Reply #3: Euphemisms are standard because it is considered a grave [View All]

[emad]

'crime' to accuse the PM of lying - if such an accusation is made in Parliament, it is tantamount to an accusation of treason. Previous use of euphemistic language includes a top aide of Margaret Thatcher claiming his evidence before a House of Commons committee had been 'economical with the actualite' - ie. devoid of anything resembling truth.
There are technical reasons for this: if you call the PM a liar in Parliament, you can't be sued for slander/defamation but can be ousted if you can't back up your assertion and the target takes umbrage.