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

whatever Cameron says will be attacked and completely savaged by many here on MN, just because ...

.....he's a twat

Well I've just speed read the whole threat .

I like David Cameron

I also second what Cogito and Damsel said previously about any pro Dave supporters being intimidated by very vitriolic anti tory ( indeed sometimes often very articulate ) insults.

I agree Fellatio, whatever Cameron says will be attacked and completely savaged by many here on MN, just because ...

sorry !
Just proved my point
forget what i said about articulate !

such prospects undoubtedly, there's no shortage of sexists in the Labour Party, some of whom joined in the media 'Blair's Babes' fest. But Labour's policies on things like childcare, equal pay for equal value, CTC, etc were pro women, unlike the Coalition's position. 'Family friendly' to the Condems means 'keep it in the family behind closed doors' and cut that wasteful public spending - so guess who ends up doing all the work, for free?

What were the other comments? I only knew of the "calm down dear" one.
Still don't think that one was sexist.

crazynanna: "he's a twat". Well, there's intelligent political debate for you.

Isn't it sexist in itself that the Conservatives think their support among women is dropping because of a couple of comments that DC made ... and not because of the actual policies?

It's as if they think women only listen to soundbites and don't bother their pretty heads with the actual policies.

That said, my view of DC has been quite heavily influenced by the "calm down, dear" episode. It reminded me that he is an Old Etonian Bullingdon Club member. Even if he has other, nicer, aspects, there is still going to be a part of him somewhere that reflects that history. Ugh.

Ah, so RowanMN is definitely a lefty. I thought as much. Agree that we should have had an explanation in the first place. I am becoming very, very tired of the lefty slant of MN.

'Lefty slant'? For quoting a Times article on comments David Cameron has made apologising?

I thought it was an openly known fact that educated women are more likely to be of a liberal political persuasion.

The overwhelming majority of MNetters are educated and articulate regardless of background, therefore it isn't exactly a shock that most posters would lean to the left.

I'm not so sure, RealMBJ I have a PhD, as do several of my friends. A couple of us are liberal/left; the rest are distinctly right-wing. We are all highly articulate (most of us write for a living). I think MN probably attracts a particular (left-leaning) type of educated and articulate woman, though. (That said, the level of swearing in some posts makes me wonder about the 'articulate' part ).

Sorry - missing full stop after MBJ.

My favourite part of the Guardian article was William Hague's helpful contribution:

"Yesterday William Hague, the foreign secretary, disputed the idea the Conservatives had a problem with women, telling a conference event in Manchester: "You only need to look at our highly accomplished wives." "

Just shows that all the Tories seem to be these days is men supported by "highly accomplished wives". Have they forgotten their female Tory leader from a few years back? :o

Alice I don't disagree. I personally think, overall, Labour party policies are better for women and especially mothers.

But you'd think from some of the comments here that the the Conservatives are evil incarnate and the Labour party could do no wrong. Where as I think they are actually really fairly close. Labour were a big disappointment in a lot of ways and the rise in porn culture and sexual exploitation of women under their watch points to a party that does not, at it's core, think of women much differently to the Conservatives.

When did we get the attempts to change legislation on licensing lap dance clubs? And on sexual violence? And the sex industry? Labour. The dread name Harriet Harman springs to mind, and Jacqui Smith with her helpful sons and their porn habits (for which her husband took the flak). I'mnot a Labour supporter btw, too right wing for me, but they're not comparable to the Tories.

panzee oh yes, those wives

"Yesterday William Hague, the foreign secretary, disputed the idea the Conservatives had a problem with women, telling a conference event in Manchester: "You only need to look at our highly accomplished wives."

Is there a [head in hands] emoticon?

George Osborne's head on a little plate in my hands?

It's sexist to assume women are only interested in childcare. No women with brains should marry or tolerate sexist men who h eap childcare stuff solely into their lap. I am much more interested in flat tax, a small state and less regulation than heaping benefits on to the poor or middle earners and I'm female.

Justine, what view did you give to Sky News?

Xenia - do you not believe that government has a responsibility to look after the weakest in society? In a well-off country like this, a welfare state comes cheap. Not everyone can earn in the top percentile and if working people can't afford life then government needs to examine policies and try to fix it. It's a very 'I'm alright Jack' attitude you seem to have.

proon here you go

news.sky.com/home/article/16081284

Thanks crazynanna.
Justine I am disappointed you didn't call him a leader presiding over a wholly misogynistic government whose sole and transparent aim is to further the interests of rich white men, but good work anyway