Mhairi Black: I'm stepping down at the next general election: "Westminster is a toxic workplace"

[@fToo]

Well done Mhairi for calling it out And well done Emily for being the go to person for a human conversation

[@edc8388]

I'm a Scot, not a supporter of Independence, but I do wish we had more politicians of her age, and ilk, in Westminster, she speaks her mind and The Commons will be a much much poorer place without her.

[@robertcottam8824]

I'm English. But I most certainly agree with your every sentiment.

[@Tao_Tology]

Yeah, as a nationalist fairytale supporter she has been wasting her ability. It will be a genuine loss for the UK to lose an MPs with her ability.

[@thegamingeconomist3831]

@@Tao_Tology The real nationalists are the Tories. And not the soft cuddly Scottish civic nationalist kind, the other darker nationalism that spreads hate and intolerance everywhere it breeds.

[@Tao_Tology]

@@thegamingeconomist3831 Yeah, the tories and their brexshit nationalist separatist delusions are _nothing at all_ like the 'indy' nationalist separatists and their delusions.

[@RedToriesBlueTories]

​@@Tao_TologyThat's what Nationalists do unlike the tories who stand for nothing.

[@trevm1268]

When someone as bright & strong as Mhairi says she is tired & fed up with battling against the 'toxic' atmosphere in Westminster, it tells us a lot.

[@justonecornetto80]

What`s strong about her? She`s quitting because the SNP are facing an election bloodbath.

[@rampakeshbharat1938]

I certainly didn't need her to tell me Westminster is toxic...

[@timcomley5948]

Especially as she contributes to half the toxicity

[@robertandrew5768]

​@@timcomley5948 Extremely well said

[@csharpe5787]

​@@timcomley5948nonsense.

[@MISSYGful]

A sad day. A very sad day. Politics NEEDS people like her to change the toxicity and indifference 😢

[@mogznwaz]

She’s PART of the toxicity with her rabid nationalism and anti English prejudice

[@timcomley5948]

🙄

[@aliwhitwell]

Indeed. She has been a breath of fresh air in that "toxic place".

[@jimcarter7035]

She is toxic

[@aliwhitwell]

@@jimcarter7035 Why do you think that?

[@boxingday11]

This will be a sad loss to holding parliament to account, but you deserve a life.👏🤝

[@Angela-en6oh]

Mhairi, I am really sorry you are standing down at the next election. You have been an inspiration as to how young people can contribute towards the betterment of this country and have tirelessly spoken up for Scotland and the people there. I, for one, will miss hearing your speeches and the passion used to deliver them. At the same time I am delighted you have decided to move on from Westminster. I am sure it will be wonderful for you, whatever you decide to do next, and also for the people you will be with. Have a fantastic life!

[@petertattum2338]

As a Sassenach, I'll miss you, Mhairi -- twenty-one years spent living in the Highlands changed my life and attitude, forever!

[@Notalloldpeople]

Westminster doesn’t even try to hide the toxicity, it’s on full display every day and the Tories in particular revel in it.

[@kasegiyabu5030]

@johndpears Only the Tories?

[@robred19]

It's pretty sad, when a young person should be there to offer their perspective and to speak for a constituency whose voice is rarely heard in full.

[@barrygentry5364]

This is so sad. She is one of the few MPs I enjoy listening to with her forthright and accurate views on the state of the country and the corruption of the Tories. I hope she can be encouraged to remain in a support role as in writing speeches for her party to deliver.

[@Tao_Tology]

And witnessing how her own party have acted.

[@quacksms4601]

I hope she'll become an MSP 😁

[@edjackson6920]

What a sad day! One of the few pillars of democracy and honesty has had enough!

[@justonecornetto80]

I hope that`s sarcasm.

[@timcomley5948]

Must be

[@arthurmackrell8154]

Democracy? Here?

[@carmelmccreagh]

Oh what a loss. She's an exceptional advocate for Scotland, the poor and those who feel disenfranchised.

[@robertkincaid]

really how are the people of the people of scotland when they think Nicola Sturgeon is their leader she is like a over active washing machine, some body told me that scotland is a bankrupt nation that person job a charted accountant , how many accountants were employed were employed when they were building ~Hollyrood 3 years late 10 times over budget and what about the ferries for the western isles a failling education system oh talk about Westminister what happens when the money stops , what happens then . Scotland will end like Greece a basket case it is already a basket case and what i know i came from Easterhouse yours Bobby Kincaid

[@robertkincaid]

a loss of what has she ever had a job knowing how other people have to live , go in to the work place for pay for a mortgage pay other bills she talks about westminster being toxic , you join the army and part of that role is having to fight , the same applies here , who pays for the Scotland up keep , the westminister goverment when Scotland goes broke who then pays , look at Greece they have ran out money

[@aliwhitwell]

@@robertkincaid What happened to the hundreds of billions that Westminster has stolen from Scotland since the seventies? How do you think the massive rebuilding of London was paid for and those illegal wars that we were dragged into? Obviously you have no idea about how much taxation is sent to Westminster compared to the amount that returns via the Barnett Formula. When Scotland regains it's independence you will find out how much Westminster relies upon the income.

[@buzzukfiftythree]

Totally sympathise with her. Westminster is a most unhealthy place to work in. It's a great loss to parliament but Mhairi is such a bright and capable person, she'll rise to the top in whatever route her career now follows and I wish her very well.

[@stuartcarden1371]

You'll be missed Mhairi but I completely understand your reasons - I hope you find a new way for your passion to be heard and to have an impact.

[@1701enter]

I am sad Mhairi has had enough, but so understand the horrible place she describes. I wish her very well in the future and thank you for for being you and saying it as it is!

[@annem5899]

Mhairi ,you will be sadly missed you speak from the heart and yes you don't need this it's a shame you are leaving but for your sanity you are doing the right thing I truly believe Westminster is toxic .

[@williambelford9661]

She's getting out before the SNP implodes.

[@jamesnicoll8415]

Very sad situation when such a talented breath of fresh air politician cannot see any way forward with Westminster. This should be another wake up call for serious reform to our politics! Mhairi, you will be so missed.

[@davidmcculloch8490]

A great loss, though understandable. It must be soul-destroying to be stymied by the cesspit of obfuscation and deflection, where even abject lies can't be called out and self-interest prevails.

[@quacksms4601]

Well said David! X

[@peterconstant3762]

No more toxic than Holyrood.

[@jackdubz4247]

Well, this is certainly unwelcome news. But not all that surprising. Any Scot who goes to Westminster, who loves democracy and isn't in it for personal advancement or riches, must guard themselves against the evils of the place. She will be missed. Hopefully her comrades in the SNP will continue to deliver for their constituents and hold the British Establishment to account. We need these people more than ever.

[@SI-vb7hd]

Hopefully she will join the Scottish parliament and serve in an independent Scotland as First minister one day.

[@jackdubz4247]

@@SI-vb7hd Now there's an idea.

[@Tao_Tology]

LOL No, she is in a much _better_ position to help people by getting away from the tartan brexit snp.

[@StephenUren-qb6ff]

I think she has had the 'fight' knocked out of her and she wants to get out before it drags her down any further. I hope she finds what she is looking for.

[@spartybrearly7221]

No, she knows that the SNP are likely to lose seats (possibly up to half their current total) at the next General Election and she’ll find it very difficult to keep Paisley and Renfrewshire South. She’s avoiding the humiliation of election night with these pathetic excuses.

[@abody499]

@@spartybrearly7221 Yeah, sure, with a majority of 25% of the vote, yeah looks like she'd struggle.

[@hharrison-parker1606]

She is one of a kind and will be missed by those who seek transparency in an ever more murky world. A sad day!

[@bonwrentaylor2743]

Wow, what a loss Mhairi will be ! I suppose it was always going to be a challenge for an honest, authentic person like Mhairi, to spend so much of her time around a bunch of inauthentic, dishonest, dross, like the Tories for e.g.

[@robertdownie879]

If anyway toxic she was one of them .

[@ChrisWhatley]

A great shame that Mhairi is stepping down, but totally understandable.

[@stuartlawson7977]

ROLL ON THE BALLOT BOX. THE TORIES HAVE TO GO.

[@martinmanifold2241]

Made her fortune off the back of the UK taxpayer and now she is off .

[@RankinMsP]

What a loss. Demons and devils cling and thrive on where angels fear to tread. Wishing her all the best.

[@gordonbaillie2979]

When does Flynn go

[@edaleman2758]

She didn’t say it but it’s almost as if we need a revolution instead of an election

[@1000sguzzi]

Very sad to hear that Mhairi Black is stepping down at the next election, who will now stand up and question with a passion to equal Mhairi Black..?.

[@Indyghurl]

You will be missed @MhariBlack. Do what makes you happy. Westminster truly is a toxic place.

[@doubleknocker5221]

That's a great shame she is a brilliant SNP MP

[@grumpy8413]

When she speaks it makes you wonder how other MP's manage other jobs.

[@robertcottam8824]

It may be that most of the others simply don't care as much.

[@markwelch3564]

​@robertcottam8824 in many cases, don't care at all

[@robertcottam8824]

@@markwelch3564 Sadly, you may well be correct. Best wishes

[@FabianMacGintyONeill]

Ah, shame to lose her, but she's dead right, and looking forward to hearing the unfiltered story once she's properly out!

[@clowncarqingdao]

Tons of respect for Mhairi.

[@mattysmith9823]

Mhairi will be missed. A proper MP.

[@andymcnally2608]

So sorry to hear that Mhairi, but I understand. However so believe you can have MORE EFFECTIVE influence on people and representing people from an on line position. You’re decency resonates with most people. Go fur it Hen ❤️

[@Steventrafford]

Parliament has lost another quality MP that’s worth my vote

[@artroomantics]

No! This is such sad news. I always love watching her speak in the house. She really tells it like it is, and is obviously very passionate in her beliefs. If only there were more politicians like her! But, I often wonder how anyone copes in such an aggressive, nasty and badly dysfunctional system.

[@colinthompson3111]

You will be missed Mhairi!

[@audreymcgready4329]

She will be Colin. I can't blame her though. Scotland has no voice in WM.

[@colinthompson3111]

@@audreymcgready4329 Agreed. Hope she becomes FM of Scotland post independence.

[@markcf83]

Aye, about as much as a broken leg.......

[@barriereid9244]

I was too young to be a burned out ITU nurse working 48-60 hour weeks. I watched as colleagues became injured and mentally exhausted. No government throughout my career EVER had our interests and the interests of society. Hunt when HS took £29280 from Andrew Law (as others did) to lobby on his behalf. Mr Law for those who don't know, is a hedge fund speculator and private healthcare investor.

[@fobineche]

Legend 👊🏾

[@somthingbrutal]

we need more people like her in politics

[@htau2000]

When you got to go, you got to go! Life is too short!

[@karimtabrizi376]

The whole place needs changed into a museum for uselessness

[@brynlewis7175]

We need more people like Mhairi Black's in politics - intelligent, serious, public spirited, outspoken, and young. I understand how frustrating it must be for Mhairi, but I think we will be worse for having lost an honest voice that really tried to represent an alternative to the staid, chummy, bullsh*t that we have to put up with in parliament.

[@phil4162]

It’s what many people say and even more agree with. Anybody who wants to become an MP should be automatically disqualified. We would be better off picking 600 names from the phone book

[@abody499]

We'd be better off with an algorithm doing the job.

[@BugleCoops]

Genuinely sorry to hear this, Westminster and British politics in general will be all the poorer for Mhairi Black's absence.

[@sickpup820]

Whilst I don't deny Westminster is toxic, Polling puts Labour a dead cert to win Mhairi's constituency. She's doing this to save face.

[@timcomley5948]

Was out of her depth

[@williammclean3870]

She'll get her Westminster pension though.

[@robertcottam8824]

A very, very sad day for politics. Mhairi has been an outstanding MP from Day One. She is exactly the sort of person who should be going into parliament, no matter her politics. In fact, that I don't agree with her on every issue, that we don't share a similar background, or even nationality* is further evidence of her articulacy, clarity and integrity in my eyes. She's both likeable and electable. I do hope that, after a break, that she returns to public service. She deserves best wishes. *On the nationality issue, I truly wish she was English. We need people like Mhairi to represent us.

[@godstolemybikejones2813]

jumping ship. Pro -Independence though.

[@Tao_Tology]

What a suggestion. 😏

[@iansinclair7581]

It must be hard never having had a proper job, very little life experience to be able to contribute anything to the parliamentary process. She’s just admitted that she did not have a clue.

[@baldy3405]

She had more passion in her role than the auld *ucks from lavatories and pretend lavatories labour in the time she was there.

[@lucindafergusonart]

" Because I was and am useless and now after wasting tax payers money and failing to infiltrate Westminster I will blame everything on toxic men", that's you're modern strong woman LOL

[@lorenzobianchini4415]

Mairhi ,you are a wonderful person and I am appreciative why you are stepping down.I wish you happiness always.Lorenzo❤

[@Azureecosse]

I wont be shedding any tears , because I am not a Nationalist. I think you would make an exceptional Prison warder though you have the look and the skills.

[@paulp1372]

I've got a lot of time for the honesty of Mhairi Black, even if I'm not pro SNP, labour, tory or lib dem. The problem is the culture of the place, and the 'culture of British politics'. The whole thing is just simply archaic - in the words of Indiana Jones, 'it should be put in a museum.' It's incredibly hard for any truly decent person to have a voice in Westminster unless you have mates....unless you 'tow the party line' . Unless you hush up certain views... British politics needs free-thinkers who can shake up the 'herd mentality' and I don't mean populist fraudsters such as Boris either. I for one am bored sh**less of the regular Punch n Judy show and the clamour for power. Britain and the world is in a severe state of adaptation and change - but I don't believe politics does anything to address this.

[@Concreteowl]

I hope after a break she comes back as a future SNP leader. She has the appropriate experience and charisma.

[@stevestewart63]

ITS GOING TO LESS TOXIC WITH OUT MANKY BLACK

[@SalmiakAlert]

Sad to see.

[@malcolmholmes9166]

How does the song go "Please don't go". This young woman is the type of politician the country needs Honest, backs down from no one, highly intelligent.

[@martind5487]

Snp are finished, that’s why

[@colinmcmb]

Tradition is fine up to a point, but Westminster is archaic and innefficient. Build a new Parliament and sell off Westminster for a hotel or a casino.

[@timgilligan3885]

She's just trying to do her job honestly and serve people. Which clearly goes against why most MPs are there. I don't blame her and am surprised she could bare it for 10 years quite frankly.

[@Tao_Tology]

It certainly goes against the 'values' of her colleague the abuser-defending Ian Blackford. And the, multiple, members of her own party who joined him in this.

[@realJPRC]

She’s a treasure

[@profdrrameshkumarbiswas1337]

I found it hilarious that there were English subtitles to Mihari’s interview! As someone who went to university in Edinburgh I had no trouble understanding her!

[@thatdeafguyuk]

What a privileged life you lead, pat yourself on the back.

[@clarecrawford9677]

Every episode of The News Agents I have watched on KZbin has been subtitled, not just the Scots.

[@TheSps24]

Certainly won't be missed. Her contribution to politics is dire.

[@scudosmyth784]

In my opinion just a mouthpiece that hasn't helped the Scottish people.

[@robertandrew5768]

​@@scudosmyth784 Or her Paisley constituents where her office in the west end of the town has been closed for 3 years !

[@Mercury88-b7k]

REALLY? So what are you saying? Are you really trying to say that the tory liars have contributed more? I suppose that snswer is yes if you mean contributing to a poorer uk that has been lied to and conned and about to gave its rights stripped away.

[@TheSps24]

@@Mercury88-b7k What a silly comment.

[@johnross9074]

A sad loss, but more than understandable reason for a need to leave Westminster. Hope once you have had time to rebuild strength that you will feel able too return to the fight for Scottish Independence. In the meantime thanks for everything.

[@jonathandowdall4465]

I fully understand the total disillusionment, you will be sorely missed Mhairi, a bright light amongst the gathering black clouds.

[@ObsidianMeridian]

Such a shame. Shes is one of the best weve had in living memory. Westminster will be a lesser place for her leaving.

[@davidharrison9324]

so sad..this says it all..one of the few ethical MP's!!!!!

[@derekgillan7314]

The next election will be interesting.

[@taylorstevenson7410]

I can understand her thoughts around westminster. However, there is no mention of the toxicity that exists in her own party the SNP.

[@patrickyorke3028]

Tragic loss, thoughtful youth is what is needed from any party.😢

[@mauranolan843]

How sad that someone like Mhairi is standing down what a nasty 🤮 poisonous place Westminster is. We will miss you 🥰 😢

[@markjohnston7869]

Mhairi Black could do a lot worse than to stand for leader of the SNP at the next opportunity. I'm sure she would win hands down which would be a great thing for Scotland she is fantastic.

[@hughjass8430]

English parliament for England. That's why Sinn Fein stay out of it. United Ireland and independant Scotland 🇮🇪 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

[@stuartlawson7977]

Rishi Sunak is a danger to this Country.

[@marykneeland1214]

You will be GREATLY missed….

[@marchekate]

Shame. She's an exceptional MP with integrity. A rare beast indeed.

[@timcomley5948]

Is this a joke

[@marchekate]

@@timcomley5948 you don't have to agree with her politics to see this is clearly the case.

[@markshirley01]

So sad, love her ripping the Tories to bits.

[@sickpup820]

Penny Mourdant usually ripped Mhairi to shreds.

[@markshirley01]

@@sickpup820 yeah in your dreams

[@robertandrew5768]

​@@markshirley01 Suggest you go look it up, we Mhairi was out of her depth here again .

[@markshirley01]

@@robertandrew5768 keep on suggesting

[@arthurmackrell8154]

The thing that gets me about Westminster is that at voting times they are all over people wanting to change things for the better, locally and for the Country. Then when they get there they switch off from the people and are only interested in themselves. Manifesto? Oh that's not important, does anybody ever remember what they promised the electorate? Electorate, don't worry about them until just before the next Election. I think we should have more Referendums like the Swiss.

[@michaelshanahan4042]

This a disaster for democracy This lady is the only politician i who be happy to stay i trust. 😊

[@gideonpepys]

What a sad loss to British politics.

[@smcl8419]

Its taken her an awful long time to decide the place is toxic. The way she describes it makes you wonder why she didnt resign years ago. I suppose £90K a year and £150,000 in expenses every year made it a little more bearable. She has certainly enjoyed a much better time than her constituents in paisley The High Street there is a ghost town. Drug problems are rife. School buildings are crumbling and the NHS in the area is on its knees. And Ms Black has done Very little , if Anything at all for the area. As the local MP she has been totally anonymous. Dissapointed Emily didnt ask about paisley at all. No loss for Paisley with her stepping down. Achieved nothing for Paisley or for Scotland

[@cp4512]

It’s Westminister’s fault…. Of course it is. Nothing to do with your political party imploding and being caught red handed ‘losing’ money….. 😂😂😂

[@AdeboFunkyVoodoo]

Sad news but glad that she's doing what is right for her. I shall miss Mhairi, she's a refreshingly honest and human presence in the chamber.

[@thomasmorin749]

It was either step down or be kicked out by the voters.

[@abody499]

she has a majority of 25% of the vote in her constituency. What you talking about.

[@jeffsuter344]

As a Sassenach I am going to miss Mhairi. I have long admired her, her principles and her fire.

[@philipdurling1964]

We need more politicians to question the narrative, not less.

[@grezjoseph6257]

Nothing against this MP. But her party like to put the boot in to all round them as well. So toxic for all MPs.

[@eliotdeag8040]

Regardless of which political party to support, that interview says it all really doesn't it. We are lucky enough to have a democracy and it we may loose it, frankly.

[@audreymcgready4329]

Thanks for being there in the first place Mhairi. You are banging your head against a brick wall in WM. We all know how the Scottish MP's are treated and spoken to. I wish they would all come back up the road and get us out of it.

[@robertcottam8824]

Believe me. There are English folk, myself included, who fundamentally agree with her, too. I just wish we had more MPs like her. She (and you) make me even sadder about the break-up of the UK. Some of us will blo*dy well miss you.

[@Tao_Tology]

Oh get off the poor wee victim drum. 'we all know' the infighting that her own party has been wasting its energy on.

[@robertandrew5768]

I agree she is definitely a headbanger.

[@robertcottam8824]

@@robertandrew5768 But you'll agree with whatever you're told to agree with, dear heart. Don't advertise.

[@audreymcgready4329]

@@robertandrew5768 clown. You are agreeing with no one. as no one said she was a headbanger. Are you looking in the mirror?

[@thesource5153]

Delighted she is going. Done nothing for Scotland, like all SNP chancers.

[@fliesbychris]

Be sad to see you go Mhairi. gabh cùram agus bi gu math 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

[@pipoo1]

She’s standing down because the polls on Scotland put her seat in east win territory for Labour. It’s strange that it’s almost all Tory and SNP MPs announcing they are standing down…

[@rampakeshbharat1938]

'One of the unhealthiest work places to be in' is her claim, before Westminster she worked in a fish and chip shop, that's her sum total of work experience...