Advertising helps fund Big Issue’s mission to end poverty
Oasis Collector's Edition is HERE! - Get yours before they go.
GET MINE
News

Nadine Dorries needed a 'safe space' to come up with her TikTok rap lyrics, says government

Culture secretary Nadine Dorries went viral with her cringeworthy rap - but the draft lyrics will remain secret.

nadine dorries

Dorries' rap saw her triumphantly drop the mic at the end of the video. Image: NadineDorriesMP/TikTok

The government will keep the draft lyrics to Nadine Dorries’ viral TikTok rap secret, citing the need for a “safe space” for ministers to do their work.

When culture secretary Dorries dropped a 41-second rap explaining her department’s new Online Safety Bill, it went viral – attracting a mass of headlines and jokes.

The Big Issue asked for the draft lyrics of the TikTok – as a way to glean how much time, effort, and government brainpower had been spent coming up with the video.

But after seeking advice from an unnamed minister, the Department for Digital, Culture, Media, and Sport won’t release them, saying it would “prejudice the effective conduct of public affairs.” 

In a Freedom of Information response, the department said: “There is a public interest in preserving a ‘safe space’ around ministers and government officials so that they can communicate with confidence.

It added: “If all communications were disclosed, then this lack of safe space could lead to less innovative or creative options being discussed and reduce the potential reach of communications in an evolving landscape.”

Advertising helps fund Big Issue’s mission to end poverty
Advertising helps fund Big Issue’s mission to end poverty

The video, which features Nadine Dorries rapping the line “but is it true it will limit freedom of expression? / no we’ve put in legal protections in the 19th section” has gained 30,000 views on TikTok, but over 400,000 on Twitter when posted as an “insane moment in British politics”.

The end of the video, which outlines the provisions of the Online Safety Bill, shows Dorries dropping a mic.

In its refusal to release the draft lyrics, the DCMS argues doing so would “inhibit the free and frank exchange of views for the purposes of innovation” and could have a “chilling effect” on officials.

The response is part of a pattern of the government leaning away from openness. Nearly 60 per cent of requests are now refused, according to statistics from the Institute for Government.

Meanwhile, the proportion of requests successfully overturned by the Information Commissioner – which requesters can appeal to after arguing with the public body – has risen, suggesting a growing culture of refusals.

Advertising helps fund Big Issue’s mission to end poverty

SIGN THE PETITION

Will you sign Big Issue's petition to ask Keir Starmer to pass a Poverty Zero law? It's time to hold government to account on poverty once and for all.

Recommended for you

View all
Tory MP Robert Jenrick says mass migration to blame for rising rents. Here's what he's not telling you
Conservative MP Robert Jenrick
RENTING

Tory MP Robert Jenrick says mass migration to blame for rising rents. Here's what he's not telling you

Huge student blocks are transforming city skylines. But is there a darker motive behind the boom?
Student accommodation

Huge student blocks are transforming city skylines. But is there a darker motive behind the boom?

Prince William's bid to end homelessness in 'delivery mode' as it hits second anniversary
Prince William
Homelessness

Prince William's bid to end homelessness in 'delivery mode' as it hits second anniversary

No UK party currently has what it takes to end poverty, research finds: 'We need a radical rethink'
Labour leader Keir Starmer, Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch, and Liberal Democrat leader Ed Davey
Exclusive

No UK party currently has what it takes to end poverty, research finds: 'We need a radical rethink'

Most Popular

Read All
Renters pay their landlords' buy-to-let mortgages, so they should get a share of the profits
Renters: A mortgage lender's window advertising buy-to-let products
1.

Renters pay their landlords' buy-to-let mortgages, so they should get a share of the profits

Exclusive: Disabled people are 'set up to fail' by the DWP in target-driven disability benefits system, whistleblowers reveal
Pound coins on a piece of paper with disability living allowancve
2.

Exclusive: Disabled people are 'set up to fail' by the DWP in target-driven disability benefits system, whistleblowers reveal

Cost of living payment 2024: Where to get help now the scheme is over
next dwp cost of living payment 2023
3.

Cost of living payment 2024: Where to get help now the scheme is over

Strike dates 2023: From train drivers to NHS doctors, here are the dates to know
4.

Strike dates 2023: From train drivers to NHS doctors, here are the dates to know

Support our vendors with a subscription

For each subscription to the magazine, we’ll provide a vendor with a reusable water bottle, making it easier for them to access cold water on hot days.