Your views on Question Time Thursday 11th March 2010
Question Time, the 91Èȱ¬'s premier political debate programme comes with an all female audience from Dewsbury on Thursday 11th March.
The includes the former Europe minister Caroline Flint, local government minister Justine Greening, Lib Dem foreign affairs spokesperson Jo Swinson, gardener and television presenter Monty Don and the columnist Kelvin MacKenzie.
What are your thoughts about the programme and the panel? Let us know here on the Question Time debate page.
The way we run the Have Your Say debate for Question Time has changed. To give us your views you will need to sign in using your 91Èȱ¬ iD. If you do not have a 91Èȱ¬ iD you can create one by clicking on 'Create' at the top right of this page.
Read more about changes to Have Your Say
Should the details of Jon Venables alleged offences - which have been described as 'extremely serious' - be made public?
Why should public sector workers accept a pay freeze when MP's have been awarded £1000 extra per year?
Was Gordon Brown's visit to Afghanistan an attempt to distract attention away from his insufficient funding of troops?
Following the death last night of David Askew, is it now time to impose much stronger penalties for neighbourhood bullies?
David Cameron has said he wants some all female short lists at the election. But should women not be elected on their own merit?
Has Question Time bowed to political correctness tonight?
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Comment number 1.
At 11th Mar 2010, pashalify wrote:This comment was removed because the moderators found it broke the house rules. Explain.
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Comment number 2.
At 11th Mar 2010, adrian bonnington wrote:Do we need Male Liberation? Women can retire earlier than men even though they live longer, so they collect a lot more in state pension. Women can use online dating sites for free yet men pay per month. Women can use telephone chat lines for free yet men have to dial a premium rate number. The EHRC are not interested in prosecuting companies that show discrimination towards men.
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Comment number 3.
At 11th Mar 2010, Craig wrote:Presumably there will be an announcement on tonight's program about when the Male only audience program is going to be made\shown?
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Comment number 4.
At 11th Mar 2010, Alba wrote:Why should Mrs Fergus be told more than rest of us re why this bloke has been taken back into custody?
This is a new sceario
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Comment number 5.
At 11th Mar 2010, mark newsome wrote:if the audience was all male wouldn't that be classed as sexist. if the panel is male and female, the audience should be mixed as well. Even my mother thinks an all female audience is sexist
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Comment number 6.
At 11th Mar 2010, MARK EMANUELSON wrote:It's great to see 91Èȱ¬ host an all female audience for tonight. I hope the show will focus on key women's issues, like equal pay, representation in government, raising confident girls, etc.
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Comment number 7.
At 11th Mar 2010, Ned wrote:God help us. An audience of screaming hysterical women.
If women ruled the world - I'd rather not think about it.
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Comment number 8.
At 11th Mar 2010, MindlessOne wrote:Great to see MacKenzie on the Beeb again, I was beginning to miss him.
Why does the 91Èȱ¬ feel obliged to keep giving this NewsCorp stooge a platform? Ten seconds in and he's got a dig at eh 91Èȱ¬ in already - how many ardent defenders of the license fee are allowed to speak on Sky News?
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Comment number 9.
At 11th Mar 2010, Doug Fletcher wrote:John Venebales should be identity should be made public after the trail, let's not forget he is now an adult.
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Comment number 10.
At 11th Mar 2010, The Master of Reality wrote:Oh Dear! We're only at the first question and poor old Kelvin's made a complete arse of himself already!
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Comment number 11.
At 11th Mar 2010, 27feet wrote:Regarding Jon Venables, there is a basic premise in this country of innocent until proven guilty.
Whatever his potential new offence, he has not yet been found guilty of it and should be allowed a fair trial. The only way in which he can receive that is by continuing anonymity until the case, if any, is heard in court.
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Comment number 12.
At 11th Mar 2010, akava77 wrote:After what he printed in the Sun about the Hillsborough disaster, I think it's an absolute disgrace for Kelvin McKenzie to talk about the emotions of the people of Liverpool to put forward his own point.
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Comment number 13.
At 11th Mar 2010, JIMBOB wrote:Here we are with an election on 6th May and in Dewsbury. As a local resident (male) I can't attend this (even though pre-recordered, see the local press) but more importantly the 91Èȱ¬ can't even get any senior MP whether from the Government or shadow cabinet "up north" Monty Don will no doubt do a Gardener's World job in terms of playing it simple , Caroline Flint has only had to come up a few junctions on the M1, (WHO ARE THE OTHER PANELISTS?)
As a Tory town councillor, (youngest mayor (25) ever in the borough of Mirfield)describing myself as white, middle class, degree standared and a young male who lives 2 miles from tonight's venue why did the BEEB decide after 30 years of doing this programme, suddenly once we hit a "target"seat at the general election us men are a "no no"
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Comment number 14.
At 11th Mar 2010, Adrian Clarke wrote:Kelvin McKenzie is just a the Murdoch's mouth. The man has no mind or views of his own - as evidenced by his constant media harping of the Murdoch's favourite current pet project - the destruction of the 91Èȱ¬.
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Comment number 15.
At 11th Mar 2010, MarkD wrote:Why does the 91Èȱ¬ continue to employ Kelvin MacKenzie? A former editor of the S*n, who refuses to apologise for spreading lies relating to the Hillsborough disaster. His presence on a programme which seeks to promote healthy and constructive debate is ironic.
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Comment number 16.
At 11th Mar 2010, brian wrote:when are you screening a men only question time?
Obviously men must pay less for there t.v licence?
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Comment number 17.
At 11th Mar 2010, Jeffrey Reed wrote:So Monny Don doesn't believe people are born bad.Er,has he ever heard of a certain Adolf Hitler by any chance?
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Comment number 18.
At 11th Mar 2010, Alba wrote:Kelvin MacKenzie is a clown
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Comment number 19.
At 11th Mar 2010, Megalatron wrote:re: Alba
I complete agree with you in regards to Jon Venebales in this case as it has nothing to do with the Jamie Bulger case.
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Comment number 20.
At 11th Mar 2010, Mentor wrote:Public Sector pay freeze:
They should not only have their pay frozen, but also their pensions frozen if not reduced.
The people who actually pay these people are those in the Private sector who in many cases not only had their pay frozen but in many cases have had to accept a reduction to keep their companies going.
Yes that same Private Sector who the Government has since attacking the Private Pensions removed £6 Billion/annum from, to-date about £72 billion.
As for MP's getting any raise at all is just another insult to add the those Joe Public have had to endure for the last 13 years!!
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Comment number 21.
At 11th Mar 2010, seayork2002 wrote:I am really looking forward to a male only audience for "International Men day"......what you say...."it does not exist"....Isn't that discrimination?
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Comment number 22.
At 11th Mar 2010, MarkD wrote:Why are no posts being displayed?
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Comment number 23.
At 11th Mar 2010, adrian bonnington wrote:When you watch the House of Commons live it is nearly always empty - M.P's should have to be present for debates unless they are in another meeting.
What I don't like are the Women, Black, Muslim, Gay shortlists that are being drawn up in safe seat areas which exclude White males.
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Comment number 24.
At 11th Mar 2010, Alba wrote:Gordon Brown is damned if he does and damned if he doesn't.
At least he soesn't have a Jimmy Calderwood-like perma-tan
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Comment number 25.
At 11th Mar 2010, GAURANG wrote:Hello, does the panel feel that the MPS should be paid closer to £200000 pa each provided the number of MPs is reduced to 200 rather than the current 650 approx. Thank you.
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Comment number 26.
At 11th Mar 2010, GAURANG wrote:Hello, does the panel feel that British soldiers, apart from UN commitments, should remain on British soil? Thank you.
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Comment number 27.
At 11th Mar 2010, angelaparton wrote:I thought Monty Don was wonderful when he was gardening but his performance on question time has been outstanding. Such measured comments and not making purely political comments but saying what he thinks is right.
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Comment number 28.
At 11th Mar 2010, JIMBOB wrote:Town Councillor in Mirfield (2 miles away from Dewsbury)
Why no big political names here tonight?
Why the 91Èȱ¬ decide that one of the most "controversial" seats in terms of terorrism, vote rigging not have our own MP here
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Comment number 29.
At 11th Mar 2010, chris wrote:The day that Kelvin Mckenzie apologizes for his editing of the Sun's coverage of the Hillsborough disaster is the day that I give credence to the man. I am changing the channel on my TV and suggest that others do the same
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Comment number 30.
At 11th Mar 2010, roni wrote:I'm a 38 year old single mother of 3 and have had to hear all the slating over the years about people like me but I have never been on benefits and have worked full time since the age of 16 with a lot of difficulty. I havent had a pay rise since 2001 and in the last year have had to take a 20% pay cut to help the company but have to keep going with less money every year, everything goes up, travel, food and other essentials and now I have to support my eldest even though she has to work aswell as study at Uni because of the exorbant amounts the landlords can charge students in Uni areas. So how can we accept it when the MP's decide thay can give themselves a pay rise. The whole country is a mess. Because of the BA strike strike supposedly coming up I am also suffering as I am in the travel business. It never ends.
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Comment number 31.
At 11th Mar 2010, The Master of Reality wrote:"Brown is a compulsive liar" Kelvin McKenzie: a man with no sense of irony!
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Comment number 32.
At 11th Mar 2010, Tony Titchener wrote:When will Question Time have an audience which is all male/black/gay/disabled/pensioners or some other particular section of society?
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Comment number 33.
At 11th Mar 2010, Mentor wrote:Brown Iraq:
There are a lot more people who have said his evidence at the Chillcot enquiry was not correct, not just Guthrie.
But it can't be said that Brown lied, Stephen Byers redefined lies as being an un-truth. So that's ok then!
Was Brown's visit to Iraq a cynical one?
Oh Yeah!
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Comment number 34.
At 11th Mar 2010, Sean Mckenzie wrote:I am a little disappointed that there are no blokes in drag scattered throughout the audience in a reversal of the "stoning" scene from " The Life Of Brian "
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Comment number 35.
At 11th Mar 2010, angelaparton wrote:How does Kelvin McKenzie have the bottle to talk about Gordon Brown lying? What about Hillsborough?
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Comment number 36.
At 11th Mar 2010, crazylamp wrote:I love the way the audience is always ultra left wing. The sun rules!
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Comment number 37.
At 11th Mar 2010, dominic wrote:Right, here's an idea. The United States and several Nato countries (who aren't willing to send troops) could perhaps supply a portion of our equipment ? Obviously thats just a rough idea but what does everyone think of the general principle ?
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Comment number 38.
At 11th Mar 2010, Simon Clarke wrote:Who is looking after the children of Dewsbury?
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Comment number 39.
At 11th Mar 2010, GAURANG wrote:Hello, Given the current lacklustre 'leadership'(Brown, Cameron, Clegg), does any of the panel regret Mr. Blair's early exit as Prime Minister? Thank you.
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Comment number 40.
At 11th Mar 2010, nickdiamond wrote:Audience member stated she had to buy her sons webbing, I had to buy my webbing for the first gulf war, 19 years ago. Surley this should have changed, soldiers have little enough money as it is.
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Comment number 41.
At 11th Mar 2010, Mark H wrote:Mr McKenzie,
re Brown being a compulsive liar
What did the Sun lie about in April 1989 regarding Hillsborough
Lies???? Please Comment
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Comment number 42.
At 11th Mar 2010, adrian bonnington wrote:In South Africa they have a V shaped vehicle that deflect bombs. All Space Craft use a double armour system that stops space debris penetrating the craft - the Army should look at this design. The USA have a ground penetrating RADAR system that can detect plastic bombs - all our metal detectors can do is detect bombs that contain a lot of metal parts.
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Comment number 43.
At 11th Mar 2010, MG wrote:My son is a Royal Marine who has served in Afghanistan. Not only has he had to fork out hundreds of pounds for boots, webbing and other kit, but when he used his poncho as a makeshift body bag to collect the remains of a dead colleague while under fire, he was docked £52 from his meagre pay.
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Comment number 44.
At 11th Mar 2010, Gav wrote:More of our brave men died in Cyprus between 1950 and 1965. More so than the recent deaths abroad. Where is the reaction?
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Comment number 45.
At 11th Mar 2010, GAURANG wrote:Hello, does it seem right for the Prime Minister to be paid less than many local councillors and head teachers? Thank you.
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Comment number 46.
At 11th Mar 2010, charlottemawhinney wrote:Why are our troops in Afghanistan? What about Zimbabwe? It's heartbreaking to watch the bodies of young lads being brought home in coffins - and for what?
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Comment number 47.
At 11th Mar 2010, Sean Mckenzie wrote:In regards to Jeffrey Reeds comment. Er, have you never heard of "Godwins Law"?
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Comment number 48.
At 11th Mar 2010, Mark H wrote:Get rid of McKenzie. Lies for Brown????? Lies for McKenzie, remember the The Sun April 1989.. need i say more?
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Comment number 49.
At 11th Mar 2010, danielle wrote:With regards to funding of troops in Afghanistan, it's not just the troops out there that are suffering with insufficent kit. The other forces are getting their equipment slashed and instead of replacing us with new working equipment it just get refitted out. Ships are out there 'protecting' our interests without the right equipment. I have too served in Afghanistan and felt that the troops did have enough kit, I know many people that have bought there own kit as it is better to do that than use what is provoded.
As a member of the Armed Forces I feel severly let down by the Government and the lack of support they have for us. It would be great to be paid £60k a year like the MPS in this country who do not a lot for us!
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Comment number 50.
At 11th Mar 2010, Swatch wrote:This comment was removed because the moderators found it broke the house rules. Explain.
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Comment number 51.
At 11th Mar 2010, peter richards wrote:Kelvin McKenzie brands Gordon Brown a liar.
McKenzie, of course, is totally familiar with "The Truth"
Having been forced to issue an apology for this headline, and the lies in the associated story, he repeated the S**'s outrageous allegations years later, proving again he can perform better than any politician in changing his story
He is, of course, a self publicising, patronising, holier than thou, cheap populist
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Comment number 52.
At 11th Mar 2010, Dave Kime wrote:Male has been arrested on suspicion of manslaughter for the man who died in Manchester for your reference.
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Comment number 53.
At 11th Mar 2010, Alba wrote:Make the parents responsible for their kids behaviour
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Comment number 54.
At 11th Mar 2010, Soap Airbrushing wrote:Who is to say that all issues are from graffiti
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Comment number 55.
At 11th Mar 2010, MarkD wrote:True debate allows people to air their views. Nick Griffin is allowed a seat on the programme, but I mention Hillsborough in a comment and it get's censored.
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Comment number 56.
At 11th Mar 2010, Karyn wrote:Isn't it about time we started implementing penalties on the parents of these children rather than ASBOs that have not affect whatsoever. I remember at one time that if the child was under a certain age the parents were in court, why is this not done
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Comment number 57.
At 11th Mar 2010, Tom Boyce wrote:This comment was removed because the moderators found it broke the house rules. Explain.
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Comment number 58.
At 11th Mar 2010, The Master of Reality wrote:Adrian Bonnington wrote: "Do we need Male Liberation? Women can retire earlier than men even though they live longer......(snip)"
Craig wrote: "Presumably there will be an announcement on tonight's program about when the Male only audience program is going to be made\shown?"
Mark 'I'm watching with mother' newsome wrote: "if the audience was all male wouldn't that be classed as sexist. if the panel is male and female, the audience should be mixed as well."
Ned wrote: "God help us. An audience of screaming hysterical women."
Guys, don't you get tired carrying those chips on your shoulder around?
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Comment number 59.
At 11th Mar 2010, mark newsome wrote:all women short lists. an anti-sexist question in a sexist audience.
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Comment number 60.
At 11th Mar 2010, Mentor wrote:ASB:
Is a joke, Ferrel kids run the streets throughout the country, the Gentleman who is being discussed is one of many who have suffered from weak kneed bureaucrats.
If Joe Public takes these kids on it is he who ends up being knicked, so he/she doesn't. As for the Hobby Bobby's, one might just as-well have cardboard cut outs.
The Politicians always justify our presence in Afghanistan is for our security - which is total 100% rubbish, the enemy they refer too is here and now with more coming every week.
So let's get our troops out of Afghanistan and back home where they can deal with both the kids and those who want to repeat 7/7.
The troops would be better at picking the Kids up, take them to an island off the West coast of Scotland for 4 months and let them learn respect and discipline at the hands of the forces!
The Anti-Social joke would be reversed PDQ.
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Comment number 61.
At 11th Mar 2010, TG61 wrote:The government constantly tries to defend its record by talking about how it has increased spending on various things; e.g., Defence spending.
When is the government going to realise that it's not how much money you spend, but the value you get for that expenditure?
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Comment number 62.
At 11th Mar 2010, crazylamp wrote:yak yak yak! everyone knows women are a nightmare to work with.
Women, know your limits!
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Comment number 63.
At 11th Mar 2010, Paul Smith wrote:This comment was removed because the moderators found it broke the house rules. Explain.
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Comment number 64.
At 11th Mar 2010, braveMartin47 wrote:This comment was removed because the moderators found it broke the house rules. Explain.
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Comment number 65.
At 11th Mar 2010, _Nigel_ wrote:Why should MP's be allowed expenses that are not calculated the same as the self employed for tax purposes?
(Even if they are non domiciled)
Lots of people have more than one workplace.
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Comment number 66.
At 11th Mar 2010, Mentor wrote:All Women, All Men, All anything short lists are a nonsense, just as imposed candidates are.
Political Parties who impose any of the aforementioned will suffer at the Ballot box on a matter of Principle!
the days when Politicians call the tune is over, the employer/voter will tell them how high to jump and when!
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Comment number 67.
At 11th Mar 2010, Barry Richards wrote:Remarks have been made about letting courts deal with offenders, but the sentencing guidelines and the early release system undermine any court decisions and sentences.
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Comment number 68.
At 11th Mar 2010, The Master of Reality wrote:Oh Good David Starkey is on next week - a man who makes Kelvin McKenzie look like a heavyweight intellectual. Why didn't they invite him to the Glasgow show the following week - I'm sure that his arrogant, anti-Scottish attitudes would go down a storm.
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Comment number 69.
At 11th Mar 2010, robert garton wrote:ASBO effectiveness is spoilt by excuse making social workers.
Use their salaries to boost police numbers on the beat
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Comment number 70.
At 11th Mar 2010, Peter wrote:Regarding "anti-social behaviour": the courts have to be strongly of the opinion that custody is the only reasonable punishment - for whatever offence - before sending them to prison. They determine the length of sentence bearing in mind all the aggravating and mitigating factors, and sometimes, in the case of an early plea of guilty, are required to reduce any period of custody by a third. What happens then is that offenders are generally released halfway through their sentence. Why? The sentence of the court is essentially the appropriate one, so releasing people after half their time is served doesn't impose society's full penalty for the criminal act, and halves the time the public are protected from the offender's behaviour. In my view, as a JP, remission for 'good behaviour' should never amount to more than a month or two on sentences over two years, with no more than a week or two for shorter ones. And 'life' should mean 'life'.
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Comment number 71.
At 11th Mar 2010, Chief Inspector Cluedo wrote:Monty Don talked fondly about the time when a child would get a 'clip round the ear' from its parents if misbehaving. However, when Dimbleby said did he advocate a 'clip round the ear' Don said 'of course not.'
And nobody seemed to notice the contradiction. There lies the problem today.
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Comment number 72.
At 11th Mar 2010, alex wrote:This comment was removed because the moderators found it broke the house rules. Explain.
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Comment number 73.
At 11th Mar 2010, moorey1 wrote:Why oh why do the 91Èȱ¬ and other channels persist in employing the services of one of the biggest liars around, namely Kelvin Mckenzie. This man and I use the term very loosely, told blatant lies and untruths about Liverpool football fans when he was editor of the Sun newspaper, for which he has still not apologised for. I find it repulsive that a man who caused so much hurt and distress to the families of thousanda of families is allowed to spout his extreme right wing and offensive comments on a television channel that my taxes help pay for. I would have thought the 91Èȱ¬ of all establishments would have had more thought about the people of a certain part of this country than they obviously seem to have had.
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Comment number 74.
At 11th Mar 2010, Steve wrote:How can the audience tonight be politically correct when there are no men? If there was a all male audience it would be accused of sexism. So why allow an all women audience? The audience should be balanced and fair!
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Comment number 75.
At 11th Mar 2010, Tony Geo wrote:Another wonderful programme spoilt by Dimbleby's belief in his own self importance putting his image above the issues raised by the audience. His continual interruption of panelists and efforts to steer questions down another route to his own agenda detract from the programme.
Axing Mr D would be great way for the 91Èȱ¬ to save money.
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Comment number 76.
At 11th Mar 2010, Gordon Hutchison wrote:Kelvin MacKenzie was as predictable as usual. However,when is stated that Gordon Brown was a compulsive liar,the 91Èȱ¬ should apologise immediately and guarantee that he will never appear again on any 91Èȱ¬ program Why should we, the license fee payers, have our cash spent on an arrogant,self-centred and pig-headed person like him.What would have been the reaction if his comment was directed at, for example, a "black" person.I can tell that the 91Èȱ¬ would have already sent out an apology etc etc
It's time we all stopped this double standards approach to PC
Regards, Gordon Hutchison
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Comment number 77.
At 11th Mar 2010, Paul Scarth wrote:Having just caught the last 15 minutes of the programme, I can't help but dwell on a few points:
What made the 91Èȱ¬ chose an all female audience ?
Now being a resident of Dewsbury myself I wouldn't be surprised if somebody put two and two together and realised the male population of Dewsbury are probably more outspoken than the females.
How much of the audience were from the Dewsbury area.
I'd take a lucky guess on this one and presume very little.
Hey, call me an old cynic, but there's still a North / South when it comes to stories regarding Dewsbury.
Paul.
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Comment number 78.
At 11th Mar 2010, Chief Inspector Cluedo wrote:From the programmes I watch 'cops with cameras' etc. enormous resources are put into drugs raids usually resulting with a voice over at the end reporting that all charges have ben dropped or a caution has been given or some minor 'community service' order imposed. Put those resources into staking out the houses of those hounded by young thugs (see today's news); irrespective of the sentence perhaps these yobs might start realising they can't act with impunity.
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Comment number 79.
At 11th Mar 2010, Kate CG wrote:It would appear from what I have read that Mr David Askew was a victim of repeated HATE incidents and crimes as he was tragically targetted because of his vunerablity as a man with learning difficulties.
Many people face this level of sustained abuse because of the disability, colour, race, sexuality and gender and as in the case of Sophie Lancaster, murdered for being a "goth", based on their looks.
Like Sophie's killers, when people are in courts for serious violence they must be detained, not set free to hurt, even murder, again. How many times do we have to see that the culprits were on bail only to do more serious injury to people. Will we learn that Mr Askew's abuser was on bail? I would not be surprised.
Sincere condolences to Mr Askew's family and shame on the "neighbours" who made his life a living hell.
Kate Conboy-Greenwood
Campaign Manager
The Sophie Lancaster Foundation
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Comment number 80.
At 11th Mar 2010, Bill wrote:Caroline Flint repeats what Gordon Brown said at PM's Questions- the Tories spent less on Defence. Of course they did because they didn't involve our country in 5 wars over 13 years. Surely a record in living memory! If Labour wants us to intervene in every conflict, around the world, then they should make sure they provide the funding so that our troops do not face unnecessary danger.
As regards who to believe- Gordon Brown or the Defence chiefs- then there's only one answer.
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Comment number 81.
At 12th Mar 2010, Peter wrote:I am against discrimination of all kinds, and by excluding men from tonight's audience the 91Èȱ¬ was plainly guilty of discrimination. The same applies to all women short lists for Parliament. Such women cannot claim to have been elected on their merits when half the population has be excluded from standing against them.
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Comment number 82.
At 12th Mar 2010, Peter wrote:This comment was removed because the moderators found it broke the house rules. Explain.
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Comment number 83.
At 12th Mar 2010, polly ticks wrote:I think it is disgraceful that as a rabble rouser for the Tories, Kelvin McKenzie should have been allowed to get away with calling Gordon Brown a liar. It is a despicable act considering that he brought no factual evidence to bear to support his contention. That is potentially a slanderous statement and, in addition, it is offensive to all members of the Labour Party and sets the tone for the election which seems to me to now be going along the lines of the USA where personalities are attacked and anything goes. I blame the Tories for this because GB has tried to keep arguments to substantive issues but the Tories from day one started attackng The PM as a person.
The other factor that should bar Kelvin from taking part in QT is that he has no idea of the reality when he makes some prejudiced statements without aquainting himself with the facts. I cannot believe the number of panelists who keep giving out 10yr old impressions of the education system and policing for one example. Policing has changed and the education system is nothing like portrayed on TV Perhaps question time should have ALL teacher or ALL police audiences so they could challenge the urban myths that are recycled over and over again.
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Comment number 84.
At 12th Mar 2010, Bill wrote:Why can't the anti-McKenzie brigade give over? I'm pretty certain they had it worked out-what they were going to say- before he even opened his mouth. I suppose, though, it makes a change from ranting against the Daily Mail.
You must admit that he's got it just about right on Brown.
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Comment number 85.
At 12th Mar 2010, laurencebutcher108 wrote:Just a quick background on myself and why I may be voicing the following opinions: I am 22 year-old, white, middle-class educated male in my 4th year studying LLB Law with a real interest, passion and admiration for the Police, and with goals of soon joining the Force myself.
On the subject of Policing and Police Officers tackling crime, with specific reference to the death of David and anti-social behaviour, it's all well and good saying we need more police and especially foot patrols but the fact is unless the budget used for policing assigned by government is increased then Forces simply cannot afford more officers. Already the men and women in the sector are stretched to breaking point on their workloads which, unfortunately, can lead to some officers cutting corners in investigations, and this is not helped by the sheer mountain of administrative work required to process each case reported by each officer. The reason some officers will not report or record some offences which are considered as trivial is because they would rather be out there serving the community, NOT stuck behind some desk in a stuffy, cluttered office back at their station.
Also, anti-social behaviour has somehow acquired such a wide definition it now seems to cover the crimes of assault (not occassioning ABH or GBH), harassment, minor criminal damage (graffiti etc.) as well being drunk and disorderly. Granted it makes things easier to label but it doesn't help with appropriately prosecuting certain types of behaviour. The acts of the youths who seemed to have tortured the Hattersley man was beyond anti-social. Police face an uphill battle with anti-social behaviour now, being an area constantly in debate and being deifficult to develop reasonable and generally applicable tactics to use in the field. Younger generations in more deprived areas live with no real concept of authority figures and certainly have no respect to such figures. They know full well the consequences of their actions and the truth is they just do not care, because they often have nothing to lose with no direction and no purpose in society.
In recent years I have taken to approaching and resolving anti-social behaviour and disputes myself where faced with the moral obligation to act while out and about wherever I am. I can understand people not wanting to get involved to ensure self-preservation, and that is a perfectly reasonable mentality, but I have never stepped into a conflict situation which I ever felt was beyond my capabilities or represented a serious risk to myself. I don't feel that a fair few of situations that happen in our communities always require the attention of the Police, but the addressal by members of the public to anti-social behaviour. This is never to be done with aggression but with a calm and assertive manner; do not under any circumstances use intimidating actions or words to an already agitated personality. It's all about standing your ground and showing the instigator(s) that you are not intimidated by their behaviour. But again, I have never done this in dangerous situations like large groups of people or to anyone who is presented as being unpredictable and/or extremely aggressive.
While I will still support not getting involved in situations considered as dangerous to yourself or others, for those who are capable of acting then DO IT. The reason a lot of anti-social behaviour occurs is because the communities and general public show a lack of courage to address problems there and then when they are perfectly capable of doing so, and would rather burden the emergency services with often unnecessary calls for help. Let us, THE PEOPLE, take back our communities from these unstable members and show them that we WILL NOT be intimidated by their childish and irresponsible behaviour.
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Comment number 86.
At 12th Mar 2010, Bill wrote:GAURANG wrote:
Hello, does it seem right for the Prime Minister to be paid less than many local councillors and head teachers? Thank you.
No local councillers get anywhere near Brown's salary. All they get is expenses!
As others are often told- if Mr Brown isn't happy with the pay then he knows what to do!
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Comment number 87.
At 12th Mar 2010, Enprimeur wrote:All-women shortlists do not make sense unless you think (a) women are inferior candidates or (b) the selection process is biased. Otherwise it reduces the number of women likely to be nominated by encouraging women to compete against other women. Since women are clearly not inferior, it must be the selection procedures that need reform rather than the introduction of all-women shortlists.
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Comment number 88.
At 12th Mar 2010, numero wrote:I didn't realise there were two versions of Questiontime going on at the same time - obviously 'Ned' was watching a different programme as I don't recall seeing screaming, hysterical women on the version I saw!
With reference to Anti-social behaviour - hasn't it occurred to all the do-gooders gnashing their teeth over touching the poor little dears that this type of bad behaviour has blossomed many times over since the ending of corporal punishment in schools? These feral youths think they are invincible, cannot be touched and they can treat people in whatever way 'amuses' them.
I taught in secondary schools for over 30 years and am happy I was able to retire only two years after all discipline was removed from schools (and such a lot of the kids don't get any at home) and even after only two years the cracks were already beginning to show. These noxious youths will never be stopped until discipline stops being a dirty word.
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Comment number 89.
At 12th Mar 2010, bandaid2 wrote:lISTENING TO YOUR PANELS COMMENTS RE mpS RISES.iSN1T IT ABOUT TIME THAT PAY INCREASES ARE WORKED ON AN"iNVERTED TRIANGLE"BASIS;I.E THOSE AT THE BOTTOM(WHO USUALLY DO ALL THE WORK!)GET MORE THAN THOSE AT HE TOP.5%ON £100000/YEAR AT THAT RATE WOULD BE £5000(very near what we at the bottom ANNUALLY get)whereas 5% of 16000 is only £320
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Comment number 90.
At 12th Mar 2010, Bill wrote:Alba wrote:
Gordon Brown is damned if he does and damned if he doesn't.
At least he soesn't have a Jimmy Calderwood-like perma-tan
What? - doesn't have a "Jimmy Calderwood-like perma-tan"?
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Comment number 91.
At 12th Mar 2010, Paul Heywood wrote:Luckily Kelvin's rant against Gordon Brown being a liar is so steeped in irony that he won't have any problem with me referring to him as the biggest idiot ever to appear on Question Time. How does he keep getting invited on? A pre-election QT is always tainted with a panel looking for a cheap shot and a rapturous applause but this man contradicts his own life with every sentence he utters. Please 91Èȱ¬, take a look at the comments on your forum and don't bother with the next invite.
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Comment number 92.
At 12th Mar 2010, MrT wrote:MacKenzi seems to think there wont be any lynch mob for Jon Venerables if he was identified, that it is just an excuse for Jack Straw to hide behind. Well if he expects people wearing bedsheets and carrying torches, I think he needs to join the modern age. When he was being asked whether he would print the name of the "innocent man" being "lynched" over the internet, he completely missed the point being put to him.
And no, what happens in the media in this modern age is not a civilised alternative to an old fashioned lynching, which at least would be swift; if Jon Venerables gets identified his life will become a living hell, regardless of whether he has atoned for his crimes or not. We are just the same as the human beings who burnt witches hundreds of years ago, we're just as nasty and vicious as we have ever been. Knowledge hasn't made us "better", it's just given us different ways to show how horrible we can be.
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Comment number 93.
At 12th Mar 2010, Mentor wrote:Polly Ticks (83)
A very humorous contribution to brighten up the evening/morning.
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Comment number 94.
At 12th Mar 2010, Lol wrote:Its sexist having an all female studio audience - this is not democracy. Also women should be appointed on their merits not their gender, there are too many square pegs in round holes as a result of this so called positive ( actually in reality negative) discrimination.
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Comment number 95.
At 12th Mar 2010, ElleT wrote:As a woman watching tonight's show I felt that the all female audience was slightly patronising. Surely excluding men from the audience for no legitimate reason is taking a step back in the fight for equality, and if the audience had been all male there would have been an outcry? If we are living in a society where men are being discriminated against openly by the 91Èȱ¬, what message does this send to our already confused youth? Is it ever ok to openly discriminate?
This brings about the point of imposed candidates....surely it should simply be a case of 'the right person for the job'? Otherwise we are in danger of an imposed society, in the same way that there is positive discrimination when recruiting for the police-force and fire brigade....again, it should just be the right person for the job regardless of sex, race etc - our society is not politically correct at all - it is going crazy trying to represent everyone and subsequently needing to discriminate to do so.
Lastly, I would disagree with Mony's point tonight that society is partly responsible for the horrific crimes of children such as the murderers of Jamie Bulgar; or for the youths responsible for anti-social behaviour. By human nature we all have a choice in life, our upbringing will effect our emotions and our outlook on life...but ultimately when faced with the choice to kill an innocent helpless baby or not it comes down to basic good and evil. There are many people who have been raised in tough environments that have gone on to great things - they chose a different path. To continually torment an elderly member of society is not "anti-social", it is cowardly bullying by worthless members of our society that will never hold any other power in life other than that. I pity them that they were dealt a bad hand and chose the wrong path; but feel strongly that our government should take a fierce stand to protect our elderly from these local terrorists. We need to ensure that none of our older members of the community are left to be prisoners in their own homes.
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Comment number 96.
At 12th Mar 2010, Roberttrebor wrote:A silly idea to try and get more views, which will fail as only a few people out of the population want to watch question time.
It will not attract any more female views than it already does....
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Comment number 97.
At 12th Mar 2010, numero wrote:Polly Ticks must be hearing different things from the rest of us! To mention just one or two of her misapprehensions
- G.B did lie to the Chilcott Commission as was made quite clear by the army personnel
- the Tories started the character assasinations? Whose assistant was it who was going to disseminate lies about Tory politicians?
- which sleazy lord has been batting on about non-doms? Rather stupidly since ALL political parties seem to enjoy non-dom help!
-she can't believe people go on about '10 year old information about schools' ?!! Which particular cloud-nine is Polly living on?
As a teacher who has only left teaching in the last four years said to me 'you wouldn't recognise what schools are like now' I know he is right from what I hear from serving teachers and my own grandchildren
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Comment number 98.
At 12th Mar 2010, Mike Sivier wrote:Earlier this week I watched a documentary showing how women formed a movement to protest against their exclusion from higher-powered positions because of their sex. Now, on Question Time, I have witnessed a debate - and not the first - on whether political parties should have all-female shortlists of possible candidates for Parliamentary seats.
For a man who was a member of a party in a constituency that had an all-female shortlist, this would mean that, if he wanted to put himself forward as a possible candidate, he would be excluded because of his sex. It would not matter if he had the brightest political mind in the country - he would still be excluded from participation.
Even in these circumstances, there would be no guarantee that a woman would win that Parliamentary seat, as the majority of the voters might choose a candidate from another party who happened to be a man. That would not be a sexist decision, but a political one.
Sexism is sexism, whether it is aimed at women or (as in this case) men, and it is my opinion that all-female shortlists could seriously harm this country's political health. The only sensible criterion on which anybody should become a Parliamentary candidate - for any political party - is that that person, male or female, is the best person for the job.
In my opinion, those politicians who advocate such dangerous policies as all-female shortlists are the ones who should be excluded and not allowed to participate!
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Comment number 99.
At 12th Mar 2010, The Ghosts of John Galt wrote:What can I say, the continuing expenses scandal, MPs pay rise at a time when most are seeing pay cuts, and we are daily witness to the banking fiasco - exposes the incredible arrogance and demonstrates the utter contempt these people have for the public! How dare these parasites, these mystic babblers, these preachers of the Doctrine of Sacrifice attempt to defend the indefensible STILL! Its disgraceful! None deserve a vote for re-election, non have the right to represent me or my community! Not one MP can claim any dignity, honour, integrity or possession of any moral claim to be a public servant! Its unbelievable that the panel member MPs have the nerve to suggest they are in politics for altruistic motives after the fact of being caught out as self serving, self interested actors in a charade! I will not be providing my support or vote for any of them, and I will not be supporting any of their 'replacement' cronies either! Before voting for these leeches I would advise the public to ensure they are not voting for a 'clone'!!!
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Comment number 100.
At 12th Mar 2010, Linda wrote:This is the second week running (that I've watched) that the Conservatives on the panel are outbalancing Labour. Last week we had tory Boris Johnson with sidekick Carol Vorderman and this week it was a tory MP with sidekick Kelvin McKenzie,with David Dimbleby continually interrupting the Labour spokesperson. Can we have a little more balance please.
Also, where is the defence chiefs proof when they say Brown is lying and can they prove that the're not all lifelong tory voters.
Kelvin McKenzie is a very unlikeable person, just like the paper he used to work for.
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