Starting a new thread amid all the controversy in the last one - let’s hope nobody has an issue with this title since it’s the headline from the latest BBC story!
For those who don’t know who Ann Widdecombe is and why she was considered evil and despised by so many people, here’s a recap of some of her highly controversial views regarding history, race, and the LGBTQ+ community - statements which drew widespread public condemnation throughout her life. Critics, human rights advocates, and political opponents have frequently labeled her remarks as hateful, offensive, and discriminatory.
Slavery and Colonialism Analogies
- Comparing Brexit to a slave rebellion: In her 2019 maiden speech to the European Parliament, she drew a direct parallel between the UK leaving the European Union and the emancipation of slaves. She stated, “There is a pattern consistent throughout history of oppressed people turning on the oppressors – slaves against their owners, the peasantry against the feudal barons, colonies… against their empires, and that is why Britain is leaving.” Politicians and historians heavily condemned the comments for trivialising the horrors of chattel slavery.
Use of Racially Offensive Language
- The “Golliwog” controversy: During the 2019 general election campaign, a leaked WhatsApp chat revealed Widdecombe using a racial slur. Commenting on internal party tensions, she wrote, “Yes. I threw all my toys out of the pram. Bears and gollywogs [sic] everywhere!!” She flatly refused to apologise, arguing it was merely an innocent reference to a 1950s children’s toy.
Statements on Homosexuality and Conversion Therapy
- Suggesting science could “cure” homosexuality: During a 2019 interview on Sky News, she defended gay conversion therapy and stated, *“The fact that we now think it is quite impossible for people to switch sexuality doesn’t mean that science may not yet produce an answer at some stage.”*This sparked immense backlash from LGBTQ+ groups who noted it treated homosexuality like a disease.
- Voting record against equal rights: Throughout her time as an MP (1987–2010), she voted against lowering the age of consent for gay men, opposed the repeal of Section 28 (which banned the “promotion” of homosexuality in schools), and consistently voted against civil partnerships and equal marriage.
Platforming Extremism
- Appearing on fringe broadcasts: Research groups like HOPE not hate highlighted that Widdecombe made multiple appearances on the Richie Allen Show. The platform is widely known for hosting Holocaust deniers and promoting antisemitic conspiracy theories.
Views on Women and Social Issues
- Dismissing the #MeToo movement: Widdecombe has dismissed major components of the #MeToo movement as “trivial whinging,” claiming that women looking for grievances over minor, historical workplace discomforts were losing their sense of proportion and humour.
- Shackling pregnant prisoners: As a Home Office minister in the 1990s, she aggressively defended the policy of chaining pregnant prison inmates while they were in hospital giving birth, a stance that drew fierce condemnation from human rights organisations.
For those who think racism, sexism, and other types of bigotry is harmless or doesn’t lead to actual violence really should watch this:
For those who think homophobia and anti-lgbt sentiment doesn’t lead to harm or suicide (especially of young people) may want to watch this - it’s a trailer of a film based on a true story:
The full film appears to be on YouTube too (highly recommended!)
For anyone who watches those and still thinks that kind of hate is ‘ok’ then I can’t help but feel sorry for your offspring, because statistically, a number of them will either be somewhere on the gay spectrum (49% of young people identify as ‘something other than 100% straight’), or might marry someone of colour, have children who will be mixed race (i.e your grandchildren or great grandchildren or great-great grandchildren) or be a woman or part of some other minority group. By supporting Widdecombe and thus platforming her and giving the kind of hate she spewed credibility, you will be making life significantly harder for them 
If you want to be despised by your progeny, sure, keep supporting hateful people like Widdecombe (and Farage, and Hopkins, and all the other nasty, hateful lot) but maybe also have a strong hard look in the mirror and ask yourself what kind of person you are and what kind of world are you shaping for your children and their children.
I love how this professor forces those with hateful and discriminatory views to take a long hard look at themselves…
