Mhairi Black steps down: Snap reactions as speech goes viral

SNP’s Mhairi Black steps down, the deputy Westminster leader, won’t contest her seat at the next general election, blaming the “toxic” Commons environment.

Black was the youngest MP elected in over 300 years, and shows that not much seems to have changed in that time.

Explaining her decision, the MP for Paisley and Renfrewshire South said: “Honestly, because I’m tired, is a big part of it. And the thing that makes me tired is Westminster.

Black is the sixth SNP MP to announce they will not contest the next general election, including former Westminster leader Ian Blackford.

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Mhairi Black steps down

“I think it is one of the most unhealthy workplaces that you could ever be in. It’s a toxic environment. Just the entire design of the place and how it functions is just the opposite of everything that I find comfortable.

“It’s definitely a poisonous place. Whether that’s because of what folk can get away with in it or the number of personal motivations and folk having ulterior motives for things, and it’s just not a nice place to be in.”

So sad that Mhairi Black has announced she will step down at the next election due to Westminster being a “toxic workplace” and "definitely poisonous place"

Must watch @maitlis interview with @MhairiBlack

Mhairi will be sorely missed.pic.twitter.com/wCtuPoECpz
— Bylines Scotland (@BylinesScotland) July 4, 2023

Here is one of her barnstorming speech…

📢With Mhairi Black set to stand down as an MP, we look at one of her most iconic speeches.

Every word of this.pic.twitter.com/dgdnCPlCaB
— The National (@ScotNational) July 4, 2023

She shared her thoughts in a Twitter post.

pic.twitter.com/ylQ8r59hKU
— Mhairi Black MP🏳️‍🌈 (@MhairiBlack) July 4, 2023

Reactions

A big loss for Scotland and indeed for the entire UK. A genuine person who’s contribution I will defiantly miss.

The toxic atmosphere of Westminster claims another victim.8
— isthatyourdonkey (@isthatyourdonk1) July 4, 2023

A big loss for Scotland and for all of us. But understandable wanting to leave such a toxic environment. She is a credit to the House of Conmons, speaking truth to power. We wish her well in whatever she does next.
— West England Bylines 🇺🇦🇺🇦🇺🇦 (@WEBylines) July 4, 2023

Very sad news. Mhairi Black is a rare and true talent.
— Ted Smith 🇪🇺 (@TedUrchin) July 4, 2023

That’s very bad news. An outstanding politician who as with @CarolineLucas has been one of the few able to single-handedly bring improvements and make a difference at shambolic #Westminster Hopefully, she will continue in a prominent role in public life.
— Geoff Brewer #FBPE #FBR #FBNHS #NAFO (@GeoffBrewer) July 4, 2023

I am not an SNP supporter but I can tell you this now. I’ve not admired many MP’s from any party as much as Mhairi Black. She is a genuine person, a normal person who has empathy and integrity running through her. This has made me genuinely very sad. https://t.co/omb8hw2bKZ
— MimiJ (@MimiJ9) July 4, 2023

Whatever your views on Mhairi Black’s politics, here was a voice that added to the diversity, plurality of views heard in our Parliament. Refreshed it.

A political culture that chews up young people like this and then spits them out, needs serious examination. ~AA https://t.co/CBe8yvbnca
— Best for Britain (@BestForBritain) July 4, 2023

Mhairi Black’s departure speaks volumes. She denounces Westminster as poisonous and toxic, describing it as one of the most unhealthy workplaces. Her alarm at what people can get away with is justified. It’s a wakeup call for reform and accountability.
— Upset Fish (@StormySturgeon) July 4, 2023

NOOOOOOOOOOOOO! Mhairi Black is epic. And I say that as a Labour Party member. https://t.co/AFMkiAyQtc
— Miffy (@miffythegamer) July 4, 2023

Mhairi Black’s departure speaks volumes. She denounces Westminster as poisonous and toxic, describing it as one of the most unhealthy workplaces. Her alarm at what people can get away with is justified. It’s a wakeup call for reform and accountability.
— Upset Fish (@StormySturgeon) July 4, 2023