Saying that it is part of the British culture to leave our children alone at night while we go off to the pub to get plastered. Everything that this man says is reported all over the world and I am outraged that people of other cultures are being given this totally erroneous and terrible impression of British culture. He knows as a media consultant that this statement will travel like wildfire to all the nations of the world. How dare he tar us all with the same brush as the McCanns by suggesting that it is part of our culture to neglect and abandon our children. I posted this question last night but it mysteriously didn't show up in currant events. My question is, Are you as outraged as me? and should he be made to retract his statement and apologise?
http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/world-news/article3099614.ece
2007-10-26 21:46:01 · 17 answers · asked by trancebabe 4 in News & Events ➔ Current Events
Absolutely, what a disgraceful untruthful comment.
Yes, he should apologise & withdraw his statement.
Adding,... Responsible Parents, sometimes go out to eat in the evenings, without their Children, but they do make sure,
, unlike My Clients, the McCanns, Professional Doctors ,
that they make use of the Proper Baby -Sitting Services which are readily available to All Residents , for a nominal charge.
As you are well aware, Prosecution follows for Neglect
in Britain, its a criminal offence, if under 12's ( ? )are left alone without adequate Parental Supervision, in place.
2007-10-27 01:36:41 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
You've misread the article. Nowhere does it say it is okay to leave your children to go off to the pub. And yes, I would say that it is a British thing to have a routine at bedtime.
But by the way, I live near an estate, and I've seen real examples of neglect. Many of the children have social workers, almost as friends.
2007-10-26 23:12:22 · answer #2 · answered by True Blue Brit 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Blooming cheek!!!!! He may speak for himself and the McCanns but I for one (and I know plenty of others) have never left a child unattended while I go out on the lash or enjoy my self for the evening. My child's routine comes first and all the time I am responsible for her welfare I don't get pi**ed. Having said that if she goes to her mates for a sleepover on a weekend I get as merry as the next person.
2007-10-27 00:09:11 · answer #3 · answered by Charley 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
"It is a British approach to get your children washed, bathed and in bed early in the evening if you can so you can have something of the evening to yourself. That is the British way of doing things."
Sorry, that's the Belgian way too to get young kids in bed early, giving the parents some time to themselves, but that doesn't mean the children are supposed to be left home alone in favour of a night out! Getting the kids in bed early is good to get some rest or get some housework done that you don't get around to when they're awake, or to relax with a book or a dvd that you can't find the time for otherwise, plus young children need their sleep.
I'm sure it's the same in Britain - if you want to go out and have your children safe, hire a babysitter!
2007-10-26 22:13:43 · answer #4 · answered by slashgirl_1984 5 · 11⤊ 0⤋
There is a big difference between getting your children ready for bed and then sipping a glass of wine in the next room - but going out for the evening and leaving them completely alone is unforgivable. If the children were teenagers it would be different - but they were all babies.
Nusha - have you got kids? Do you abandon them regularly?
2007-10-26 22:55:12 · answer #5 · answered by Spencer D 3 · 4⤊ 0⤋
I am just as angry as you are and I too posted this same link last night as part of my question.Well done you for re posting this same link to let other people know what a vile person Mitchell is for insinuating that we British are in the habit of leaving our children alone whilst be go off having a good time.He should certainly be made to stand in front of a bunch of press from every country and apologise for giving out misleading information which has damaged the reputation of decent British people. It is disgusting that he thinks he has the right to stand in front of a camera and spout lies but as soon as anyone speaks ill of the McCanns then they all threaten to sue. Happily it now seems that the vast majority of people both here and abroad have seen through their scheming antics and just want them locked up.
2007-10-26 22:25:07 · answer #6 · answered by little weed 6 · 7⤊ 2⤋
I see your point entirely. But he didn't actually mention leaving kids alone, to be fair, just getting them in bed so the parents can have some 'me' time. But I agree that this statement will be misinterpreted world-wide and he really ought to clarify what he meant.
Why the McCanns need a spokesman in the first place is another matter......
2007-10-26 22:10:32 · answer #7 · answered by lou b 6 · 7⤊ 1⤋
Well perhaps the British ought to sue him now. Where are the lawyers? I hope your lawyers are watching him carefully!
Thats what I keep hearing from their camp.lol.
It is not part of the British culture at all.
I agree as a PR man his choice of words are not up to the job.
2007-10-26 21:55:13 · answer #8 · answered by shafter 6 · 14⤊ 0⤋
What a shocking statement by the man being paid £1000's for making the McCanns look innocent.
I would never leave my baby alone, ever!!!!
2007-10-26 21:53:59 · answer #9 · answered by Paul C 6 · 14⤊ 1⤋
Trancebabe,
He meant it's normal for children at that age to go to bed early in the UK. The majority of people I know put children at that age to bed at 7pm and they usually sleep for 12 hours or so. In the Mediterranean, children at that age are put to bed a bit late and they wake up a bit late as well. He never mentioned "it is part of British culture to leave children alone"
2007-10-26 22:46:24 · answer #10 · answered by toietmoi 3 · 2⤊ 5⤋