【2005 Archives】

A conservative UK politician005 Archivesfacing international outrage and calls for her ouster after she used a racial epithet in a meeting about the Brexit process, with audio of the moment being posted across the internet.

Tory MP Anne Marie Morris of Newton Abbott made the comment on Monday while talking about the potential financial effects of Brexit, according to The Huffington Post, saying:

“Now I’m sure there will be many people who’ll challenge that, but my response and my request is look at the detail, it isn’t all doom and gloom. Now we get to the real nigger in the woodpile which is in two years what happens if there is no deal?”

Audio of Morris has since hit the web and circulated far and wide.

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As outrage over her comments spread, Morris offered up an apology, telling the BBC, "The comment was totally unintentional. I apologise unreservedly for any offence caused."

If you can believe it, this is actually the secondtimein the past decade that a Tory has used that phrase and faced a fiery backlash. In 2008, Lord Robert Dixon-Smith used the phrase in debate over housing legislation.

Despite calls to then-Prime Minister David Cameron for his removal, Dixon-Smith apologized and that, apparently, was the end of it.

The offensive phrase is hardly new, and is defined as "something (as a concealed motive or obscure factor) contrary to appearances in a situation." Its origins are murky but it reportedly -- and unsurprisingly -- has its roots in phrases used to described fugitive slaves who escaped the southern U.S. to the northern part of the country or even Canada.

No matter the intent, the use of the phrase -- which clearly has no place in civil discourse in 2017 -- has landed Morris in hot water.

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The Guardianis reporting that Prime Minister Theresa May was initially unaware of Morris' comments because she was in a meeting, while additional reports indicate a decision on a possible suspension for Morris could be coming later Monday.

This is a developing story...

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