledged he had 'screwed up' at prime minister's questions during exchanges with Labour's Angela Eagle, the shadow chief secretary to the Treasury, and one of his own backbenchers, Nadine Dorries. He insisted that he had been misunderstood.

'What I find frustrating is that I'm not a sort of 'All right luv, I'm down at the pub tonight' whatever. That's not me. But obviously I've come across in this way,' he said.'

Do let us know what you think.

Thanks
MNHQ

[fuckityfuckfuckfuck]

I think if he was really bothered about getting women voters he wouldn't have already shafted so many of us....

[GiganticusBottomus]

The article can only be read if you subscribe to the Times (as you know). I think if you want people to comment you can't expect them to pay, unless you only want the opinion of Times subscribers. The extracts don't give enough info, sorry!

[HoneyPablo]

Even though I was against Nadine Dorrries and her mission to make it harder for women to get a termination, I have to admit I was really shocked by the way Cameron treated her in the House of Commons. It showed a very nasty, sexist side to him and he really belittled her and I felt very sad for her, at the way she was publicly humiliated. Not very professional at all. I am not a fan of Cameron or any Conservative policies but I was shocked by his behaviour.
I get the feeling the apology is only forthcoming because he has been advised to do it. It is not sincere in the least.

[ElderberrySyrup]

Oh I saw this in the Times this morning (but didn't read it) and laughed like a drain. He must have had some opinion polls showing how much female support the Tories have lost but doesn't want to do anything that will actually cost money so he's taking the cheap way out of apologising for the sexist stuff.
Sorry Dave, it'll take more than that.

[TheCrackFox]

I'm not that bothered about the sexist remarks as the 2 female MPS are perfectly capable of sticking up for themselves.

However, I am bothered about the sexist policies that the Troy govt are in love with. Sacking lots of female public sector workers and cutting tax credits and child benefit are not a vote winner for me or, I suspect, for millions of other female voters.

[kelly2000]

I did not find the comments to Dorries sexist. I think her comments were more out of line. If Clegg had demanded David Cameron show Dorries who was boss everyone would say that was sexist. I think these comments were just used to deflect away from the fact Dorries behaved so terribly -hogging the floor for nearly the whole debate etc and the fact tories had to be told to vote against her, rather than doing so as they supported women's rights.

I think the fact that so many tories are trying to restrict abortion rights will stop me voting for them more than comments to Dorries. I also think that the fact they say they want to appeal to women by talking about maternity rights, child benefits etc is patronizing, as it seems they think women cannot be interested in anything other than children and fluffy kittnes. Apparently we have no opinions on iraq, the eurozone crisis, crime etc.
Oh, and when we said cutting sentences given to violent criminals such as rapists was wrong it was, according to a leading tory, only because we wanted to talk about rape as we found it sexually exciting, and that we needed to realise that some rape victims were willing, and rape was not always a serious crime etc. The implication being women against non-consensual sex were hysterical harpies who wanted to criminalize innocent men who had not raped a woman, merely had sex with her without her consent (a right-wing columnist actually came right out and said it was wrong that non-consensual sex was illegal)
Women know your place!

[EdithWeston]

Better that he realises and apologises than continues on his merry way.

But of course, like Labour on the economy, he'll only achieve absolution if he has a firm purpose of amendment (can't you tell I'm posting on a Sunday) and acts on it - something that the observer will only be able to decide by events from now on.

Or to put it another way "fine words butter no turnips". It's a starting point. We have to allow for the possibility of change. But it can only be judged over time by what he does from now on.

[stripeybump]

I think his comment that he's not an 'alright luv I'm off down the pub' type man is the most telling part.

Newsflash - it's not just working class men who can be sexist dicks Dave, misogynism doesn't have an accent.

[CogitoErgoSometimes]

I thought the 'frustrated' remark only went wrong because the rest of the members of the House of Commons (all parties) treated it as a double-entendre. You can't help it if you make a comment and others go off on the full Frankie Howerd. Why aren't they the ones apologising?

[stripeybump]

TSC

[Notchattingnow]

what were the comments ?

[purits]

This thread has a sticky
This thread is in Discussions of the Day
This thread was started by MNHQ

Why?

[HoorahHilda]

well said stripeybump.

[Dawndonna]

Will he apologise to those of us with disabled families, cutting our services, cutting benefits, marginalising us further? Funny, the vast majority of carers in this country are women, and yet again, it's us he's shafted.

[Notchattingnow]

what is a sticky... and why would it be in discussions of the day ?

[UrsulaBuffayTheVampireSlayer]

David Cameron is a cunt.

[lollystix]

Another one agreeing with Stripey - once again he demonstrates how totally out of touch with he is with the electorate. I can't abide the man.

[Notchattingnow]

yes, is MNHQ asking this "question" in response to a request from the Tories...MNHQ

[Prolesworth]

'Heartfelt apology' my arse

[OnEdge]

It is all a game to him - a wheeze,

[Notchattingnow]

MNHQ... why have you not told us the comments, only the apology.. ?
You're doing a fine job of promoting the Tories unless you show the comments as well

[Thumbwitch]

you might prefer this link - it even has video of the man saying it.