WE were fully aware that Conservative MPs have little understanding of Scotland – but it seems even our accent is too much now.
Sir Paul Beresford MP, who represents Mole Valley, Surrey, was answering questions about the parliamentary estate.
Some background: Beresford was born in New Zealand in 1946, and grew up in the country. By 1978 he was elected as a councillor to London's Wandsworth Borough Council, and was its leader through much of Thatcher's rule.
David Linden, SNP MP for Glasgow East, was one of those asking a question today.
He said: "I know from speaking to a number of parliamentary colleagues that there are still certain aspects of the estate, including the northern estate, that are not great for people with disabilities.
"Can I ask the honourable gentleman what work is being done to make this place more accessible, particularly for some of our colleagues who have a disability?"
Communication problems in the Commons. pic.twitter.com/TQWJfUwbw3
— Tom Moseley (@moseleytom) October 18, 2018
You can watch the clip above and judge for yourself how hard that was to understand, because the Tory MP replied: "I'm sorry, it must be something to do with my Antipodean background. Could he please repeat the question, because I didn't follow it."
Linden patiently asked again, taking it a little slower to help the MP understand his exotic Scottish accent.
It wasn't enough. Beresford again responded: "I'm really sorry. Please could he do it very slowly and in Antipodean English."
At that point, deputy speaker Lindsay Hoyle intervened: "I think the answer might be helped if you can reply in writing, when you'll read it."
Linden tweeted out a hilarious response later too:
This pretty much sums up my morning. pic.twitter.com/vKWnJAaKhw
— David Linden MP (@DavidLinden) October 18, 2018
Maybe Theresa May could adopt this tactic when she's struggling with SNP questions at PMQs? Their Scottish accent is a little strong – we'll just have to put it off until later...
Labour MP Chris Elmore got up to ask the next question, and he had the perfect concluding line: "I'm Welsh, so God help him."
Beresford's struggle has made the rounds too. Even the Washington Post has an article on it!
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