View Full Version : Tracy Brabin: MP tweets tongue-in-cheek retort to bare shoulder critics
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A Labour MP whose bared shoulder prompted criticism on social media has said she is not "a tart".
The tongue-in-cheek reply from Tracy Brabin, the shadow culture secretary, came after online abuse of her appearance in Parliament on Monday.
An initial tweet questioned if her outfit was "appropriate attire" for Parliament.
Ms Brabin said she was surprised people "could get so emotional over a shoulder".
The Batley and Spen MP had been raising a point of order in the House of Commons, about journalists being asked to leave a Downing Street press briefing on the next stage of Brexit talks, when her shoulder appeared.
Ms Brabin told the BBC the response was "sadly" routine and "another example of the every day sexism women face".
She said she always tried to look smart but her slightly off-the-shoulder dress had slipped a little as she had leant forward to speak.
On the online comments, she said: "They were playing top trumps on how rude they could be.
"They are idiots and they are rude but I am not going to lose much sleep over them."
Ms Brabin, who was elected to replace the murdered MP Jo Cox in 2016, said it was important to speak out about issues like this for other women who did not have a voice to protest when they were denigrated for their appearance.
"It's important I don't let other women down," she said.
MPs do not have an official dress code, although they are advised to wear "usual" business dress.
Male MPs were told in 2017 they did not need to wear ties in the chamber by the then Speaker, John Bercow.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-leeds-51379041
Kate!
04-02-2020, 09:11 PM
Didn't she used to be an actress?
smudgie
04-02-2020, 11:59 PM
Didn't she used to be an actress?
Aye..in Corrie.
Depends...was it dress down Friday?
Mystic Mock
05-02-2020, 02:51 AM
People on Social Media seriously got up in arms over a bare shoulder.:umm2:
Seriously what is wrong with some people?:laugh:
Today, Jacob is turning up to work in his vest and pants.
Cherie
05-02-2020, 07:46 AM
It’s an odd shape neckline, but hey ho it’s a shoulder people
arista
05-02-2020, 07:47 AM
Today, Jacob is turning up to work in his vest and pants.
Yes good point
he would not
..it’s not a good point, Arista...to compare an item of outer clothing to items of underwear...:laugh:..wearing an off the shoulder dress or top to work is not the same as wearing underwear to work as your only items of clothing...
..it’s not a good point, Arista...to compare an item of outer clothing to items of underwear...:laugh:..wearing an off the shoulder dress or top to work is not the same as wearing underwear to work as your only items of clothing...I didn't compare anything. You just made that up.
thesheriff443
05-02-2020, 08:13 AM
I didn't compare anything. You just made that up.
Alf arista ??
...I didn’t suggest that you made any comparison...the responsive post intimated that you did though, and that’s what I commented on..so your post should have been directed at that post, not mine...don’t be too eager with your hostility, Alf...try to use it a little more sparingly and more correctly directed, if you must...
...I didn’t suggest that you made any comparison...the responsive post intimated that you did though, and that’s what I commented on..so your post should have been directed at that post, not mine...don’t be too eager with your hostility, Alf...try to use it a little more sparingly and more correctly directed, if you must...Read your post again,. Arista says "good point," you say "it's not a good point, Arista... To compare an item of of outer clothing to items of underwear"
So you're saying to Arista, that my post wasn't a good point and it compared something.
arista
05-02-2020, 08:44 AM
That MP went on BBC1 AM at 8:11AM
Live Link she was in the London Studio.
At least on that interview
she said more important
matters are above what she calls Sexism
on twitter.
arista
05-02-2020, 08:46 AM
..it’s not a good point, Arista...to compare an item of outer clothing to items of underwear...:laugh:..wearing an off the shoulder dress or top to work is not the same as wearing underwear to work as your only items of clothing...
The Camera in Parliament
looks down,
she created a Distraction.
Everyone is saying that , now
Ammi
Kazanne
05-02-2020, 09:34 AM
If it distracts from what she is trying to say , well yes it's probably inappropriate in that context.
Liam-
05-02-2020, 09:40 AM
It only distracts the people who hate women wearing what they want to, it’s a shoulder ffs, if she was sat there flashing her knickers I might understand the problem
Twosugars
05-02-2020, 09:54 AM
It only distracts the people who hate women wearing what they want to, it’s a shoulder ffs, if she was sat there flashing her knickers I might understand the problem
Agree. Sexism at play.
Agree. Sexism at play.Case solved.
arista
05-02-2020, 10:08 AM
It only distracts the people who hate women wearing what they want to, it’s a shoulder ffs, if she was sat there flashing her knickers I might understand the problem
She would be sacked for being Drunk.
This open shoulder does distract many
Livia
05-02-2020, 10:26 AM
It's not something I would ever wear to work. Or that anyone I work with would wear.
Livia
05-02-2020, 10:29 AM
It only distracts the people who hate women wearing what they want to, it’s a shoulder ffs, if she was sat there flashing her knickers I might understand the problem
People like me? Who hate women wearing what they want to? LOL... This isn't a slut walk, it's the House of Commons. If she wants anyone to pay attention to what she has to say, put the body away.
It's like A male MP turning up in a teeshirt.
smudgie
05-02-2020, 10:36 AM
People like me? Who hate women wearing what they want to? LOL... This isn't a slut walk, it's the House of Commons. If she wants anyone to pay attention to what she has to say, put the body away.
It's like A male MP turning up in a teeshirt.
I agree.
What next, a bronzed medallion man:joker:
Sometimes a little decorum is called for.
Liam-
05-02-2020, 10:38 AM
A slutwalk? For showing a shoulder?.. I mean, I know I’m not an expert of female sexuality, but really? A slut for showing a shoulder? Anyone would think she lobbed a tit out and waved it at Moggy
I’m more concerned about people’s behaviour in the commons than their choice of clothing, I thought we were past telling women what they can wear, I thought we were even further past calling women derogatory names for their clothing choices too, guess I was wrong
Livia
05-02-2020, 10:48 AM
A slutwalk? For showing a shoulder?.. I mean, I know I’m not an expert of female sexuality, but really? A slut for showing a shoulder? Anyone would think she lobbed a tit out and waved it at Moggy
I’m more concerned about people’s behaviour in the commons than their choice of clothing, I thought we were past telling women what they can wear, I thought we were even further past calling women derogatory names for their clothing choices too, guess I was wrong
Try not to take everything so literally. And what's derogatory about mentioning a slutwalk? I never called her a slut, that was your narrow take on what was meant to be a tongue-in-cheek reply.
We are not past telling people what they can and can't wear. Many jobs have a dress code. She's not an actress anymore. If she wants to dress like a barmaid, she's in the wrong job. I'd say the same to any male MP who rocked up wearing an Hawaiian shirt.
I see it lke this.
Was what she wore inappropriate for her job? Probably :shrug:
Does this in anyway fill me with interest? Not in the slightest.
So what is this?
Well, she's now got a platform on the television to chastice us all about sexism for the millionth time.
Also, while we're talking about this, we ain't talking about other things.
Livia
05-02-2020, 10:51 AM
I see it lke this.
Was what she wore inappropriate for her job? Probably :shrug:
Does this in anyway fill me with interest? Not in the slightest.
So what is this?
Well, she's now got a platform on the television to chastice us all about sexism for the millionth time.
Also, while we're talking about this, we ain't talking about other things.
She can't chastise us for sexism, Alfie, when so many women are saying it's inappropriate attire for her job. My boss would be quick enough to tell me if I turned up in a little off-the-shoulder number.
Liam-
05-02-2020, 11:00 AM
Try not to take everything so literally. And what's derogatory about mentioning a slutwalk? I never called her a slut, that was your narrow take on what was meant to be a tongue-in-cheek reply.
We are not past telling people what they can and can't wear. Many jobs have a dress code. She's not an actress anymore. If she wants to dress like a barmaid, she's in the wrong job. I'd say the same to any male MP who rocked up wearing an Hawaiian shirt.
How on earth is she dressed like a barmaid? She’s wearing a plain back top that shows a small amount of skin, she’s hardly dressed for Hooters
Livia
05-02-2020, 11:03 AM
How on earth is she dressed like a barmaid? She’s wearing a plain back top that shows a small amount of skin, she’s hardly dressed for Hooters
It's a waste of time me talking to you about this. I've worked in Westminster... there is a dress code. And and off-the-shoulder top is not included in that dress code. I'm not keen on setting up a lobby so that women can turn up at work dressed like they're going clubbing.
Niamh.
05-02-2020, 11:13 AM
"These rules stipulate that attire must show “respect for the Chamber and for its central position in the life of the nation.” It was previously customary for “men to wear jackets and ties” and “a similar level of formality must be observed by women,” but changes to these rules in 2018 excluded the tie requirement. Nothing is now specified for women."
https://qz.com/work/1751692/what-is-the-right-dress-code-for-politicians-in-the-21st-century/
It only distracts the people who hate women wearing what they want to, it’s a shoulder ffs, if she was sat there flashing her knickers I might understand the problem
Maybe tomorrow
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She would be sacked for being Drunk.
This open shoulder does distract many
As I bloke I can confirm that if would be a distraction IF I was sat behind her .. we blokes are so easily distracted by even very small areas of female flesh ..
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Niamh.
05-02-2020, 11:22 AM
As I bloke I can confirm that if would be a distraction IF I was sat behind her .. we blokes are so easily distracted by even very small areas of female flesh ..
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A shoulder though? I think if you're that easily distracted then maybe it's you who should not be in the room :laugh:
Anyone would think she lobbed a tit out and waved it at Moggy
I’m guessing he wouldn’t even notice that tbh
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Liam-
05-02-2020, 11:23 AM
If she had turned up in a skin tight strapless dress above the knees, I’d be in agreement that it was inappropriate for the setting, but it’s a baggy black top with a low shoulder line, the abuse she’s receiving is disgusting, have we really got to point where pearls are being clutched because of a shoulder?
arista
05-02-2020, 11:24 AM
I see it lke this.
Was what she wore inappropriate for her job? Probably :shrug:
Does this in anyway fill me with interest? Not in the slightest.
So what is this?
Well, she's now got a platform on the television to chastice us all about sexism for the millionth time.
Also, while we're talking about this, we ain't talking about other things.
This morning Every TV debate had this
also LBC , Radio 5 and Radio 4 AM
Today Alf its hard to escape
even on the top of todays D. Mail
A shoulder though? I think if you're that easily distracted then maybe it's you who should not be in the room :laugh:
If you’re sat there listening to all that rot being banded about then a seductively bared shoulder would be a distraction..
Are there no photos of the rows sat behind her ??
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If she had turned up in a skin tight strapless dress above the knees, I’d be in agreement that it was inappropriate for the setting, but it’s a baggy black top with a low shoulder line, the abuse she’s receiving is disgusting, have we really got to point where pearls are being clutched because of a shoulder?
Look I hate politicians and the whole system surrounding them BUT she just looked out of place .
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Livia
05-02-2020, 11:35 AM
Business casual is the dress code. If people need that explained chances are they don't work where a dress code is in place, and never have.
I remember her in "A bit of a do" it was a good series.
Liam-
05-02-2020, 11:44 AM
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EQAbXDSWkAAYo9y?format=jpg&name=large
Turns out it’s not a top, it’s a dress, this dress, what’s classless or inappropriate about it? It’s a tasteful dress, that many respectable business women or women of importance would wear to work
People like me? Who hate women wearing what they want to? LOL... This isn't a slut walk, it's the House of Commons. If she wants anyone to pay attention to what she has to say, put the body away.
It's like A male MP turning up in a teeshirt.
Slut walk? :/ it's a shoulder.
There wouldnt be anything wrong with any mp turning up in a tshirt either, it states there is no dress code.
arista
05-02-2020, 11:52 AM
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EQAbXDSWkAAYo9y?format=jpg&name=large
Turns out it’s not a top, it’s a dress, this dress, what’s classless or inappropriate about it? It’s a tasteful dress, that many respectable business women or women of importance would wear to work
Looks better on that model.
arista
05-02-2020, 11:53 AM
Slut walk? :/ it's a shoulder.
There wouldnt be anything wrong with any mp turning up in a tshirt either, it states there is no dress code.
No they are MP's
not Chavs
Liam-
05-02-2020, 11:53 AM
Looks better on that model.
And there we have it, men find it distracting because she’s not a young attractive model, got it
No they are MP's
not ChavsYeah so that point went right over your head.
Sexism, ageism and stereotyping and it's not even 1pm.
let's also not forget that breast feeding has been allowed in the commons for years, so it's pure sexism to get all hot and bothered about a shoulder ... what will be next ... immoral display of ankles?
Niamh.
05-02-2020, 12:49 PM
let's also not forget that breast feeding has been allowed in the commons for years, so it's pure sexism to get all hot and bothered about a shoulder ... what will be next ... immoral display of ankles?
I know right? The Handmaid's tale gets more and more like real life
No they are MP's
not Chavs
Doesn't stop them yelling and screaming like chavs when they disagree with eachother!
People who are angry over this need to get a life honestly :skull:
Twosugars
05-02-2020, 01:01 PM
Doesn't stop them yelling and screaming like chavs when they disagree with eachother!
Good point.
Kazanne
05-02-2020, 01:23 PM
I think its more of a male problem myself as SOME men see any exposure of female flesh as an invite for attention , It may not be right but its a fact , women are judged on how they dress, no one is hating on women (that's a ridiculous thing to imply) imagine if Boris rocked up in a tee shirt and shorts , it wouldn't bother me but you can bet it would bother some others, its about respect I suppose for where you work, I guess it is why uniforms are a thing .
I think its more of a male problem myself as SOME men see any exposure of female flesh as an invite for attention , It may not be right but its a fact , women are judged on how they dress, no one is hating on women (that's a ridiculous thing to imply) imagine if Boris rocked up in a tee shirt and shorts , it wouldn't bother me but you can bet it would bother some others, its about respect I suppose for where you work, I guess it is why uniforms are a thing .
Not so much as an ‘invite’ to be fair
Us blokes are fickle and a bit of flesh is a distraction in certain situations
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Kazanne
05-02-2020, 01:36 PM
Not so much as an ‘invite’ to be fair
Us blokes are fickle and a bit of flesh is a distraction in certain situations
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:laugh: That aswell :wavey:
Tracy Brabin: MP hits back at Twitter 'keyboard warriors'...
‘ Hello. Sorry I don’t have time to reply to all of you commenting on this but I can confirm I’m not....
A slag
Hungover
A tart
About to breastfeed
A slapper
Drunk
Just been banged over a wheelie bin.
Who knew people could get so emotional over a shoulder...’
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-leeds-51386155
...her dress seemed to be fine in accordance with the dress code...updated in 2018...
As with the language you use, the way in which you dress should also demonstrate respect for the House and for its central position in the life of the nation. There is no exact dress code: usual business dress is suggested as a guide. Jeans, T-shirts, sandals and trainers are not appropriate. It is no longer a requirement for men to wear a tie, but jackets should be worn.
32. Wearing scarves, T-shirts, or large badges displaying brand names or slogans, or other forms of advertising of either commercial or non-commercial causes, is not in order. The tradition of the House is that decorations (medals, etc) of any kind and uniforms are not worn in the Chamber.
Niamh.
05-02-2020, 02:40 PM
Tracy Brabin: MP hits back at Twitter 'keyboard warriors'...
‘ Hello. Sorry I don’t have time to reply to all of you commenting on this but I can confirm I’m not....
A slag
Hungover
A tart
About to breastfeed
A slapper
Drunk
Just been banged over a wheelie bin.
Who knew people could get so emotional over a shoulder...’
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-leeds-51386155
Sounds like a classy lady to me :love:
Sounds like a classy lady to me :love:
...yeah, it’s a very classy reply...:love:...how will we ever manage in the big wide world outside the EU, if we get all bothered about an itty bitty bit of shoulder in parliament...
...her dress seemed to be fine in accordance with the dress code...updated in 2018...
As with the language you use, the way in which you dress should also demonstrate respect for the House and for its central position in the life of the nation. There is no exact dress code: usual business dress is suggested as a guide. Jeans, T-shirts, sandals and trainers are not appropriate. It is no longer a requirement for men to wear a tie, but jackets should be worn.
32. Wearing scarves, T-shirts, or large badges displaying brand names or slogans, or other forms of advertising of either commercial or non-commercial causes, is not in order. The tradition of the House is that decorations (medals, etc) of any kind and uniforms are not worn in the Chamber.
Sounds like an amendment is needed
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Oliver_W
08-02-2020, 08:20 AM
It shouldn't matter what she's wearing, it should be about what she's saying.
She probably looked great face-on, but when viewed from above she kind of looks like she slept under a bridge after a night out.
It shouldn't matter what she's wearing, it should be about what she's saying.
She probably looked great face-on, but when viewed from above she kind of looks like she slept under a bridge after a night out.
To achieve the kind of tonal whiplash on display in this post, between "we shouldn't be critiquing this female MP's appearance" and "this female MP looks like she sleeps under a bridge", must take a lot of skill
I assume it's been mentioned in this thread that she's auctioning off the dress for a women's charity, btw?
...she’s such a classy lady...it was sold for £1600, which she donated to Girlguiding...which is obviously something that has always encouraged girls in their confidence...:love:..
Oliver_W
08-02-2020, 08:36 AM
To achieve the kind of tonal whiplash on display in this post, between "we shouldn't be critiquing this female MP's appearance" and "this female MP looks like she sleeps under a bridge", must take a lot of skill
N'aww thanks :love:
...if that dress had not fallen a little off her shoulder during her working day...Girlguiding would have not been enriched by the Great British sum of £1600...life is wonderful..:love:..
GoldHeart
08-02-2020, 08:43 AM
People on Social Media seriously got up in arms over a bare shoulder.:umm2:
Seriously what is wrong with some people?:laugh:
If they think that's bad , I wonder what they would of said if she wore something more innapropriate with alot of cleavage.
I'm so bored of people moaning about MP's dress sense , rather than listening to what they're actually saying.
It's politics ,not a damn fashion show . Aslong as they look fairly presentable or covered appropriately then I don't understand the fuss :facepalm: .
Kizzy
08-02-2020, 10:27 AM
It was a wardrobe malfunction, not intentional. I remember a discussion about heels at work being mandatory. They are more fetishised than shoulders... I think her reaction has been fantastic, rude outdated comments should be treated as the joke they are.
user104658
08-02-2020, 11:32 AM
Britain: "Islamic women being made to cover up is DISGUSTING! Not in our country!! No to the burka! Down with the hijab! PC Gone mad!"
Also Britain: "Excuse me I can see that woman's shoulder REEEEEE!!! Slut!!"
Liam-
08-02-2020, 11:46 AM
Britain: "Islamic women being made to cover up is DISGUSTING! Not in our country!! No to the burka! Down with the hijab! PC Gone mad!"
Also Britain: "Excuse me I can see that woman's shoulder REEEEEE!!! Slut!!"
Pretty much the essence of the entire situation tbh
Kizzy
08-02-2020, 12:33 PM
Britain: "Islamic women being made to cover up is DISGUSTING! Not in our country!! No to the burka! Down with the hijab! PC Gone mad!"
Also Britain: "Excuse me I can see that woman's shoulder REEEEEE!!! Slut!!"
Yep, and are they flats?!!.. you know the rules missy.
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