A BBC Scotland radio host repeatedly interrupted a Remain voter as she tried to explain why she was “terrified” that the Prime Minister was to suspend Parliament in the run up to Brexit.
Yesterday, Boris Johnson received agreement from the Queen to prorogue Parliament from September 9 until October 14.
The UK is set to leave the EU on October 31 with or without a deal, according to the Prime Minister.
The news was understandably the main topic of discussion on BBC Scotland’s Call Kaye.
One Remain voter, Morag from Dundee, called in to explain why she was “terrified” but was barely able to finish a sentence during the entire exchange.
She said she was looking beyond Brexit and that suspending Parliament in this way was something that hasn’t happened since the time of Charles I, “and we all know what happened to him” – referring to the fact the monarch was beheaded – adding that it was unfortunate that this wouldn’t happen to Johnson.
Morag then began to explain that she is worried that Johnson could theoretically suspend Parliament for as long as he likes.
READ MORE: Brexit: 'Dictator' Boris Johnson shuts down Parliament
Adams cut Morag off to return to a previous listener’s text about how the move to prorogue Parliament has strengthened the UK negotiating position with EU.
“This is a positive, decisive action,” Adams put to Morag.
“Is it really? Well what it actually is, as far as I’m concerned, is making the UK – the dis-UK – a laughing stock, a bigger laughing stock in Europe than it already is,” said Morag.
“As you very well know, I tend to look at politics from a Scottish perspective and we did not vote to leave. Yet again, we are being dragged out of something by a government that we didn’t vote for…”
Adams then interrupts Morag to bring in Jack Montgomery, the Scottish spokesperson for Leave.EU.
“On what particular point?” asked Montgomery.
“Well, do you want to respond to Morag?” said Adams, before allowing Montgomery to speak at length, uninterrupted.
“I think it really goes to show the state of mind of some Remainers that we’re now talking about beheading the Prime Minister,” said Montgomery.
“I mean, this was a vote was taken three years ago now. There’s been three years to debate it.
“Even before that, during the referendum and in the lead up to the referendum, when we’re discussing whether or not this should be done, whether or not it’ll be a good idea."
READ MORE: First Minister: Boris Johnson has made independence 'inevitable'
He continues, uninterrupted: “The question has been settled. I mean, this idea that there was ‘the Scottish vote’ – Scotland voted to remain in the United Kingdom in 2014 and this [the EU referendum] was a United Kingdom vote.
“Although there are, I should say, some prominent Scottish nationalists who are in favour of Brexit like Jim Sillars, the former SNP deputy leader, who recognised you’re not really independent in a meaningful way if you’re still in the European Union, having your foreign policy, your business regulation your trade policy and so on controlled by foreign politicians.”
Adams finally cut off Montgomery to put to Morag that not all Scottish nationalists are in favour of remaining in the EU.
She was allowed to complete half a sentence before again being cut off: “Well Jack is really quoting the wrong person given that Jim Sillars…”
“Well, we don't’ have to talk specifically about Jim Sillars,” interrupted Adams.
“Sorry, he’s quoted Jim Sillars...” responded Morag, before trying to expand but again she is spoken over, this time by Montgomery.
“In 1984 Jim Sillars was the proponent of independence in Europe…” began Morag.
“Now he’s repudiated it, his view has changed,” Montgomery interrups.
“He can change his mind, so can others,” says Morag, “but my point I’m trying to make, and I think it’s a legitimate one is, this is the most scary, undemocratic…”
“What’s scary about it, Morag? What is scary about it?” asks Adams, again talking over Morag, who is once again unable to finish a sentence.
Morag continues: “It shows a Prime Minister, and Boris Johnson is a classic example of that, can have unfettered power if he so desires. He is in a position where he has neutered Parliament.
“Parliament effectively ceases to exist…”
READ MORE: Brexit: MPs launch legal bid to reverse Parliament shutdown
Adams again interrupts: “Well, well, hang on, and again we have to say, we have to say this is from between September 9-10 until October 14.”
“That’s what he’s saying now ...” adds Morag before being cut off yet again.
“So you don’t trust that? You don’t trust that, Morag?” asks Adams.
Morag tries to answer but Adams just talks over her: “OK, let’s bring in Hazel.”
Hazel begins by saying she fully agrees with Morag and is allowed to speak uninterrupted for a substantial period of time.
Hazel talks about her personal situation and that medication is “fairly pivotal to my existence” and that she is worried about shortages in the event of a No-Deal Brexit.
After her lengthy and detailed answer, Adams asks: “But what are you scared about?”
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