Ann Widdecombe should apologise

[Songsofexperience]

Her ludicrous speech comparing EU membership to slavery is a spit in the face of every descendant of actual slaves. Shame on her.

Oh god how embarrassing!

The country that probably enjoys the most privileged position in the entire EU being compared with the slave trade...

"I disapprove of what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it"

This profoundly trite phrase is almost exclusively used to justify the oppressive acts of people in a position of privilege, and if I never saw it again I would be delighted.

I've certainly never heard of slaves that were able to democratically vote themselves out of slavery... Might just be me though!

The context doesn't help her here at all; she's still saying that we are being oppressed by the EU. If anyone here agreeing with her would like to explain how that's true, I'd love to hear it.

IMO if we're going to talk about the oppression that's actually led to Brexit, we should look at the oppression of the working classes by the wealthy who are exploiting workers, and the government who are denying funding and care to the most vulnerable. But I'm sure Ann won't agree with me on that one. 🤷

@cinnamon how can something be "objectively offensive" when the concept of offence is subjective in itself?

She's a pillock. In bed with other pillocks.

She clearly has no idea about either the EU or slavery.

Yes she has the right to say what she wants on her own behalf - but she is supposed to be representing her constituents in the EU parliament - so needs to be more careful that what she says does represent her constituents best interests. This clearly does not!

She is my MEP and I'm disgusted with her, she's an embarrassment to this Country and to me her constituent.
Shame on her she dies not speak for me !

Best laugh of the week

This profoundly trite phrase is almost exclusively used to justify the oppressive acts of people in a position of privilege, and if I never saw it again I would be delighted.

Agreed! It’s also such a lazy get-out and misses the point. The OP is - quite rightly - saying that AW should apologise for her embarrassing and inaccurate remarks, not that she should be imprisoned for them. Saying that someone should apologise for a stupid or unpleasant comment isn’t the same as challenging their right to free speech.

I wouldn’t really expect anything else from her tbh, amazed anyone would. She’s hardly known for her political correctness.

She and her party are an embarrassment to us all.

Agreed! It’s also such a lazy get-out and misses the point. The OP is - quite rightly - saying that AW should apologise for her embarrassing and inaccurate remarks, not that she should be imprisoned for them. Saying that someone should apologise for a stupid or unpleasant comment isn’t the same as challenging their right to free speech

That’s exactly right

She is a dreadful woman and getting more and more ridiculous. That is a really terrible thing to say and completly inaccurate. Yes she should apologise but she won't.

Most of the people on this thread are descended from Slaves. By thinking of only one type of slave, you have actually got a very prejudice view of what slavery is.

Ann Widdicombe should apologise simply for being Ann Widdicombe...

tttigress

Indeed, I had all descendants of slaves in mind, and also people who are living in slavery right now (as that unfortunately still exists).

Yes she has the right to say it. As I have the right to say she is a stupid, nasty woman who shames this country.

Idisapprove of what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it

What a naive and silly comment to make.

You can defend anyone's right to say this sort of stuff whilst still saying what a total prat they are making of themselves.
Every one has a right to say stupid stuff from time to time but some people abuse the privilege.

Idisapprove of what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it

What a naive and silly comment to make

You do all know that's what the western concept of free speech is base dont you?

Just because you think restrictions on speech work in your favour now doesnt mean they always will. Hence why you protect it at all cost, and at all times.

Bunch of chairman mao's in the making you lot.

@Nearlythere1, yes you do have thunder thighs, your DDs are properly below average in looks as are you and none of your kids will amount to anything. Your parents were dumb and you don’t have any real mates. Your house is shit and your DH is so bored of you he’d rather look at the wall than fuck you.

I look forward to your silence on this matter due to your belief in absolute free speech and not wanting to be a Chairman Mao.

Kind regards,

Unfinished.

Freedom of speech doesn’t mean freedom from responsibility or basic manners.

I heard the speech. Disgraceful to talk about slaves, the rest of the speech was just awful pantomime.

Since the vote for the act of economic self-harm, I do everything possible to avoid having to be identified as British when abroad.

*Doesn't make the content of what she said morally justifiable.

• who are you t say whats morally justified i personally thought it was good and clearly touched a nerve!!!!

clearly touched a nerve!!!!

No nerve touched here

I just thought it was a fucking stupid thing to say

Quite obviously we are not slaves