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Kaye Adams and the BBC have been urged to apologise after the presenter said politicians like Nicola Sturgeon are ‘not human beings.’
The Loose Women host made the scathing remark on her BBC Scotland radio show on Wednesday while discussing former First Minister Sturgeon’s Covid Whatsapp messages which are under investigation.
National columnist Kelly Given told the host: ‘Nicola Sturgeon has submitted evidence to this inquiry, she’s submitted her informal messaging, and I think we need to take that at face value, she’s done that.
‘Why are we holding these people to account as if they’re not human beings? Nicola Sturgeon got a new phone or deleted her messages or whatever …’
Adams, 61, then interjected: ‘Because in this instance they’re not human beings, they’re politicians,’ to which Givens argued: ‘Politicians are human beings.
‘This is part of it, particularly the coverage around Humza Yousaf asking for clarification around mask rules is outrageous.
‘He’s a human being, we’re all human beings, the advice is constantly evolving, constantly difficult for everybody, why are we treating politicians as if they’re not human beings in this context?’
Confirming their stance on Adams’ comments, a BBC spokesperson told Metro.co.uk: ‘This comment was made as part of a wider discussion on the Covid inquiry and in particular holding politicians to account for decisions made during this time.
‘Taking the comment out of context in this way is not a fair reflection of the discussion throughout the morning. Of course our presenters don’t believe politicians aren’t human, the point being made was that they also hold elected office, as was completely clear to anyone listening to the full programme, as opposed to a short clip of it.’
The clip, which has been shared on X, has attracted criticism for Adams with Perth MP Pete Wishart tweeting: ‘Absolutely shocking. I hope @BBCScotland think about an apology, or at least some sort of correction, for this.’
SNP councillor Math Campbell-Sturgess also said: ‘This kind of dehumanising language is bad enough from callers – for a host to say this is beyond the pale.
‘MPs have been murdered. I have to carry a security device when working due to the threat to all parliamentary staff. She needs to resign.’
Many other users piled on the calls for an apology or for the BBC to take action, with VioletNeill1 stating: ‘Disgraceful behaviour, Kaye Adams should be sacked.’
X user Mairifaeinsch agreed, writing: ‘apologise’?! Surely a resigning matter.’
RuthCampbell1 commented: ‘She should face disciplinary action for such a hugely personal and offensive statement about a principled, decent, competent leader. Who does Kay Adams think she is?
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PrinceMyshkin16 also said: ‘Ms Adams should be sacked and pronto…..it’s very simple.’
Ms Sturgeon’s Whatsapp messages during the pandemic era are being subjected to an ongoing inquiry and she is due to give evidence in the coming weeks.
The former SNP leader, 53, stepped down as First Minister in 2023 with Humza Yousaf becoming her successor.
Metro.co.uk has reached out to the BBC for comment.
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