Five perfect reactions to Betty Boothroyd’s powerful call for a People’s Vote
The Prime Minister’s agreed deal for withdrawing from the European Union is to face a fourth indicative vote, having spectacularly failed at the last three attempts. It’s the Eddie the Eagle of parliamentary proposals, except people liked Eddie the Eagle.
Former Speaker of the House of Commons, Betty Boothroyd, has put her view on why any deal should be put back to the people, and she makes a powerful case.
"Changing your mind when you know what’s happening and you don’t like it. That’s what democracy is all about"
The legendary Betty Boothroyd explains why we must work together with young people for a #PeoplesVote.
Join her and demand a #PeoplesVote: https://t.co/2TNMutoGSP pic.twitter.com/YIlg6TVL66
— People's Vote UK (@peoplesvote_uk) May 18, 2019
“My quality of life is not going to be disturbed. It’s the young people today whose quality of life in a few years time is just going to be deteriorating. It is up to them to make decisions about the future of this country and where we go.”
“I saw war-torn Europe and what extremism, what Fascism had done to it. I fought the national front in West Bromwich. I know what they’re like. We can all do it, we’re not cowards. It is not a country of cowards.”
Naturally, not everyone was happy with her take on things.
I'm quite happy for you and this sly woman to change your minds, and even change yourr situation if you can.
But I won't have her and her ilk telling me and 17,399,999 other people to change their decision just because you don't like it.
THAT IS NOT DEMOCRACY! https://t.co/AfLf7EyrFy
— Angry Old Bloke (@BlokeByTheSea) May 19, 2019
We voted leave we should leave you cant change your mind because you don’t like the result Scotland didn’t vote for the torys for government but we got them so should we have another one hoping we don’t get them ?
— David Allison (@D4vid57) May 19, 2019
But the overwhelming response has been positive. These are the five comments that encapsulate the pro-Betty reactions.
1.
Plain-spoken, principled and relentless. In an age of populist frauds, Boothroyd is the real deal. https://t.co/1d8mCwzKIz
— Ian Dunt (@IanDunt) May 18, 2019
2.
"A democracy is a nation that allows its people to change its mind. If it doesn't it is no longer a democracy."
Betty Boothroyd on why we must refuse to be cowed and work together to demand a #PeoplesVote.pic.twitter.com/6NeA3om1b3
— David Lammy (@DavidLammy) May 18, 2019
3.
I loved Betty when she was Speaker and used to have me in for tea to tell me not to worry about ‘all those MPs gunning for you,’ and I love her even more now https://t.co/89RrGDpelR
— Alastair PEOPLE’S VOTE Campbell (@campbellclaret) May 18, 2019
4.
Ok, I admit it: I have a soft spot for stern northern women. But Betty Boothroyd talks nothing but sense here from a position of considerable experience, talent, passion and achievement. Pick up your shovel and dig this. https://t.co/80thOaQFKu
— Robert Webb (@arobertwebb) May 18, 2019
The wonderful historian, Simon Schama, had this to say about her.
5.
my goodness she is wonderful – she should be THE voice of People's Vote – would make mincemeat of Farage https://t.co/Nf7YLOkiHT
— Simon Schama (@simon_schama) May 18, 2019
They could put that on pay-per-view and it would fund the NHS.
Source: People’s Vote UK
H/T: Indy100
