The leader of the SNP Ian Blackford branded Boris Johnson a 'racist' during PMQs today, and the internet exploded with responses.
Speaking to the House of Commons during PMQs today, Blackford said:
I ask does the prime minister realise, not only is the member racist, he is stoking division in communities, and has a record of dishonesty.
When he was challenged by Speaker of the House John Bercow, who urged him to 'be extremely careful in the language that he uses' and then urged him to 'weigh his words', Blackford refused to withdraw his comments, saying:
Mr Speaker I have informed the member, but the member has described Muslim women as 'letterboxes'; described African people as having 'watermelon smiles' and another disgusting slur that I would never dignify by repeating.
If that's not racist, Mr Speaker, I don't know what is.
He also added:
Does the prime minister honestly believe that this man is fit for the office of prime minister?
SNP's Ian Blackford calls Boris Johnson "racist", saying the Tory leadership frontrunner is "stoking division, and… https://t.co/Siqp7dDk0N— BBC Politics (@BBC Politics) 1560943775
Needless to say, the internet erupted with commentary and takes after Blackford delivered his controversial remarks.
Some agreed with the brand 'racist'.
John Bercow: I urge the member to carefully consider accusations of racism against a current Member. Ian Blackford… https://t.co/MckfPQWjQV— Lou (@Lou) 1560943677
Others thought that he was 'playing for headlines'.
Ian Blackford plays for headlines again- calls Boris “racist”— Steve Hawkes (@Steve Hawkes) 1560943414
And that he was being 'savage'.
This is a brutal dismantlement of “racist” Boris Johnson from Ian Blackford. Absolutely savage. #PMQs https://t.co/8Iv3rVTVFi— Rachael Swindon (@Rachael Swindon) 1560944419
Is this a taste of the type of PMQs to come if the foreign secretary gets the top job?
Ian Blackford calls Boris Johnson racist, and doubles down on the comments when Speaker Bercow suggests he withdraw… https://t.co/e67AgOloq6— Joe Pike (@Joe Pike) 1560943624
Blimey, it's really all kicking off!
Blimey, kicking off at #PMQs - Ian Blackford calls Boris Johnson racist. Then doubles down when he is asked to wi… https://t.co/Wetl18Nlkt— Shehab Khan (@Shehab Khan) 1560943722
Some loved how forthcoming Blackford was with his opinions.
Ian Blackford is not holding back at all today and I am loving it. Absolutely zero shits given!— Katie Blow (@Katie Blow) 1560943531
Others just noted how staunchly he maintained his opinion, even when asked to retract it.
Tories, particularly on the far end of the house, furiously shouting at Ian Blackford to “withdraw” his comments ca… https://t.co/ZGFAtpvnMg— Mikey Smith (@Mikey Smith) 1560943594
In response to Blackford's comments, the prime minister Theresa May said that PMQs was about asking questions about actions of the government, reports the New European.
She added:
I can say that I believe any Conservative PM would be better for Scotland than the SNP.
Blackford emerged unscathed from the proceedings, much to the ire of many Tory backbenchers.
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