Kaye Adams and the BBC have been called to apologise after the broadcaster described Nicola Sturgeon and Humza Yousaf as ‘not human beings.’
The Loose Women host made the caustic statement on her BBC Scotland radio programme on Wednesday when addressing former First Minister Sturgeon’s Covid Whatsapp exchanges, which are now under investigation.
National columnist Kelly Given told the host: ‘Nicola Sturgeon has submitted evidence to this inquiry, she’s submitted her informal messaging, and I think we need to take that at face value, she’s done that.
‘Why are we holding these people to account as if they’re not human beings? Nicola Sturgeon got a new phone or deleted her messages or whatever …’
Adams, 61, then interjected: ‘Because in this instance they’re not human beings, they’re politicians,’ to which Givens argued: ‘Politicians are human beings.’
The clip, which has been shared on X, has attracted criticism for Adams with Perth MP Pete Wishart tweeting: ‘Absolutely shocking. I hope @BBCScotland think about an apology, or at least some sort of correction, for this.’
On her phone-in show yesterday when arguing with a caller, Kaye Adams said that Nicola Sturgeon and Humza Yousaf "are not human beings, they are politicians". This remark is not just offensive but dangerous for all too obvious reasons. BBC Scotland needs to act over this. pic.twitter.com/YdIffwb4EE
— MSM Monitor (@msm_monitor) January 25, 2024
SNP councillor Math Campbell-Sturgess also said: ‘This kind of dehumanising language is bad enough from callers – for a host to say this is beyond the pale.
‘MPs have been murdered. I have to carry a security device when working due to the threat to all parliamentary staff. She needs to resign.’
Many other users piled on the calls for an apology or for the BBC to take action, with VioletNeill1 stating: ‘Disgraceful behaviour, Kaye Adams should be sacked.’
X user Mairifaeinsch agreed, writing: ‘apologise’?! Surely a resigning matter.’
RuthCampbell1 commented: ‘She should face disciplinary action for such a hugely personal and offensive statement about a principled, decent, competent leader. Who does Kay Adams think she is?
PrinceMyshkin16 also said: ‘Ms Adams should be sacked and pronto…..it’s very simple.’
Ms Sturgeon’s WhatsApp messages during the epidemic are being investigated, and she is scheduled to testify in the coming weeks.
The former SNP leader, 53, will stand down as First Minister in 2023, with Mr Yousaf succeeding her.
