Blog 2023 Malcolm Blair-Robinson

Complaint

Nick Griffin is to complain about the way the format of Question Time was altered and a hostile audience assembled to subject him to an onslaught of anger, criticism and derision. The difficulty is that the doctrine of the BNP is pretty repugnant to many, indeed most, people in this country and therefore some focus on him was inevitable. A more impartial approach from the Chairman might have been helpful. Having taken the much criticised decision to invite the leader of the BNP, apparently on grounds of this party’s crossing an electoral threshold, the BBC should have had confidence in its decision and proceeded with dignity and with the proper format of the show. Griffin’s views, which alarm a good many would have alarmed many more. As it is the British tradition of supporting  the underdog has brought this extremest party a wave of public sympathy. At a time when the others are at an historically low ebb in public esteem, this could very well translate into votes.

Prince Andrew

I have read the interview in full. The Prince does a useful job promoting British business successfully and with sincerity. His comment about bonuses was very unwise and showed a lack of sensitivity not only to the plight of ordinary people in his country, but little understanding of the sacrifices they are being asked to make in order to fund the £trillion of taxpayers’ money to keep these banks afloat. I know he means well, but in his privileged position when he only has to mutter and the media  listen, that is not enough. I am not among those who think the monarchy ‘above politics’  but it is at a level demanding considerable tact in its choice of words.