I'm about to raise my tone

Rosena Allin-Khan is the MP for Tooting and an A&E doctor and intensive care specialist. She has been working 12-hour hospital shifts throughout the pandemic. At home, her children have been taught not to run to her until she has stripped her clothes into the washing machine and showered. She uses separate cutlery, crockery and towels from her family and has found herself in tears “wondering about how many of all those deaths could have been avoided”.⠀⠀

Last week she stood up in the House of Commons and addressed the health secretary, Matt Hancock, to say that our government's failures were contributing to a greater loss of life and she wanted answers on its testing strategy. Matt Hancock awkwardly replied and suggested what she was saying was untrue and that she “might do well to take a leaf out of the shadow secretary of state’s book in terms of tone”. ⠀⠀
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Last week, Rosena tweeted these words “I’m about to raise my tone” ⠀⠀

“I will respectfully challenge the Government - I want our country to succeed. However, I will not ‘watch my tone’ when dozens of NHS and care staff are dying unnecessarily…No, I won’t watch my tone – I’ve got something I need to say…If Matt Hancock found my tone difficult, that’s on him”

There are many facets to this story; the tragic loss of life, government failings and the weight our health workers are carrying. For a moment I want to shine a light on what this story is teaching us about the many different ways smart, powerful women are silenced and patronised by incompetent men. ⠀⠀
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Have you ever been told to watch your tone? To change your tone? I’ve been told my tone is intimidating, aggressive and challenging. Remember, if someone has a problem with your tone - that’s on them. You have something to say.⠀⠀
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Thank you to Rosena Allin-Khan for the work you do. Thank you for reminding me of this important lesson; may we all say what we have to say.