Thornberry shocks MPs with toilet language
By Tony Grew - 23rd June 2011
Labour MP Emily Thornberry, owner of one of the most honey-kissed voices in the Commons, is always good value for money.
Today she shook up proceedings at a punishingly dull transport questions by using what can only be described as the language of the street.
Toilet provision was the issue that she wanted to raise. Specifically, the loos, or lack thereof, at Farringdon station.
The Islington South MP quoted a local councillor, who complained that Crossrail "are causing years of inconvenience to local residents and businesses" and installing some loos "is the least they can do".
She continued: "At the end of the day men p*ss against everything round here - inevitably they will be p*ssing in their stations, and they won't like it."
Shocked MPs turned to the Speaker, but he was silent, so it must be parliamentary language, in this context anyway.
A somewhat startled Theresa Villiers rose to respond from the Treasury bench.
"The redevelopment of Farringdon station involves Crossrail and Thameslink," she told MPs.
"It's going to be an exceptionally important and busy station. There will be toilet facilities."
That is, literally, a relief.
Have your say...
Please enter your comments below.