Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Russell T Davies compares Tory government to a ‘wounded dog’ in blazing awards speech: ‘The rabies will spread’

‘It’s a Sin’ show creator criticised government plans to sell Channel 4

Nicole Vassell
Thursday 14 July 2022 05:14 EDT
Comments
Doctor Who: Ncuti Gatwa and Russell T Davies react to casting announcement

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Russell T Davies has criticised the government and its voters in a blistering new speech comparing the Conservative Party to a “wounded dog”.

The screenwriter and showrunner was on stage at the South Bank Sky Arts Awards on Wednesday (13 July), where he accepted an award for his powerful Aids drama It’s A Sin.

During his time at the podium, Davies made a point to voice his disagreement with the government’s decision to privatise Channel 4, announced in April.

“While I’ve got this stage, [It’s a Sin] was made by Channel 4, a public service broadcaster dedicated to making this kind of programme,” Davies told the audience.

“We know that the government has said that they’re going to sell that off. I know the government’s wounded at the moment, but it’s like a wounded dog; a wounded dog bites everyone. And the rabies will spread.”

The returning Doctor Who showrunner soon went on to state his lack of doubt that the government will press on with their proposed plans, saying: “We have to realise that the things the Tories say they will do, they do. They’re very good at that.

“We’re full of doubt, they’re not. They will do this. It is wrong.”

Finally, Davies turned his attention to the people who vote for the government.

He said: “I know I’m speaking to the converted, but there’s money in this room. And if there’s money in the room, that means there’s Tory voters in the room.”

As the audience began to applaud his words, Davies concluded his impassioned address with a final condemnation of the Party.

“You are here, and you’re certainly watching at home, so please know that you are voting for murderers, b*****ds, abusers and liars,” he said.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in