So Ms Rayner has now apologised for and retracted her 'scum' comment.
I don't think it is a coincidence that she has done so at the same time as somebody has been sentenced for threats to her/her family. Two others have been arrested and are being interviewed/investigated for similar offences. It's quite apparent she's has had a deluge of terrifying threats, not just to her but to her children as well. She's also on compassionate leave following the loss of a loved one so it's reasonable to conclude she's at a low ebb anyway.
Even mainstream commentators have tried to suggest a link between her remarks and the murder of David Amess. The reality, based on the limited facts available whilst there are live court proceedings, is that the motive was associated with extreme Islam and possibly Middle East/African politics and that the crime was long in the planning.
Retraction seems to be an attempt to dial down the rhetoric.
Whether the 'scum' comment was or was not over the top the fact that she's effectively been intimidated into withdrawal/apology is not a good thing for political discourse.
Last edited by: Bromptonaut on Fri 29 Oct 21 at 11:17
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