The Conservative Party conference in Manchester has been a showcase of the worst aspects of British politics, from hateful rhetoric to harmful policies. Here are some of the highlights (or rather, lowlights) of the four-day event that revealed the true nature of the Tory government.
Suella Braverman stands on a guide dog after a bizarre speech
The Attorney General delivered a speech that was full of conspiracy theories and attacks on the judiciary, the media, and the opposition. She accused judges of being “activists” who undermine democracy, and claimed that “woke ideology” has infiltrated science and education. She also railed against “cancel culture” and “identity politics”, saying that they threaten free speech and British values.
But the most shocking moment came after her speech, when she accidentally stepped on a guide dog that belonged to one of her colleagues. The poor animal yelped in pain, while Braverman seemed oblivious to what she had done. The incident sparked outrage on social media, with many people calling for her resignation.
Nigel Farage and Priti Patel dance to ABBA in a cringeworthy video
The former leader of the Brexit Party and the current Home Secretary were caught on camera dancing to ABBA’s Dancing Queen at a fringe event. The video showed them swaying awkwardly and clapping out of sync, while smiling smugly at each other. The clip went viral online, with many people mocking their lack of rhythm and charisma.
The dance was also seen as a symbol of their political alliance, as both Farage and Patel are known for their hardline views on immigration and Brexit. They have been pushing for a more hostile environment for migrants and asylum seekers, as well as a more isolationist stance for Britain.
Rishi Sunak denies the existence of trans people in his keynote speech
The Chancellor of the Exchequer delivered his keynote speech on Wednesday, in which he outlined his vision for the future of Britain. He claimed to be the candidate of “long-term decisions” and “responsible leadership”, while attacking Labour for being “irresponsible” and “out of touch”. He also announced some policy measures, such as scrapping the northern leg of HS2, freezing public sector pay, and cutting foreign aid.
But the most controversial part of his speech was when he declared that his government does not believe that trans people exist. He said that “biology is not bigotry”, and that “gender is not a social construct”. He also vowed to protect women’s rights and spaces from “trans activists” who want to “erase” them. His remarks were met with applause from some sections of the audience, but also with condemnation from human rights groups and LGBT+ activists.
Lee Anderson blames ADHD on bad parenting and benefit fraud
The MP for Ashfield made a shocking statement about children with ADHD, a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects attention, impulsivity, and hyperactivity. He said that ADHD is not a real condition, but a result of bad parenting and benefit fraud. He claimed that some parents deliberately get their children diagnosed with ADHD in order to receive extra money from the state.
He also suggested that children with ADHD should be disciplined more harshly, saying that they need “a clip round the ear” or “a good hiding”. He said that this would teach them to behave better and improve their academic performance. His comments were widely criticized as ignorant, insensitive, and harmful.
The Tories reveal their true colours: A party of cruelty, misery, and fascism
The Conservative Party conference has exposed the Tories for what they really are: A party of cruelty, misery, and fascism. They have shown no compassion for the vulnerable, no respect for democracy, no vision for the future. They have only offered hate, fear, and division.
They have also shown no signs of learning from history, or from their own mistakes. They have continued to pursue policies that have caused poverty, inequality, corruption, and environmental damage. They have ignored the voices of the people who have suffered under their rule.
They have also shown no remorse for their actions, or their consequences. They have only celebrated their power, their privilege, and their ideology. They have reveled in their own arrogance, greed, and bigotry.
They have shown us who they are. The question is: Will we let them continue to be who they are?
