WHEN a book is finally written about the Brexit process, the chapter on yesterday's events will highlight just how absurd the whole situation became.
With less than 100 days until the UK officially leaves the EU, and a full two and a half years since the vote to leave, we are still no clearer on what our post-Brexit relations will look like.
Instead, troops are being readied, medicine stockpiled, fears over panic buying are rising, while the business sector prepares for the worst-case scenario.
So what has the nation been debating last night into this morning? Whether or not a man said something sexist.
Now let's be clear, if Corbyn did call Theresa May a "stupid woman" then he is wrong and should apologise – especially after championing a certain kind of political exchange during his leadership campaign. It is the kind of dated language that has no place anywhere, nevermind between elected representatives.
But did it really require a lengthy debate in Parliament, which led to further debate on late-night politics shows, which was then reflected in the majority of this morning's front pages and rolling-news channels. All at the expense of the more pressing issues?
READ MORE: First Minister hits nail on the head in row over 'stupid woman' comment
The Tories last night must have been toasting Corbyn's ability to unintentionally create a distraction, doing their work for them.
It all culminated in this graphic from Sky, which went into painstaking detail about the movements of the Labour leader's mouth.
Few are now talking about the UK Government's immigration white paper which is likely to damage Scotland's tourism and hospitality sectors.
Nor are they talking about the fact that Theresa May met with leaders of the devolved administrations yesterday and was described as "nebulous" – less than 100 days before we leave.
The UK is in chaos, dragging its constituent nations with it, and right now we have the official opposition unwittingly causing distractions while the Tories play feminists. You couldn't make it up.
Why are you making commenting on The National only available to subscribers?
We know there are thousands of National readers who want to debate, argue and go back and forth in the comments section of our stories. We’ve got the most informed readers in Scotland, asking each other the big questions about the future of our country.
Unfortunately, though, these important debates are being spoiled by a vocal minority of trolls who aren’t really interested in the issues, try to derail the conversations, register under fake names, and post vile abuse.
So that’s why we’ve decided to make the ability to comment only available to our paying subscribers. That way, all the trolls who post abuse on our website will have to pay if they want to join the debate – and risk a permanent ban from the account that they subscribe with.
The conversation will go back to what it should be about – people who care passionately about the issues, but disagree constructively on what we should do about them. Let’s get that debate started!
Callum Baird, Editor of The National
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel