IT'S often been said that Theresa May will say whatever will help her stay in power – no matter how it contradicts the stance she held right up until that point.
So, it shouldn't come as a surprise when this pot calls the kettle black ... but her latest outburst is still breath-taking in its sheer hypocrisy.
Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Ayanna Pressley, Ilhan Omar and Rashida Tlaib, three congresswomen of colour, have been taking the American political scene by storm with their progressive politics and steadfast principles.
Despite being a firm opponent of steadfast principles, Theresa May felt she ought to defend the group from a racist tweet by Donald Trump.
The US president had tweeted: "So interesting to see 'Progressive' Democrat Congresswomen, who originally came from countries whose governments are a complete and total catastrophe, the worst, most corrupt and inept anywhere in the world (if they even have a functioning government at all), now loudly and viciously telling the people of the United States, the greatest and most powerful Nation on earth, how our government is to be run.
"Why don’t they go back and help fix the totally broken and crime infested places from which they came. Then come back and show us how it is done. These places need your help badly, you can’t leave fast enough.
"I’m sure that Nancy Pelosi would be very happy to quickly work out free travel arrangements!"
He didn't name them, but the reference to Pelosi comes after the Democratic Party speaker of the House of Representatives clashed with that more progressive group of Ocasio-Cortez, Omar, Pressley and Tlaib.
Trump's tweet was, of course, racist nonsense. Aside from the fact three of the four are from America, the dog-whistles are clear as day.
Enter Prime Minister Theresa May.
A Downing Street spokesman, speaking on her behalf, said: "The Prime Minister's view is that the language used to refer to these women was completely unacceptable."
So, telling them to "go home" was unacceptable, was it, Prime Minister? We agree.
And yet we wonder what Theresa May would think of this van, which drove around London, also telling people to "go home".
That would be the van that she introduced as part of the hostile environment as Home Secretary. The van she had drive around London.
At least May is almost out the door though, right? She can take her hypocrisy to new lands after leaving No 10.
... instead, we'll be getting Boris Johnson, who just hours after this racist rant gave a blank cheque to Trump, saying a trade deal with the US would be a top priority. His first move, in fact.
Meanwhile, in Scotland...
The President of the United States telling elected politicians - or any other Americans for that matter - to ‘go back’ to other countries is not OK, and diplomatic politeness should not stop us saying so, loudly and clearly. https://t.co/HorD7wQOvP
— Nicola Sturgeon (@NicolaSturgeon) July 15, 2019
As part of a Union with Boris Johnson in charge, Scotland is only going to be dragged closer to this disgraceful US president. We can do so much better.
Why are you making commenting on The National only available to subscribers?
We know there are thousands of National readers who want to debate, argue and go back and forth in the comments section of our stories. We’ve got the most informed readers in Scotland, asking each other the big questions about the future of our country.
Unfortunately, though, these important debates are being spoiled by a vocal minority of trolls who aren’t really interested in the issues, try to derail the conversations, register under fake names, and post vile abuse.
So that’s why we’ve decided to make the ability to comment only available to our paying subscribers. That way, all the trolls who post abuse on our website will have to pay if they want to join the debate – and risk a permanent ban from the account that they subscribe with.
The conversation will go back to what it should be about – people who care passionately about the issues, but disagree constructively on what we should do about them. Let’s get that debate started!
Callum Baird, Editor of The National
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel