7 October 2004

Find out what you had to say about Question Time and the topics discussed.

The topics discussed on Thursday, 7 October, 2004 were:

Conservatives on Europe

Public trust

Iraq war

Premature baby ruling

War on drugs

General comments on the programme

The following comments reflect the balance of opinion we have received:

Conservatives on Europe

Audience question: If elected to office, Michael Howard has pledged immediately to hold a referendum on the EU constitution. Will this enticement be sufficient to lure back Tory defectors and indeed "kill" the UK Independence Party (UKIP)?

You said:

How on earth can anyone believe that any consensual decisions can be made by disparate nations of different interests and languages (remember the Biblical Tower of Babel)? Better out of a structure that is bound to collapse, I think. And those who see those con tricking signs appearing - this or that project partially funded by the EU - should be aware that these "grants" are merely part refunds for us subsidising the EU.
Jack Biggs, Weymouth

While UKIP has made some pretty hefty gains recently, I hardly think it represents "half the country". What an awful thought.
Steve Tudor, Romsey

It is quite clear why Patricia Hewitt is saying that the UKIP is stating the truth. The more people vote UKIP, the more votes Labour gets.
Sheila Richardson, Weymouth

My problem with the European debate is the fact that we focus on small issues ignoring the large fact that the European union is a redundant governing body. It consumes large amount of cash to produce even greater amounts of legislation and red tape, that in all probability our own government is capable of doing itself.
David Winter, Amsterdam

TEXT: The UKIP is England's equivalent of the far right on the continent. It has little support outside England and could split the Union.
Bruce, Wolverhampton

TEXT: I'm all for an independent Great Britain but, on the other hand, perhaps if we merge further into the European market then our taxes would be more in line?!
Jonny C

I agree with UKIP we should get out of Europe. Most British people don't feel European.
Stephanie, London

TEXT: Labour promised a referendum seven years ago. Maybe the Tories would sort this mess out.
Andy, Blackpool

TEXT: The UKIP only seems to have one policy, what else do they propose?
Bill, Warrington

A referendum on the European constitution is pointless. MPs are - or should be - employed to be more informed about all sorts of issues than the general public, and the issue of Europe is no exception.
Steve Peacock, London

TEXT: Conservatives and UKIP are a joke. Wish Lib Dems were in charge.
Iain, Chester

TEXT: I love my right to live and work across the EU. UKIP represents a narrow-minded minority.
Zara, Dundee

TEXT: The UKIP will only gain from the insular boring Tory conference.
Tony, Uckfield

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Public trust

Audience question: How would the panel advise politicians of all parties to gain or regain the trust of the public?

You said:

I do not trust politicians for the following reasons.
1) They increased their salaries without any consideration of the economic situation or inflation.
2) They ensured that their pensions were increased and safe whilst sections of the working population lost theirs.
3) They have spent millions in Scotland and Wales creating talking shops for themselves.
Arthur G Harris, Bridgend South Wales

The doctrine of collective and individual responsibility has been totally and completely disregarded. The rise of spin enables politicians to lie outrageously, thereby eroding public trust and confidence in the parliamentary system. Under such circumstances, it is little surprise that there is an apathetic and alienated electorate - myself included.

Tony Blair should resign in light of recent findings. The principle of collective and individual responsibility should be restored 100%. I can not imagine either John Profumo or Anthony Eden disregarding these doctrines. It should be no different now.
John Garbett, London

Do they think we are so stupid that we can't see that it's all spin? Andrew Senior, York

Doesn't this also extend into virtually every aspect of politics? Even when Patricia 'apologised' last night she was still trying to add spin to her apology even then. When it comes to crime and education figures which show dramatic changes what we are shown is not improvement but simply an alteration of the way statistics are compiled. A perfect example is the often quoted 98% pass rate for GCSE exams. The same applies to crime/tax/Europe and virtually everything else as the politicians will simply not be honest with the public. Do they think we are so stupid that we can't see that it's all spin?
Andrew Senior, York

Politicians ask why nobody trusts them any more. It beggars belief that they need to ask. If only once a politician would answer a straight question with a straight answer and accept the consequences of their belief then maybe he or she would gain some trust.
Anthony Kelly, Taunton

One famous statesman, when asked what was the secret of being a successful politician, replied: "Sincerity. Once you can fake that, you are home and dry". Tony Blair is the most sincere politician of recent times.
Tony, Somerset

Tory Blair has lied just like the Conservatives before him. He has not understood why I will never vote Tory, so he will not understand why I will never vote New Liar again. When you have been mugged once by someone, when you next meet them, you don't hand them a lead pipe and bend down to do up your shoelaces.
Mr McAneny, Bristol

Politicians, and therefore government, should concentrate on delivering the small things well and on time initially, and then perhaps people will trust them on the big things that are more complex and take longer. Deliver the small and simple things that mean a lot to people's daily lives and then they'll trust you over tax, schools, police and so on.
Phil Moakes, Frome, Somerset

Most other professions who break their word or policy to the public have to make amends financially or otherwise. The truth would win any vote!
R, Cumbria

It is impossible for a prime minister to be popular because there are too many tough decisions to be made and you cannot please everyone! The only popular politicians are those that play to the crowd and those are not the ones who will be remembered.
Gareth, Montrose

TEXT: If politicians were sacked for not keeping their promises there wouldn't be any politicians left.
Reg, Leicester

Surely using the phrase "politicians" and "trust" in the same sentence is laughable.
Mrs B Bishop, Gwent

TEXT: How can the public possibly trust politicians with people like Mr Mandelson around?
Sam, Cambridge

Obviously, there can be little argument that politicians are, and always have been, adept at making unachievable promises and being economical with the truth. However, as much fault lies with the public, who are largely disinterested in policy and equally fascinated in meaningless personality contests between people they will never know. As a result, any aspiring modern politician is forced to explain their aims and actions in cheap sound bites and must avoid showing weakness or fallibility at any cost.

Most people never read a manifesto. Watching the audience reaction to Patricia Hewitt tonight, it seems the public are convinced that Labour have failed to deliver their manifesto commitments. If they were to actually read the 1997 and 2001 manifestos now, they would realise that virtually all the commitments have actually been met.
Paul, Hull

Tony Blair gets my vote as one of the very few honest politicians in this country who has a conscience for the rest of the world, and he has proved it time and time again.
Ray Szuster, Glasgow

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Iraq war

Audience question: Is "intent" to develop weapons of mass destruction sufficient reason to go to war?

You said:

Blair and his associates appear to be sticking their fingers in their ears and going "lalalalalala I'm not listening" Joe Gargery, Amsterdam

I've seldom if ever seen a politician so disassociated from the public mood than Patricia Hewitt (except perhaps the Bush administration). She appears to have no idea of how ordinary people feel about being lied to about the war. Blair and his associates appear to be doing nothing so much as sticking their fingers in their ears and going "lalalalalala I'm not listening". Blair lied and Hewitt continues to support him in continuing the lie - that so-called apology was no apology at all. The only real apology is resignation.
Joe Gargery, Amsterdam

The outcome of Saddam Hussein's trial will be vital to the survival of Tony Blair and George Bush. The shocking but simple fact is that Bush and Blair contravened the Geneva Convention by going to war against a country that was not a direct threat to their national security.

If, and when, Saddam Hussein's trial begins, this will be fully exploited by the defence. The nightmare scenario could see Saddam reinstated as the president of Iraq (with war reparations) and Blair/Bush sent to the Hague to face accusations of war crimes.
Mac, Cheltenham

The best programme on TV should now be called "Iraqtime". Every week the same boring subject is discussed over and over again. Yes, mistakes were made, but we have exhausted the subject. The Iraqis obviously don't want helping anyway, so it is time to pull all troops and non-Iraqi civilians out of the country and let them get on with it.
Mick Platts, Sheffield

What do the panel think about nations such as Iran or North Korea? Both desire nuclear weapons, but we do not see a build-up of troops on the Korean peninsular. Is this because we do not have the military might to take on such nations?
Paul Jarman, Manchester

TEXT: An illegal war, no apology... and they want us to trust them.
Rose, Gateshead

I think we should move away from this desperate need to apologise that this government has. Surely this is school playground stuff. In the adult world, people who make the kind of mistake that the PM openly admits he made, should resign.
Phil Martin, London

TEXT: Sad thing about all wars is that old men create them and young men die in them.
Hugh Dillon, Liverpool

Two cheers for Patricia Hewitt for attempting a proper apology for the Iraq intelligence fiasco. Her final cheer is reserved for her failure to condemn Mr Blair for his failure. How can we trust him again?
Hugh, London

TEXT: Blair lied. That is the truth.
Gary, Manchester

Tony Blair is responsible for leading this nation into a false war. Thousands of people have died and he can't even say sorry.
William Hall, London

The ends do not, and never will, justify the means. Mr Blair is saying: "Yes we were wrong, but we have removed an evil dictator." Is Mr Blair saying that it is OK to lie and deceive provided that there is a justifiable goal at the end of it?
Chris, Sheffield

TEXT: I think Blair made an honest mistake.
Kirsty-Lee, Dundee

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Premature baby ruling

Audience question: Has the High Court decision to sentence baby Charlotte Wyatt to death set a dangerous precedent for the future?

You said:

I can totally understand the distress of the parents also the anguish of the doctors regarding the possible pain the child may be in. Even Solomon's wisdom might be found wanting. But will the next baby be left to die after just the first time it needs resuscitation? And what lifelong mental scars will be left if the parents had not done everything in their power to save their child?
Timothy Webb, Northampton

Since when have doctors or politicians become God? Have they all given up on us mere humans? My heart and soul go out to the parents of Charlotte Wyatt.
Cliff, Belfast

What is the difference between allowing baby Charlotte to die and euthanasia? At least people who want to suffer no longer can decide for themselves. These doctors are trained to save lives. This country has already given up on the fight against drugs, immigration and crime. Let's not give up on our children!
Mick Platts, Sheffield

TEXT: The doctors are right. Charlotte's parents' heads were being ruled by their hearts.
Denise, Mexborough

TEXT: If Charlotte was suffering then it was the right decision.
Jason, Manchester

When a judge can decide how long a child should live and not have help, how long before all people are checked and have someone decide if it is worth keeping them alive? Will old people just be switched off? If a baby is scanned and found to have problems while still in the womb will it be terminated if the cost seems to be too high?
M Pattenden, Bordon, Hants

TEXT: Too much about quality of life, not enough about sanctity of life.
Oonagh, Brighton

Babies like Charlotte die every day. That is a hard fact that the public must come to terms with. They are not "put to death", but simply allowed to die.
Sian Wood, Reading

TEXT: As medical science progresses, this sort of thing will become more common. There are many difficult decisions ahead.
Terry, Hastings

TEXT: The judge made it clear no precedent was indicated.
Diane, Bletchley

TEXT: Let's all pray for her and her parents.
Steve, Plymouth

TEXT: I think the judge got it right, the poor baby will suffer more if she lives.
Tim. Kent

TEXT: Why would anyone want to sentence Charlotte to a life of pain?
David, Inverness

TEXT: It would be selfish to force a painful life on a helpless kid.
Jack, Norfolk

TEXT: How can anyone let a baby suffer? The judge got it right.
Phil, Stoke

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War on drugs

Audience question: Is it time to accept that David Davis' "war on drugs" was lost 20 years ago?

You said:

Prohibition failed with alcohol, why does anyone think it will ever work with drugs? Our current policy is the only one that has to fail. Either legalise and take the money away from criminals, or prosecute users, not dealers who are the one easily-replaced link in the chain due to the big financial incentives.
James, London

TEXT: We only have drug related crime because drugs are illegal.
Ian, Bradford

TEXT: People often use drugs to escape reality. Tackle the causes.
Keith, Devon

TEXT: Legalise drugs, and tax them.
Ben, Harrogate

TEXT: Social problems are an easy excuse for drugs. Don't legalise!
Rushton, London

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General comments on the programme

You said:

Patricia Hewitt displayed the manner and style throughout the programme which have served to bring Labour and Tony Blair so much public ridicule. Her "honesty" and "understanding" were so false as to make me cringe. Was she totally unable to tune into the audience reaction to the debate and appreciate that we do not believe anything Tony Blair says? He has become a liability to this country and should go - immediately!
Mike Duncan, Market Harborough

Just a general comment on politicians: Politicians are given the title "Honourable". There doesn't seem to be anything honourable about them these days. I can remember a time when, if a politician made a mistake (and who doesn't make mistakes), they submitted their resignation. It seems the only person who was honourable enough to resign on a matter of principle was Robin Cook. Good for him - maybe he should be standing for prime minister - but as a member of the Conservative Party!
Michael Penn, Woodbridge, Suffolk

Comments from panellists and audience alike were greeted with applause in pretty much every instance where the comment was in line with what New Labour should have done, but didn't. Thus I would have to conclude that the majority of today's audience don't want to change the government at all - but really do want the present bunch to start doing what they said they would do!

Personally, I don't think they are capable of that, but I equally hold little faith in any of the viable alternatives to do better. Maybe this is a definition of "voter apathy"?
Chris Sorensen, Stockport

I wonder how many viewers felt as frustrated as I was by a missed opportunity to round off the short but productive discussion on the war on drugs by giving the questioner a chance to say what he clearly wanted to. I am sure Mr Dimbleby had the skill to do that rather than use the trap of letting politicians get away with cheap tit for tats about CD choices to wind-up the programme.
M Hardy, Settle

Having watched Question Time for many years, I feel that David Dimbleby should pay a visit to the opticians. His demeanour of looking over his spectacles is reminiscent of my old headmaster.
Paul McEvoy, Wilmslow

Lies, damn lies and statistics. Is there anyone more arrogant and patronising than Patricia Hewitt?
Gary, Maidenhead

TEXT: Another dire panel tonight. What happened to the debates of old? Bring back Ian Hislop and Mrs Archer. Good to see the Labour MPs are as arrogant as usual.
Darren, Surrey

I notice that like Jack Straw, Patricia Hewitt is not wearing her glasses tonight. Coincidence, or a New Labour edict?
David Graham, Cambridge UK

Refreshing for the first time to hear a politician (in this case David Cameron) talk about the idea of working together. I don't think I've ever heard that on QT before.
Mills West, London

Fair as ever. Power to your elbow.
Angusmont, Brighton

I have to take my hat off to Jody Dunn, who I feel was straight and very clear with her answers.
Patrick Gitau, London

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