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91Èȱ¬ BLOGS - Have Your Say

Archives for April 2010

How should immigration be tackled?

11:45 UK time, Friday, 30 April 2010

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The Liberal Democrats want to create an "earned route" to citizenship for migrants who have been in the UK for 10 years. How should we deal with immigration?

Labour's immigration policy would continue to tighten the newly-created points-based system and the Conservatives are proposing an annual limit for non-EU economic migrants.

The Lib Dems have also defended their claim that 80% of immigration into Britain was from the EU, something which their leader Nick Clegg said showed a Tory policy to cap non-EU immigration was "complete nonsense". Senior Conservative Michael Gove dismissed this as "bogus statistics", saying only a third of immigrants came from the EU.

Do you think an immigration amnesty would be a good idea? Do you think a cap on immigration is achieveable? What immigration policies need to be discussed?

Compare the parties' election policies on .

This debate has now closed. Thank you for all your comments.

Should the burka be banned in public?

11:13 UK time, Friday, 30 April 2010

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Belgium's lower house of parliament has voted for . Does the proposal set a dangerous precedent?

The law prohibits the wearing in public any clothing that obscures the identity of the wearer. If passed, it would be the first move of its kind in Europe.

Only around 30 women are said to wear this kind of veil in Belgium. However, the Muslim Executive of Belgium says that the law could lead to them being trapped in their homes.

Should the state be able to control what people wear in the name of security? Do you live in Belgium or other parts of the world where similar bans are being considered?

This debate is now closed. Thank you for your comments.

'Owl want to be alone' - do animals deserve privacy?

11:11 UK time, Friday, 30 April 2010

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Wildlife documentaries deny animals their 'right to privacy', an academic has claimed. Is this taking animal rights too far?

Dr Brett Mills, from the , admits it might seem odd to claim that wildlife has a right to privacy, but says that producers of nature shows often ignore behaviour which suggests animals want to be left alone.

He said: "We can never really know if animals are giving consent, but they often do engage in forms of behaviour which suggest they'd rather not encounter humans, and we might want to think about equating this with a desire for privacy."

Are wildlife documentaries an invasion of animals' privacy? Do you think animals understand the concept of privacy? Is it more important to learn about our wildlife than respect an animal's privacy? Are you involved in making documentaries?

This debate is now closed. Thank you for your comments.

Did you listen to Nick Griffin on 91Èȱ¬ Radio 2?

18:16 UK time, Thursday, 29 April 2010

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Jeremy VineNick Griffin, leader of the British National Party, was interviewed by the 91Èȱ¬'s Jeremy Vine on Friday, on Radio 2. What did you think?

Mr Griffin joined the BNP in 1995 and ousted John Tyndall as leader four years later.

He has been a member of the European Parliament since the 2009 elections.

You can read the BNP's manifesto here. (PDF)

What do you think of the BNP's policies? Did you tune in to listen to Nick Griffin? What issues would you like to raise with the BNP?

In the sixth in a series of interviews, Jeremy Vine interviewed Nick Griffin during his programme on 91Èȱ¬ Radio 2 between 1230 and 1245 on Friday 30 April 2010. For more information on how to enjoy and contribute to the programme, click here.

This debate is now closed. Thank you for your comments.

Prime Ministerial Debate: Your reaction

17:37 UK time, Thursday, 29 April 2010

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How did they do?

David Cameron, Gordon Brown and Nick Clegg focused on the economy for the first half of the debate, before moving on to immigration, housing, unemployment and education.

The 91Èȱ¬ hosted the event live from Birmingham University. The previous debates were broadcast from Manchester and Bristol.

What did you think of the debate? Who do you think was the strongest? Have you changed your voting preference?

This debate is now closed. Thank you for your comments.

Your views on Question Time 29th April 2010

17:00 UK time, Thursday, 29 April 2010

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Question Time, the 91Èȱ¬'s premier political debate programme comes from Birmingham on Thursday 29 April.

The includes the Schools Secretary Ed Balls, the shadow defence secretary Liam Fox, the Liberal Democrats' treasury spokesman Vince Cable, the SNP leader Alex Salmond and the broadcaster and journalist Janet Street Porter.

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

This debate has now closed. Thank you for your comments.

Did you listen to David Cameron on 91Èȱ¬ Radio 2?

16:47 UK time, Thursday, 29 April 2010

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Jeremy VineDavid Cameron, Conservative Party leader was interviewed by the 91Èȱ¬'s Jeremy Vine on Friday on Radio 2. What did you think?

David Cameron was first elected leader of the Conservatives in 2005.

He has also been Member of Parliament for Witney in Oxfordshire since 2001.

You can read the Conservative Party's manifesto . (PDF)

What do you think of David Cameron's policies? Did you listen to Jeremy Vine talking to David Cameron? What broader issues would you like to discuss with the Conservative Party leader?

In the sixth in a series of interviews, Jeremy Vine talked to David Cameron during his programme on 91Èȱ¬ Radio 2 between 1300 and 1345 on Friday 30 April 2010. For more information on how to listen to a recording of the interview, click here.

This debate is now closed. Thank you for your comments.

Is enough being done to prevent environmental disasters?

11:20 UK time, Thursday, 29 April 2010

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has with the device it was using to stop the flow of oil in the Gulf of Mexico. Is enough being done to tackle the crisis?

BP's chief operating officer Doug Suttles said the 98-tonne concrete-and-steel containment box had to be moved, after ice-like crystals began accumulating inside it. He said BP's engineers hoped they could find a solution to the problem.

Some 5,000 barrels (210,000 gallons) of oil a day has been leaking for 19 days from the well, 50 miles (80km) offshore, since an explosion destroyed the Deepwater Horizon rig last month, killing 11 workers.

Are you affected by the oil slick, or have you seen it spreading? Is it right for oil companies to foot the bill? Should we all take responsibility for cleaning our environment? What measures should be taken to reduce the number of environmental disasters?

This debate is now closed. Thank you for your comments.


Should politicians be talking about immigration?

10:20 UK time, Thursday, 29 April 2010

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Labour is not treating immigration as "off limits" a minister says after Gordon Brown called a pensioner who raised the issue "bigoted". Do you think politicians should talk more about immigration?

Ahead of the final TV debate, Labour's Alan Johnson says pensioner Gillian Duffy was not bigoted to raise the topic of immigration and he was "really pleased Gordon made that clear". He went on to say that Mr Brown is under a lot of pressure and made a "dreadful mistake".

Elsewhere, Mr Clegg said he would focus on the problems with the banks and the "overheated housing market". While Conservative leader David Cameron has been discussing his party's plans to create a £200m cancer drugs fund.

Do you think immigration should be high on the political agenda? Should immigration be "off limits"? What immigration policies need to be discussed?

This debate has now been closed. Thank you for your comments.


Compare the parties' election policies on race relations and immigration

What would you ask the Plaid Cymru leader?

21:05 UK time, Wednesday, 28 April 2010

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Jeremy VineIeuan Wyn Jones, Plaid Cymru leader, will be interviewed by the 91Èȱ¬'s Jeremy Vine on Wednesday on Radio 2. What would you like to know?

Ieuan Wyn Jones was first elected leader of Plaid Cymru in 2000.

A decade later he is still in charge and since 2007 is also the Welsh Assembly Government deputy first minister and in charge of the Welsh economy.

You can read Plaid Cymru's manifesto . (PDF)

What do you think of Plaid Cymru's policies? Which policies would you like to ask Ieuan Wyn Jones about? What broader issues would you like to discuss with the Plaid Cymru leader?

This debate is now closed. Thank you for your comments.

In the fifth in a series of interviews, Jeremy Vine talks Ieuan Wyn Jones during his programme on 91Èȱ¬ Radio 2 between 1200 and 1245 on Thursday 29 April 2010. For more information on how to listen to a recording of the interview, click here.

Gordon Brown's remarks: Your reaction

14:29 UK time, Wednesday, 28 April 2010

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Prime Minister Gordon Brown has been caught on microphone describing a voter he had just spoken to in Rochdale as a "". What is your reaction to his remarks?

Sixty-five-year-old on a number of issues including immigration and crime.

As he got into his car, he was still wearing a broadcast microphone and was heard to say "that was a disaster" and when asked what she said, he replied: "."

In response, Mrs Duffy said: ". He's an educated person. Why has he come out with words like that?"

After listening to the recording, with his forehead resting on his hand, he told the Jeremy Vine show on 91Èȱ¬ Radio 2: "Mr Brown later phoned Mrs Duffy to apologise.

Has your opinion of Gordon Brown changed? Should a private conversation remain private? Is this a defining moment of the election campaign or a side issue?

How can the financial crisis in Greece be solved?

09:58 UK time, Wednesday, 28 April 2010

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Greece must be prevented from becoming "", the chief architect of Greece's entry to the euro has warned. How will Greece's problems affect Europe?

Dr Yannos Papantoniou, Greece's Economy minister between 1994 and 2001, urged Europe to act "at very high speed" to rescue the economy.

A rescue package for Greece is still being negotiated, with Germany demanding tough economic reforms. An agreement is expected within the next few days.

Elsewhere, the currency recovered slightly from a one-year low on Wednesday. But investor confidence took yet another knock when rating agency downgraded Spain's debt - reflecting a loss of confidence in another eurozone country.

What is the best way to tackle the financial crisis? Should the rest of the eurozone bail out Greece? What will be the long-term impact on the European Union? Are you in Greece?

This debate is now closed. Thankyou for your comments.

Are you worried about the economy?

09:07 UK time, Wednesday, 28 April 2010

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in Thursday's final TV debate. Have they made their plans clear enough?

The debate, on 91Èȱ¬ 1 at 2030, will focus predominantly on the economy. It comes amid claims that the leaders are not being upfront ahead of polling day about the scale of future cuts.

On Tuesday the (IFS) said no party had come "anywhere close" to being clear where the axe would fall, despite implications about the deepest cuts in spending since the 1970s.


Are the parties being upfront enough? What questions would you like to ask Gordon Brown, David Cameron and Nick Clegg about the economy? Which party has shown the most clarity on economic policy? Are you concerned about the scale of future cuts?

Submit for the Prime Ministerial Debate.

This debate has now been closed. Thank you for your comments.

What would you ask the Labour Party leader?

19:35 UK time, Tuesday, 27 April 2010

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Jeremy VineGordon Brown, Prime Minister and leader of the Labour Party, will be interviewed by the 91Èȱ¬'s Jeremy Vine on Wednesday on Radio 2. What would you like to know?

After Labour's 1997 landslide victory, Mr Brown became the most powerful chancellor in modern times.

With his eyes firmly set on the top job Mr Brown was crowned party leader, and Prime Minister, without a contest, when Tony Blair stood down in 2007.

You can read the Labour Party's manifesto .

What do you think of the Labour Party's policies? Which policies would you like to ask Gordon Brown about? What broader issues would you like to discuss with the Labour leader?

This debate is now closed. Thank you for your comments.

In the fourth in a series of interviews, Jeremy Vine will be interviewing Gordon Brown during his programme on 91Èȱ¬ Radio 2 between 1200 and 1245 on Wednesday 28 April 2010. For more information on how to enjoy and contribute to the programme, click here.

Should Australia postpone climate scheme?

11:38 UK time, Tuesday, 27 April 2010

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The will not start until 2013 at the earliest following rejection by the Senate. Has the right decision been made?

Australia has some of the highest per capita emissions of developed nations. Prime Minister Kevin Rudd had hoped the scheme would cut the country's carbon emissions by up to 25% from 2000 levels by 2020, by requiring industrial polluters to buy licences to emit carbon.

However, some politicians questioned the scientific case for global warming and claimed that the emissions trading scheme would damage Australia's economy.
The scheme had already been rejected twice by the Senate, where Kevin Rudd's government does not have a majority.

Does the decision by the Rudd government reflect changing attitudes towards climate change in Australia? Is slow global progress on emissions cuts to blame for the plan's delay?

This debate has now closed. Thank you for all your comments.

Should politicians focus on family policies?

08:51 UK time, Tuesday, 27 April 2010

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, as parties focus on the family, and what the Tories call the "broken society". What family policies would you like to see?

Labour say their rivals' plans amount to a "coalition of cuts for children" and say they will attack Lib Dem plans to axe child trust funds and Tory proposals to scale back child tax credits.

The Conservatives say their manifesto is the most family-friendly ever produced by a British party, and will focus their policy among other things on family breakdown.

Meanwhile the Lib Dems will focus on the challenges facing the NHS as Nick Clegg addresses the Royal College of Nursing's annual conference on Tuesday.

What are the most important family policies to you? What changes need to be made to family policies? Is family policy high enough on the political agenda?

This debate is now closed. Thank you for your comments.

Do aliens really exist?

11:17 UK time, Monday, 26 April 2010

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but warns it would be a bad idea to contact them. Are we ready for them if they exist?

In a series for the , said it was perfectly rational to assume intelligent life exists elsewhere, but warned that aliens might simply raid Earth for resources and then move on.

He said "The real challenge is to work out what aliens might actually be like."

He said that if extraterrestrials visited the planet the outcome would be similar to when Christopher Columbus landed in America, which, he added, didn't turn out well for the Native Americans.

Are there aliens out there capable of communicating with us? If they exist, should we avoid making contact with them?

This debate is now closed. Thank you for your comments.

Does the campaign focus enough on policies?

09:43 UK time, Monday, 26 April 2010

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It's the final full week of election campaigning and the last prime ministerial debate is on Thursday. But have you heard enough about ?

Labour want to cut the deficit by more than 50% by 2014, protect "frontline investment" in childcare, schools, the NHS and policing and restore the link between the state pension and earnings from 2012.

The Conservatives want spending cuts in all areas apart from health and foreign aid, to create a Pupil Premium, giving more money to schools that teach the poorest children and to recognise marriage in the tax system.

The Liberal Democrats want to focus on raising the threshold at which people start paying income tax from £6,475 to £10,000, introducing a banking levy until such time as banks' retail and investment arms can be separated and scrapping the identity card scheme.

Has the campaign been more focused on debates and polls than actual policies? What do you want the election campaign to focus on ahead of polling day? Have you changed the way you are likely to vote because of the campaign so far?

This debate has now closed. Thank you for your comments.

Should the electoral system change?

07:45 UK time, Monday, 26 April 2010

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The Liberal Democrats have insisted any support from them in a hung parliament will require a commitment to electoral reform. Are you happy with the current system?

Changing to a system of proportional representation (PR) would mean a closer match between the percentage of votes candidates receive and the percentage of seats they receive. The current first-past-the-post system means the election is determined by the highest polling candidate in the constituency.

Lib Dem leader Nick Clegg says the current system "could throw up the preposterous prospect that a party that comes third in terms of votes could continue to govern from Number 10". Conservative leader David Cameron said the great 'con' of PR was that it put power in the hands of politicians not the people. Labour have said they would hold a referendum on electoral reform.

Do you think we should have a debate on proportional representation? Which voting system is better? Is electoral reform essential after the election?

Does rich list boost spell recovery?

08:29 UK time, Sunday, 25 April 2010

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The UK's super-rich have seen a , the Sunday Times Rich List suggests. Does this point towards economic recovery?

London-based steel tycoon Lakshmi Mittal topped the for the sixth consecutive year with a £22.45bn fortune. Russian oligarch and Chelsea Football Club owner Roman Abramovich remains in second place with a total wealth of £7.4bn.

Many, including Mr Mittal, were hit badly by the economic downturn, shrinking their wealth in 2009. But the collective fortunes of the top 1,000 on the list have risen by 30% in the past year - the biggest jump in the list's 22-year history - to £333.5bn.

What is your reaction to this year's rich list results? What does this jump in wealth indicate? Is it a sign of economic recovery in the UK?

Thank you for your comments. This debate is now closed.

Are campaigning politicians visible enough?

09:34 UK time, Saturday, 24 April 2010

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Gordon Brown is to become a more in Labour's general election campaign and meet more "ordinary voters", the 91Èȱ¬ understands. Is this the right approach?

Although Mr Brown was said to be pinning his hopes on visiting "ordinary voters", he has been criticised by rank-and-file Labour party members for appearing to meet only with party supporters.

Meanwhile on Friday Tory leader David Cameron met traders and customers at a "" in a London market and Lib Dem leader Nick Clegg spoke to supermarket customers and staff when he stopped at .

Have you met any of the candidates for your area? What do you think of their campaigning so far? What kind of campaign tactics appeal to you?

Thank you for your comments. This debate is now closed.

Who would you trust to recover the economy?

17:59 UK time, Friday, 23 April 2010

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The last growth figures to be published before the election show . Who would you trust to grow Britain's economy?

Figures show the UK grew 0.2% in the first three months of 2010 - less than had been expected.

Gordon Brown insists only Labour action has prevented the UK sliding back into recession and says his priorities were "jobs, jobs, jobs". Tory leader David Cameron warns the figures show the UK cannot afford the "paralysis" of a hung Parliament. But Lib Dem leader Nick Clegg says "people, not markets" must come first.

Which leader is most convincing? What needs to be done to ensure the UK doesn't slide back into a recession? Do you have concerns over the economic future of Britain?

This debate has now been closed. Thank you for your comments.

What next for Thailand?

11:52 UK time, Friday, 23 April 2010

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Thailand's prime minister has set up by anti-government protesters in the capital Bangkok. What's the way out of the conflict?

He has rejected an offer by "red-shirt" demonstrators to end protests if he dissolved parliament to hold elections.

The red-shirts said on Friday they wanted parliament dissolved within a month, a change from previous calls for immediate dissolution.

Are you in Bangkok? Have you witnessed the protests? What is the solution to the current deadlock? What will the implications be for the future of the country?

This debate has now been closed. Thank you for your comments.

Prime Ministerial debate: Your reaction

18:37 UK time, Thursday, 22 April 2010

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What did you think of the programme?

Gordon Brown, David Cameron and Nick Clegg discussed a wide range of issues including the European Union, the Catholic Church, overseas military action and immigration.

What's your reaction to the debate? Who do you think came out on top? Were your questions on foreign policy being answered?

The 91Èȱ¬ will host the third and final debate, focusing on the economy, on 29 April.

Or if would you like to be part of a 91Èȱ¬ panel discussing the debate itself, .

Thank you for your comments. This debate is now closed.

Your views on Question Time Thursday 22 April 2010

16:23 UK time, Thursday, 22 April 2010

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Question Time, the 91Èȱ¬'s premier political debate programme comes from London on Thursday 22 April.

The are the Work and Pensions Secretary Yvette Cooper, the shadow foreign secretary William Hague, the former Liberal Democrat leader Ming Campbell, Plaid Cymru's leader at Westminster Elfyn Llwyd and the journalist Ann Leslie.

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

What would you ask the former UKIP leader?

16:45 UK time, Wednesday, 21 April 2010

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Jeremy VineFormer UK Independence Party leader Nigel Farage faced questioning by the 91Èȱ¬'s Jeremy Vine on Thursday. What would you like to know?

Mr Farage is running for Commons Speaker John Bercow's usually uncontested seat and last week joined with current UKIP leader Lord Pearson to launch the party's anti-EU .

Nigel Farage became UKIP leader in 2006, but stood down in 2009 ahead of his bid for a Parliament seat. He continues to lead UKIP's group of MEPs in Brussels, where he has represented the South East since 1999.

What do you think of the UK Independence Party's policies? Which policies would you like to ask Nigel Farage about? What broader issues would you like to discuss with the UKIP candidate?

In the third in a series of interviews with party leaders, Jeremy Vine interviewed Nigel Farage during his programme on Radio 2 between 1pm and 2pm on Thursday 22 April 2010. To see how listeners reacted to the interview online, click here.Ìý

This debate has now been closed. Thank you for your comments.

PM debate: What are the key foreign issues?

16:02 UK time, Wednesday, 21 April 2010

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The takes place on Thursday and it will focus on foreign affairs. What issues need to be discussed?

In the last Thursday, David Cameron, Gordon Brown and Nick Clegg clashed over issues including spending cuts, tax and political reform. And as the main beneficiary, with subsequent opinion polls suggesting a rise in popularity for the Liberal Democrats.

ITV1 broadcast last week's show from Manchester. Sky News will broadcast the second debate at 8pm from Bristol (also available to watch on the 91Èȱ¬ News Channel/ and to listen to on 91Èȱ¬ Radio 4) while the 91Èȱ¬ will host the third debate next Thursday.

Will you watch the debate? What do you want the three party leaders to discuss? Who do you think will come out on top?

in the 91Èȱ¬'s prime ministerial debate. Or discussing the debate itself, let us know.

.

Will faith influence your vote?

13:53 UK time, Wednesday, 21 April 2010

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Tony Blair's spokesman Alastair Campbell famously once said the prime minister didn't "do God" when talking to the media. Will religion influence your vote?

Paul Woolley, director of the Christian think-tank Theos, says that despite a commonly held view that British public life is becoming ever-more secular, and organisations".

David Cameron's "Big Society" includes a government working with voluntary and faith groups, Prime Minister Gordon Brown makes frequent references to the "moral compass" he inherited from his clergyman father and Nick Clegg has said that he is not an "active believer" but has "enormous respect" for those who are.

Will your faith - or lack of it - influence the way you vote? Do you think the politics and religion should mix? Do you relate better to leaders that share your faith?

Who should pay for the volcano disruption?

11:05 UK time, Wednesday, 21 April 2010

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over the costs of the six-day airspace shutdown as thousands of Britons continue their slow journey back to the UK. Who should pay for the cost of this disruption?

Airlines want compensation for the volcanic ash disruption, estimated to have cost the industry more than £1bn. And passengers forced to abandon scheduled flights and fund their own journey home, as well as those still stranded abroad paying hotel and living expenses, are wondering who is going to foot the bill.

Almost all flights across Europe are expected to go ahead on Thursday. Although certain airports in Sweden and Norway were closed again when part of the volcanic ash cloud took an unexpected turn north.

Is it reasonable to expect a budget airline to reimburse such high expenses for a low cost ticket? How can airlines recoup the cost of this disruption? Who do you think should pay the cost of returning passengers to the UK?

Should Trident be scrapped?

11:03 UK time, Wednesday, 21 April 2010

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questioning whether the UK's nuclear deterrent offers value for money. Should Trident be scrapped?

The generals claim that the £80 billion needed for replacement might be better spent on frontline forces. The Lib Dem leader, Nick Clegg has already called for the nuclear submarine fleet to be scrapped.

However, there are concerns that such a move could affect relations with the United States.

Is the £80 billion cost of replacing Trident justified? Would scrapping the nuclear submarine system have long-term consequences for the position of the UK on the world stage? Are there other alternatives that could be considered?

Mark Urban will be asking if the Lib Dem policy on Trident is credible tonight, and the programme will also be examining other issues which will form the battleground for the prime ministerial debate tomorrow - watch at 10.30pm on 91Èȱ¬ Two.


Matt Frei's diary: Grounded

22:14 UK time, Tuesday, 20 April 2010

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MattFrei.jpgAs flights slowly begin to take off again in Europe after days of travel chaos, Matt Frei, presenter of reflects on the beauty and pain of travel - both by air and by ground.

Matt says: "Nature has simply left us all guessing and probing. The barricades of preconceived ideas have momentarily been dismantled. We are all becoming amateur volcanologists."

Send us your reaction to



What would you ask the SNP leader?

20:20 UK time, Tuesday, 20 April 2010

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Jeremy VineScottish National Party leader Alex Salmond faced questioning by the 91Èȱ¬'s Jeremy Vine on Wednesday. What would you like to know?

Scotland's first minister since 2007, Alex Salmond launched the Scottish National Party's on Tuesday, with hopes of achieving a "balanced parliament" in Westminister.

Mr Salmond was first elected to the House of Commons in 1987 and served as SNP leader between 1990 and 2000. He went on to head up the SNP group in Westminster before returning to lead the Scottish National Party in 2004.

What do you think of the Scottish National Party's policies? Which policies would you like to ask Alex Salmond about? What broader issues would you like to discuss with the SNP leader?

In the second in a series of interviews with party leaders, Jeremy Vine interviewed Alex Salmond during his programme on Radio 2 between 1pm and 2pm on Wednesday 21 April 2010. To see how listeners reacted to the interview online click here.Ìý

This debate has now been closed. Thank you for your comments.

Would you be happy with a hung parliament?

14:08 UK time, Tuesday, 20 April 2010

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in the event of a hung parliament. What would a hung parliament mean for the country?

In a Daily Telegraph interview, he says Mr Brown is "a desperate politician". It comes as Mr Brown says that he wants a "new politics", with the two parties creating an informal alliance to keep the Conservatives out of power.

David Cameron warned any result short of a Tory victory "could reinforce the failure of the last 13 years".

Would it be good to see parties working together? Or would it mean politicians "haggling, not deciding", as David Cameron suggests? Would a hung parliament be good or bad for Britain?

This debate is now closed. Thank you for your comments.

Should there be a cash incentive for organ donation?

10:00 UK time, Tuesday, 20 April 2010

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. Is this the right approach?

is carrying out a 12 week public consultation to find out if it is ethical to use cash incentives and the payment of funeral costs to increase donations of organs, eggs and sperm.

Demand for organ donors has increased in recent years and now far exceeds supply. Each year 1,000 people in the UK die while waiting for transplants.

Are cash incentives the right approach? Would a cash payment encourage you to donate? Are there other ways to increase the amount of people willing to donate their organs, eggs or sperm? Have you benefitted from organ donation, do you think this is ethical?

This debate is now closed. Thank you for all your comments.

What would you ask the Green Party leader?

20:10 UK time, Monday, 19 April 2010

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Jeremy VineGreen Party leader Caroline Lucas faced questioning by the 91Èȱ¬'s Jeremy Vine on Tuesday. What would you like to know?

The leader of the Green Party for England and Wales since 2009, Caroline Lucas launched the party's last week, with hopes of securing the party's first seat at Westminster.

Ms Lucas has worked for the Green Party for more than 20 years and has represented the party as a Member of the European Parliament for the South East of England region since 1999.

What do you think of the Green Party's policies? Which policies would you like to ask Caroline Lucas about? What broader issues would you like to discuss with the Green Party leader?

In the first in a series of interviews with party leaders, Jeremy Vine interviewed Caroline Lucas MEP during his programme on Radio 2 between 1pm and 2pm on Tuesday 20 April 2010. To see how listeners reacted to the interview online click here.Ìý

This debate has now been closed. Thank you for your comments.

Are you flying?

11:48 UK time, Monday, 19 April 2010

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Are you happy to fly?

All UK airports were given the go ahead to reopen from 2200 BST on Tuesday, but airspace in Germany and Ireland remains restricted. and it may take weeks to get passengers home.

Airports and airlines said to be costing $200m (£130m) a day. But scientists say that while Eyjafjallajokull volcano is now producing more lava and less ash, the situation remains changeable.

What do you think of the response to the crisis by the government and the airline industry? Are you stranded because of the airspace restrictions? Are you getting a flight back home? Do you work in the travel industry?

<strong>This debate has now been closed. Thank you for your comments.</strong>

Is the election a three horse race?

09:05 UK time, Saturday, 17 April 2010

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. Is the election now wide open?

David Cameron has reacted to the latest opinion polls by warning a vote for Nick Clegg could see the country being "stuck" with Labour and said only his party could offer "decisive change".

Lib Dem leader Nick Clegg said only his party "stands up for real change in the old economic and political order".

Labour's Gordon Brown told 91Èȱ¬ Radio 1's Newsbeat: "I'm here to be a vehicle of change for our community".

Do you think increased popularity of the Liberal Democrats will continue? Is this a result of Nick Clegg's performance on the first TV debate?

This debate has now been closed. Thank you for your comments.

Should Mars be the main mission?

09:13 UK time, Friday, 16 April 2010

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Is his space vision on the right course?

The White House has been under fire since announcing in February that it wanted to shut down Constellation, the current programme to replace the ageing space shuttle.

Neil Armstrong, the first man to walk on the moon said a decision to cut funding for Nasa was "devastating", but White House officials insist Mr Obama's new plans are ambitious, with the ultimate goal of reaching Mars.

Is this the right approach to space exploration? Is President Obama correct in focusing on Mars? Do you work in this science field? What are the advantages of space travel?

Prime Ministerial debate: Your reaction

20:12 UK time, Thursday, 15 April 2010

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What was your reaction to the programme?

David Cameron, Gordon Brown and Nick Clegg clashed over issues including spending cuts, tax and political reform.

ITV1 broadcast the show from Manchester. Sky and the 91Èȱ¬ will host debates on successive Thursdays.

Was the programme a success? What did you think of the debate? Who do you think came out on top?

Or if would you like to be part of a 91Èȱ¬ panel discussing the debate itself, .

This debate has now been closed. Thank you for your comments.

Your views on Question Time on Thursday 15 April 2010

16:10 UK time, Thursday, 15 April 2010

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Question Time, the 91Èȱ¬'s premier political debate programme comes from London on Thursday 15 April.

The includes the Energy Secretary Ed Miliband, the shadow schools secretary Michael Gove, the Liberal Democrats' schools spokesman David Laws, UKIP's Nigel Farage, the director of the human rights organisation Liberty, Shami Chakrabarti and the broadcaster John Sergeant.

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.

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The questions:
Who won the debate tonight?
Will it affect the election result?
By inviting the public to govern are the Conservatives abdicating the important role of the government and the State in delivering the services our society needs?
Does Gordon Brown's admission that he should have controlled the banks more closely prove he's not suitable to continue to run the country's finances?
Would a hung parliament be the political equivalent of a giant cloud of volcanic ash settling over the country?

Will you be watching the leaders' TV debate?

15:15 UK time, Wednesday, 14 April 2010

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will take place on Thursday. Will you be watching?

David Cameron, Gordon Brown and Nick Clegg will take part in the programme which is due to be broadcast on ITV1, STV and UTV on Thursday evening. There are two more similar debates on Sky next week and the 91Èȱ¬ the week after.

has said he is worried the agreed format of the main party leaders taking eight questions in 90 minutes could become "slow" and "short-change" the public.

Do you welcome these debates and what are you hoping to learn from them? Do you share Mr Cameron's concerns about the format? Do you think people are more likely to vote after watching these debates?

Tell us what

Or if would you like to be part of a 91Èȱ¬ panel discussing the debate itself,

This debate has now been closed. Thank you for your comments.

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How important is broadband to you?

11:51 UK time, Wednesday, 14 April 2010

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to local homes that had been denied the service by major commercial firms. How far would you go to ensure a broadband connection?

In the UK there are concerns that up to one third of the country will not be served by next-generation broadband as rural areas are not cost-effective for large internet service providers.

In other parts of the world, such as are the norm. Now the South Korean government is introducing policies to curb the time children spend online as concerns grow at the time people spend in virtual worlds.

Are you happy with the quality of your internet connection? Is DIY broadband a good idea? Do you worry that excessive time online takes people from the real world into a virtual one?


This debate is now closed. Thank you for your comments

Should more be done to ensure nuclear security?

13:18 UK time, Tuesday, 13 April 2010

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Will this contribute to a safer world?

Earlier, Russia and the US signed an agreement to dispose of 68 tonnes of surplus weapons-grade plutonium. The combined stockpiles - 34 tonnes from each country - are said to be enough to make 17,000 nuclear warheads.

The summit took place without representatives of Iran and North Korea, who were not invited by the US due to disputes over their nuclear programmes.

Will greater international cooperation help to ensure the security of nuclear material? Is the US and Chinese agreement to pressure Iran over its atomic plans to be welcomed?


This debate is now closed. Thank you for your comments.

Should dogs be banned from parks?

10:33 UK time, Tuesday, 13 April 2010

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in a Nottinghamshire district after some owners failed to clean up after their pets. Should dogs be allowed in parks?

Dog owners say the measures, which have been brought in by , are unfair on people who do clean up dog waste.

Councillor Nora Armstrong said: "These powers, which also help us to control where dogs are taken and how many, should help us make sure more people enjoy a cleaner, greener and safer environment."

West Somerset Council has also including parks, play areas and sea fronts. And many other areas of the UK have banned dogs from certain areas at certain times.

Should dogs be banned from other public places? Or should dog walkers be restricted to certain areas? Are you a dog owner? What do you think of this ban? Where will you walk your dog?

How would you change the banking system?

09:12 UK time, Tuesday, 13 April 2010

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How would you change the banking system?

The PM, chancellor from 1997 to 2007, said that in the 1990s the banks had all been calling for less regulation, "And actually the truth is that we should have been regulating them more."

Yesterday, Nick Clegg, leader of the Lib Dems, said cash while board directors in financial institutions should never earn extra payouts. He added that the names of all banking employees earning more than the prime minister (£197,689 per year) should also be published.

How would you improve the banking system? What is your reaction to Gordon Brown's admission? Do you think Nick Clegg's plans are realistic? How should employees in the financial sector be rewarded?

Are top comprehensives more 'exclusive' than grammar schools?

10:30 UK time, Monday, 12 April 2010

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, a report says. Do you think there is more competition to get into top comprehensive schools than to get into grammars?

report finds that in the 164 most socially selective comprehensives, only 9.2% are from poor backgrounds compared with 13.5% in the 164 remaining grammar schools, which are wholly selective on the basis of ability.

The report also reveals some of the lengths parents go to to get their child in to the desired secondary school. These included renting or buying a property close to a good school, or encouraging their children to underperform in fair banding tests, which seek to allocate a fair spread of different ability pupils to schools.

Are comprehensives more socially 'exclusive' than grammars? Is your child in a top comprehensive school? What lengths did you go to to get your child a place?

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What would be your manifesto?

07:41 UK time, Monday, 12 April 2010

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launched its manifesto on Thursday, . What would you want to see in a party manifesto?

The Liberal Democrats launched their plan to , Labour pledged a , and the Tories promised to

Other parties, including and , have also presented their manifestos this week.

What is your reaction to all the manifestos? Do the plans make sense? What would you pledge to do if it was your manifesto?

How can the organ donor register restore trust?

09:31 UK time, Sunday, 11 April 2010

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of an NHS blunder after 21 organs were wrongly removed. Will this restore trust in the organ donation system?

Up to 800,000 people on the UK donor register may have had their wishes about the use of organs for transplant wrongly recorded.

Health Secretary Andy Burnham claims a new system has been put into place to prevent the error from happening again. says it is carrying out an urgent investigation.

Do you have confidence in the organ donor register? Will these errors stop you from donating? Have you been contacted by the NHS to confirm your donor preferences?


What is your reaction to Polish plane crash?

09:41 UK time, Saturday, 10 April 2010

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The bodies of in the capital, Warsaw. What next for Poland?

The first couple are to be buried on Sunday, a day after a memorial service for all the victims of last Saturday's plane crash in Russia.

The president and his party of senior Polish military and political officials were on their way to a memorial for the Polish victims of a World War II massacre by Soviet secret police at Katyn, near Smolensk.

Mr Kaczynski has been a controversial figure in Polish politics, advocating a right-wing Catholic agenda.

Are you in Poland? What is Lech Kaczynski's legacy? What impact will this have on relations between Poland and Russia?

Should married couples get a tax break?

22:12 UK time, Friday, 9 April 2010

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. What is your reaction?

The tax break, designed by the to be a "symbol" that marriage is supported by the tax system, would apply to basic rate taxpayers earning under £44,000 where one partner doesn't use their full personal allowance.

have previously said that all forms of stable and loving relationships should be equally recognised while the have suggested a married couples' tax break would be "immensely unfair" and amount to a bribe.

How important is this issue? How would the proposed tax break affect you? Do you have a personal experience to share?

Where should comedians draw the line?

21:09 UK time, Friday, 9 April 2010

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during a live show. When is comedy not funny?

The mother of a five-year-old girl with Down's syndrome, Sharon Smith, told 91Èȱ¬ Radio 5 Live's Victoria Derbyshire she had been enjoying Frankie Boyle's live show before he joked about people with Down's syndrome: "He made fun of the way people with Down's syndrome speak".

Boyle is not the first comedian to offend with his jokes. received criticism for a joke he made about British soldiers who had lost limbs in battle in Iraq and Afghanistan and was criticised after making a joke about the plight of the British hostage in Iraq, Kenneth Bigley.

Were you offended by Frankie Boyle's joke? Are the rules regarding what's acceptable different for comedians? Where should the line be drawn?

This debate has now been closed. Thank you for your comments.

Can social networks increase voter turnout?

03:14 UK time, Friday, 9 April 2010

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Will it work?

In a tie-up with the Electoral Commission, Facebook users who visit the site over the weekend will be asked if they have registered to vote.

Electoral Commission spokesman Clinton Proud said the exercise was part of the organisation's remit to expand access to the democratic process.

Are you registered to vote? If not, do you think this might persuade you? Is it right that social networks are being used in this way? Will the strategy be a success?

Your memories of Malcolm McLaren

01:25 UK time, Friday, 9 April 2010

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What are your memories of Malcolm McLaren?

Mr McLaren set up a clothes shop and label with designer Vivienne Westwood on London's King's Road in the 1970s and was later a businessman and performer in his own right.

He also managed a number of other bands, including the New York Dolls and Bow Wow Wow. Music journalist Jon Savage said: "Without Malcolm McLaren there would not have been any British punk.

Did you meet Malcolm McLaren? What influence did he have on British culture and music? How will he be remembered?

This debate has now been closed. Thank you for your comments.

Do the digital piracy laws strike the right balance?

09:33 UK time, Thursday, 8 April 2010

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What's your reaction?

Campaigners have been angered by what they say are attempts to rush through the digital economy bill aimed at supporting artists' copyright and tackling illegal file-sharing.

The bill allows copyright holders to apply for a court order to gain access to the names and addresses of serious infringers and take action against them while internet service providers (ISPs) would be able to suspend accounts of offenders

However, Culture Secretary Ben Bradshaw said the legislation struck the right balance between giving creative artists more protection and giving consumers a "fair deal".

Do the laws give artists more protection and consumers a fairer deal? Should there have been more debate before the laws were passed?

This debate has now been closed. Thank you for your comments.

Will National Insurance increase help or hinder the economy?

09:13 UK time, Thursday, 8 April 2010

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Who is right on National Insurance?

Business leaders of more than 60 top companies have backed the Conservatives' opposition to a rise in National Insurance

Gordon Brown will argue that the Conservative plans would put the economic recovery at risk by removing £6bn from the economy in 2010, and business leaders who have signed up to the Conservative plans have been "deceived".

The Lib Dems have said the dire state of the public finances mean they cannot oppose the NI increase but say their focus is on taking the lowest-paid people out of tax altogether.

How will a National Insurance increase affect you? How important is this issue? Do you have a personal experience to share?

Will US-Russia nuclear treaty make the world safer?

06:53 UK time, Thursday, 8 April 2010

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Is it the right strategy?

The deal, agreed last month, commits the former Cold War foes to cut their stockpiles to 1,550 warheads each, about 30% less than currently allowed. It also limits the number of launchers each country has.

For the first time the US is ruling out a nuclear response to attacks involving biological, chemical or conventional weapons. However, countries will only be spared a US nuclear response if they comply with the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty - this does not include Iran and North Korea.

Are you in the USA or Russia? Do you welcome this treaty or are you concerned about arms reduction? What message does this send to other countries?

This debate is now closed. Thank you for your comments.

Your views on Question Time Wednesday 7 April 2010

16:32 UK time, Wednesday, 7 April 2010

Comments

Question Time, the 91Èȱ¬'s premier political debate programme comes from Woking on Thursday 7 April. The are Foreign Secretary David Miliband, shadow work and pensions secretary Theresa May, the former leader of the Liberal Democrats Sir Menzies Campbell, the historian Simon Schama and Daily Telegraph columnist Janet Daley.

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

This week's questions.

Is the Prime Minister better qualified to decide whether the National Insurance increases will be harmful to economic recovery than the 60 business leaders backing the Tories?

Does Chris Grayling's stance on homosexual couples and B&B's show that the Conservatives' progressive and tolerant message is just an elaborate facade?

What's the point for voting for Labour when it has been suggested they will change their leader in the next year or two?

In the event of a hung parliament does the panel think the Lib Dems will support a party that does not support Proportional representation?

Gordon Brown launched his campaign yesterday by saying he comes from an ordinary middle class family. Is that essential in order to empathise with ordinary voters?

Should Bebo be shut down?

10:26 UK time, Wednesday, 7 April 2010

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to sell or shut down the social networking site Bebo. What does this mean for social networking?

The company said it was unable to provide the "significant investment" needed to compete with its social networking rivals such as and . According to figures from research company , Bebo has 5.1 million users in the US compared with Facebook's 210 million users.

"AOL is committed to working quickly to determine if there are any interested parties for Bebo" Jon Brod of AOL Ventures told employees in an e-mail. AOL bought Bebo for $850m (£417m) two years ago but analysts expect the selling price to be significantly lower than this.

Do you use Bebo? What are the pros and cons of Bebo? Should Bebo be sold or shut down? Is there too much competition between social networking sites?

This debate has now been closed. Thank you for your comments.

What has this Parliament meant to you?

09:46 UK time, Wednesday, 7 April 2010

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as parties continue horse trading over bills which must clear Parliament in the next two days before it is dissolved on 12 April. What is this Parliament's legacy?

In negotiations in the period known as the "wash-up" have been dropped from the Finance Bill, including a 10% tax rise on cider, a 50p broadband duty on land lines and a reduction in libel lawyers' fees.

As parliament draws to a close, Lord Mandelson has said plans to fix the "rupture" between politicians and the public, and the have called for a cut in the number of MPs to renew public trust in Parliament. But leader Mr Clegg says only his party, not the two "old parties", can be trusted with renewing the political system.

What is the legacy of this Parliament? How has it affected your democratic and political engagement? Do you think the political system needs reform?

This debate is now closed. Thank you for your comments.

Have your driving habits changed?

09:16 UK time, Wednesday, 7 April 2010

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petrolprices.jpg Have your driving habits changed due to the increased price of petrol?

One factor increasing petrol prices is the implementation of the extra duty of 1p a litre added on 1 April and a further 1p to be added in October.

The oil price is rising too. It reached a fresh 18-month high on Tuesday on growing hopes of a US-led global economic recovery. Motorists are already suffering from a weak pound, which has pushed up the price of oil in that currency, because it is priced in US dollars.

Do you think petrol is too expensive? Is petrol in your area more expensive than the 119.9p a litre average price? Have your driving habits changed as a result?

Photo taken by Martin Newham on 3 April, Isle of Wight.

This debate has now been closed. Thank you for your comments.

Should the rules for Scrabble be changed?

12:56 UK time, Tuesday, 6 April 2010

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. What's your reaction?

Place names, people's names and company names or brands will now count. Until now a few proper nouns had been allowed which were determined by a word list based on the Collins dictionary.

Mattel, which brings out a new version of the game containing amended rules in July, hopes the change will encourage younger people to play. However they said it would not be doing away with the old rules altogether and will continue to sell a board with the original rules.

Will you be buying the new version of Scrabble or do you prefer to stick to the original rules? Will the new rules help to introduce younger players to the game?

This debate has now been closed. Thank you for your comments.

What are the most important election issues to you?

07:53 UK time, Tuesday, 6 April 2010

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As the official campaign begins, what policies will be key as you consider who to vote for?

The economy, taxation and public services are likely to be key battlegrounds.

And for the first time the campaign will feature live television debates between the leaders of the three biggest parties.

It will also be the first time that Gordon Brown, David Cameron and Nick Clegg have led their respective parties into a general election.

Are you planning to vote? What will be the main issues for you? How would you like to see the campaign pan out over the next four weeks?

91Èȱ¬ News website readers have told us about some of .

Is sex addiction a real illness?

10:43 UK time, Monday, 5 April 2010

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Addiction clinics in the UK have . Should the addiction be treated seriously?

Therapists say many new clients have cited celebrities such as Tiger Woods as the inspiration for them to seek help.

However, sex addiction is not technically recognised as a medical illness, and many experts claim there is no such thing.

Is 'sex addiction' an excuse for infidelity? Are you addicted to sex? Have you overcome a sex addiction? Have you been involved with a sex addict?

Will Terreblanche death lead to instability in South Africa?

10:26 UK time, Monday, 5 April 2010

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Will his killing trigger racial violence?

Police stepped in to stop the face-off between people from the local black community and supporters of Eugene Terreblanche. Mr Terreblanche was attacked and killed at home near the town of Ventersdorp, in the North West Province.

Do you think South Africa is still racially divided? Has this incident increased racial division? What should be done?

Did you watch the new Doctor Who?

18:28 UK time, Sunday, 4 April 2010

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, the 91Èȱ¬ says. Did you watch it?

In a dramatic opening sequence, the new Time Lord Matt Smith was clinging to the open door of the Tardis as it hurtled across the London skyline. He also found himself battling a shape-shifting alien.

Smith is the 11th and youngest actor to take on the role of the 91Èȱ¬'s time travelling Doctor. He replaces David Tennant, whose final outing as Doctor Who was watched by 10.4 million viewers on New Year's Day.

What did you think of the first episode of the new series? Were you impressed by the new Time Lord? How does Smith's Doctor compare with Tennant's Doctor? Will you watch the new series?

This debate is now closed. Thank you for your comments.

How much say should students have?

09:33 UK time, Saturday, 3 April 2010

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Should students be involved in the selection process?

The concept of student voice was developed in the early 1990s as a way of allowing pupils to participate in school decision making. The union says involving pupils in making judgements about the suitability for posts and competence in the classroom is unacceptable. It also says the system is being abused by head teachers seeking legitimacy for their arguments.

But the general secretary, Dr John Dunford, says students are very astute at "articulating what works well and how weaker areas could be improved in the classroom" and it is useful to have students views about interviewees.

How far should student participation go? How should pupils participate in decision making? Are you a teacher, a parent or a student? What are your experiences of student voice?

Are you happy with your bank?

10:21 UK time, Friday, 2 April 2010

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. Are you satisfied with your bank?

Of the 1,001 adults questioned, some 92% of bank account holders had not changed their banks in the past two years and 93% of those people were happy with their service.

Half of those who had stayed with the same bank thought all bank accounts were the same and only 7% of people with bank accounts said they were likely to switch in the next year.

Does your bank provide a good service? Are you considering switching banks? Are you loyal to your bank or do you regularly switch to find the best deal?

This debate has now been closed. Thank you for your comments.

Should the US and China co-operate over Iran?

09:11 UK time, Friday, 2 April 2010

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for the two countries to co-operate on the Iranian nuclear issue. Do you think this strategy will be successful?

Mr Obama stressed "the importance of working together to ensure that Iran lives up to its... obligations." For his part, President Hu called for "healthy and stable" relations.

China, a veto-wielding UN Security Council member with strong ties to Iran, has in the past expressed reluctance to see new sanctions imposed.

Do you think China will change its position on Iran? Should Iran face tougher sanctions? Are you concerned about Iran's nuclear programme?

What does Easter mean for you?

09:01 UK time, Friday, 2 April 2010

Comments

This debate has now been closed. Thank you for your comments.

The Easter weekend has been marred by and a How are you spending your weekend?

For many, Easter is the most important festival in the Christian calendar.

One Easter tradition is chocolate eggs which, according to researchers, .

Do you celebrate Easter? Did you get away or are you staying in the UK? Have you been affected by the ?

How are you spending the Easter break? We would like to see your pictures. Please email them to: yourpics@bbc.co.uk

Your views on Question Time on Thursday 1 April 2010

22:12 UK time, Thursday, 1 April 2010

Comments

Question Time, the 91Èȱ¬'s premier political debate programme comes from Stevenage on Thursday 1 April.The panel are
91Èȱ¬ Secretary Alan Johnson, the shadow business secretary Ken Clarke, the Liberal Democrat housing spokesman Sarah Teather and the broadcasters and writers Richard Littlejohn and Victoria Coren.
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

Have you been fooled by an April Fool?

09:38 UK time, Thursday, 1 April 2010

Comments

This debate has now been closed. Thank you for your comments.

Today is April Fool's day and in many parts of the world people are playing tricks on their friends and colleagues. Have you fooled somebody or been fooled?

It's still uncertain about the origins of celebrating April 1st as April Fools Day or All Fools Day although it is now generally accepted that it originated in France in the 16th century.

Huge numbers of viewers were taken in by footage of Swiss peasants pulling strands of spaghetti down from trees.

Have you fallen for or played an April Fool's joke on someone? What is the funniest joke you have ever played on someone? Have you fooled somebody or were you the April fool yourself? Send us your stories.

Should there be a rise in National Insurance?

09:26 UK time, Thursday, 1 April 2010

Comments

Do you agree with having a NI increase?

The latest group joins bosses of 23 other major companies, who warned the government that putting up National Insurance would endanger the recovery.

David Cameron calls it a "significant" moment in the election campaign whilst calls plans an "unfunded promise" and the describe them as "utterly unconvincing".

that halting the tax increase is not in conflict with his party's plan to cut Britain's record budget deficit.

Will halting the tax increase work? Do you agree with the 23 business leaders? How do you think Britain's budget deficit can be cut? Are you a business person? If so, what is your view? Is this a "significant" moment in the election campaign?

This debate is closed. Thank you for your comments.

Is society 'too risk-averse'?

08:27 UK time, Thursday, 1 April 2010

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, according to the parole chief. Do you agree?

Sir David Latham told the that public reaction to cases like that of James Bulger killer Jon Venables would make authorities even more cautious.

chairman added that society had to decide what level of risk it was ready to accept.

What is an acceptable level of risk? Do you agree with Sir David Latham? Does society worry too much about crime? Should we be more tolerant of prisoners released on parole? Do parole proceedings need to change?

This debate has been closed. Thank you for your commments.

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