Russell T Davies says Tory government is a ‘wounded, rabid dog’ in incendiary speech

Russell T Davies described the Tory government as a “wounded, rabid dog” in his acceptance speech at the South Bank Sky Arts Awards.

Davies’ acclaimed Channel 4 drama It’s a Sin won best TV drama at the ceremony, which was held at The Savoy hotel in London on Wednesday (13 July).

While accepting the award, surrounded by the show’s cast members, Davies took the opportunity to hit out at the beleaguered Conservative government, and its plans to privatise Channel 4.

The privatisation of the channel has been discussed for decades, but in April this year, the government announced that the decision had been made.

“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,” he said.

“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.

“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.”

Russell T Davies told the audience that the government is made up of ‘murderers, abusers and liars’

Russell T Davies, who recently returned as showrunner for Doctor Who and announced Sex Education star Ncuti Gatwa as the fourteenth doctor, addressed any Conservative voters in the audience.

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