Andrew, Jo' My selection committee & I took a list of names to CCHQ and we came way with a shortlist of 3-men & 3-women, all of which were OUR CHOICE. Stephen britt, Chairman, Central Suffolk & North Ipswich Your programme today was inaccurate. You said the shortlist for Central Suffolk was chosen by the Executive Committee of the Association The Management Committee (on this occasion 7 people only) chose the Selection Committee of six. It was this committee who chose the shortlist. The Executive Committee (a larger more representative body) only had the option of yes or no to the block of six candidates put before them by the Selection Committee. The ordinary members had no input. alastair forsyth, Hoxne/Eye, Suffolk
On climate change why is no one pushing for sola panels and wind turbines on every house every public building and every business think how meny jobs this would create and in 10 years time we could all be free of electricy bills P R LEWIS, Stratford upon avon
Re your guest IVAN MASSOW MR CAMERON should snap him up he is very nice and Ibet a good helping of your female viewers thought that what eye candy he would be on the front bench. pat syms, bromley kent
Before you move on from old Pop Stars wives to yet more unsuitable pundits on the subject of man made global warming could you please get Christopher Booker on the show? He has put a lot of effort into the AGW debate and is for more deserving of air time then your recent guests. Steve, London
I strongly recommend that Mr Massow actually reads the book, Super Freakonmics, before he makes inaccurate coments on it. E.Roberts, London
I have, until recently, been a NEET. I wish there had been a program in which I could have learned to beat people about the face for me so I could have gotten into work sooner! Albert Coltrane, London
Conservatives agents are not paid by CCHQ they are paid by associations. Nic Conner, Henley
In my opinion, boxing is a barbaric sport - why should you teach kids to be violent against others? Bill Norrie, Richmond North Yorks
Boxing for social cohesion? I think not. One bold, imaginative (not to mention difficult and controversial) solution would be to introduce a system whereby, on leaving school - and prior to University in lieu of a gap year - everyone should agree to full time service for the nation (national service by any other name, but without the military connections). Logistics apart (and no doubt considerable public backlash)this would enable young people to mix with their peers from every social stratum). Exercise and diet would be an integral part of the programme along with career-building and self-reliance). Unfortunately, as a nation, we have probably gone too far for such an idealistic solution ever to be implemented - but it would certainly solve many problems and could lay the foundations for a better society to which younger people would be better equipped (and motivated) to contribute. It is certainly the lesser of two evils: by(temporarily) subsuming personal freedom, it could provide an opportunity to save society from its on-going ills and help give young people a real purpose in life at a critical stage in their development? Clive Burton, London, UK
Tankers and other ships use the moust dangerouse fuiel avd mor than all the cars in the world thomasdavies, newbriton/mersyside
why do we always refer to BANKERS ? Surely a Banker is someone who owns the money. All the others are Bank employees, Bank Clerks/Managers etc. So don't inflate their egos - bring them down to earth and don't pay them these rediculous sums for not being very clever!!! N. SHIPLEY, Northumberland
culling cows and sheep! yet another example of making policy on the hoof? Phil Johnson, Newton-Le-Willows
Local Tory Activists should really wake up and smell the cappuccino. Its not about them, its about making David Cameron the Prime Minister and his friend ministers. Now if they had a good PR system they could put up a local candidate without fear of splitting the vote! David Faulder
I know a few vegetarians and they produce a fair amount of methane, so just think what would happen if some governmental idiot turns us all into vegetarians! Therea Tanner, Grantham
Why not cull 30% of the people in the country - that will really help with the effects on climate change in this country. Mike from Derby
I find it incredible that we have people in government like Andy Burnham! Can we really trust people like that, who come up with the most ludicrous plans, clearly without THINKING about what he's suggesting! Is that really the best someone like him can do over the vexed question of global warming?!! Incredible!! David Burke
Cant the BBC get anyone else other than Vince Gable to talk about banking , after a while you get fed up of seeing him , and to be honest he has not always got it right anyway his party are all over thae place on how they would deal with the economy . john gittos, leeds
It's a bit rich for Lord Myners to complain about the Banks and stating paying a bonus to the weatherman for the sunshine. May I suggest that is like paying top dollar for Bankers and Regulators who were not in that sector during the past few years (and made tons of money there earlier) - eg Messrs Hester, Turner and even Lord Myners. tony, LEEDS, UK
Bank Pay Levels. When the banks make payments Of £1,000,00 in salaries/bonuses it is ultimately our money they give awa!!! NB: Many of the shareholders do not have the right to vote as indirect investments do not give the vote to investment holders. Ted Winfield, Winchester
Should 1,000+ bankers earn £1m+?? The word earn implies some element of deserving, they might get paid £1m+ but nobody but nobody deserves it Phil, Cornwall
The bonuses get paid from the proceeds of trading leveraged derivatives which have no useful purpose except to provide a one way bet for the Traders. Ban these instruments. Job done. Michael Bright
I think Tory Central office have got it wrong. I am against the idea of 'women only' lists of candidates as I honestly believe that if anyone, male or female, is good enough, they will get elected. Margaret Thatcher didn't need artificial positive discrimination to get where she did - she needed strength of character and talent. Local conservatives know what will strike a chord with local voters. Top down government from Central Office is not the way to do it. David Kidd, Bury St Edmunds
So New Labour want us to know who in the banks earn over £1m/year. MUCH more interesting to the public is who in the PUBLIC SECTOR (including BBC) earns over £1m/year. Strange how New Labour are dong what they can to hide the scandal of the public sector. Dariusz, London
Cumbria so far has two Scots and an Irishman - really local people Geoff Graham Greystoke
This really follows on from yesterdays climate change debate combined with last nights' Newsnight film about the new Finnish nuclear reactor which will be 3 years late and double its original budget. Energy Minister Lord Hunt blithely said that the proposals for the new plants in the UK would be on time (within 9 years) and on budget. I don't know, you wait a decade for a decision for one nuclear plant and ten come along at once. I know about prevarication but this is rediculous. The people I feel sorry for are the workers at Wylfa on Anglesey, with their plant closing, they and the 900 workers in dependent industries are going to be out of work. All that experience and knowledge disappearing, what a waste! Regards RWW, Cardiff. Robert W. Warne, Cardiff Wales UK
Just a suggestion, should you not give a brief mention to viewers in Scotland on your Wednesday show that on Thursday (because in Scotland at 12 noon we have First Ministers questions) that if they have Sky or any other form of digital channels they can always record the DP show by tuning into BBC2 England. It would kept your viewing figures up. Oh, and can I have a DP mug for this suggestion as I never win the competition. You don't ask you don't get! Keep up the good work producing a great show. Stuart Mcilvar, Aberdeenshire
The question I would like you to ask the government is if the BNP had a web site where it told it's followers to kill all Jews how long do you think it would be before it was proscribed and would the government part fund a school to help embeb these sentiments in the young ? The answers would be about 5 minutes and no chance so why are they treating an Asian gang of fanatics so differently. Bill, Doncaster
Can I ask why Mr Massow wants to be a Tory Candidate? I have always been pro-tory and have never supported any other party. However, I have a problem now with the next election that maybe Mr Massow can answer. What are the Conservative policies going to be for the next election? I have tried my hardest but I cannot come up with a single major policy direction apart from possibly this or that. If I cannot grasp what the Conservative agenda is, what hope is there of trying to win over Labour or Liberal supporters. The Conservative agenda is no way clear and needs to be spelt out a lot clearer. Can Mr Massow help enlighten me? William Roberts, Maryport, West Cumbria
It seems to me that if anything is coming out of the Iraq inquiry it is that the prime minister and the people at the head of government as well as the unelected representatives ambassadors etc have way too much power, the idea of, for the people by the people is more like SOD the people, I am surprised that Blair's title was not Anthony Blair D.G. Prime Minister Chris Fagan, Blackburn
I happened to be working in Angola in the late 1960s, and being rather amused by an article in the Times newspaper about digestive methane produced by cows, also being bored sitting on the deck of an oil rig day after day, we wrote to the Times newspaper on the subject. I can't remember what we said, but the year was 1967/ 68/or even 1969. It will be in their archives. Global warming is not a new subject. Today's "Johnnies" have just fiddled the figures. Regards, ATFlynn, "Norfolk's Mutineer" (That name, according to Robert Oulds, Bruges Group.)
I hope Andrew Neil will apologise to viewers in today's programme for his disgraceful conduct when interviewing Jacqui Smith about what turned out to be false allegations by Cameron regarding Labour funding two schools supporting Muslim extremism. Neil was clearly making the same mistake as Cameron in not checking his facts before commenting. Yours sincerely, David Buckle, Radley, Abingdon, Oxon
The open primary to select Conservative is an excellent idea.It provides the opportunity for talented but previously non politicos to enter the arena. Simultaneously the implement of open primary will alter the demographic of the candidates to the party's advanatge. There are difficulties with local party organisations. However given the actions of some of the people currently produced by the old system changing the selction process is a poitive.How else can we bring people of real talent into politics rather than those who are self interested first? Winston, Wolverhampton
Presumably as a celebrity pal of David Cameron, Ivan Massow will hope to be 'parachuted into a safe Tory seat. Somewhere he's never been to, ever heard of and over the heads of the locals. Safe seats, Tory or Labour, are what makes our alleged democracy somewhat laughable! Bob Hale, Bristol
Government's latest daft idea is to close "bad" primary schools. And to whom do they give the job of identifying the bad schools? The LEAs! - a body that is seriously to blame, perhaps 50% of the blame for half a century of decline in the Three R's! Why is Ofsted not doing the job? Who inspects LEAs? Government should close down the DCSF and LEAs. This cut in taxes would be totally beneficial. Anybody who wants to "ring-fence~" education spending or (God help us) increase education spending does not know the score. Getting reading right would SAVE about £50 billions. Mona McNee
It is shocking that the Bank of England can act in this subversive manner. I avoided the original HBOS rescue rights issue, in May 2008 - clearly the worse share offering since the BP offer at the time of the 1987 crash. I did take up my rights in the Lloyds Group rights issue May 2009. I do look at the offer documents - mostly on-line so I can search for particular key phases - small details like "had to borrow £25billion to cover the holes in the loan book of both HBOS AND Lloyds" would have been of concern. The Bank of England did try to slip the information at the Treasury Select Committee - I think King, at least, should resign. Bryan McGrath, Bleadon, Weston-Super-Mare, North Somerset
Aren't our politicians absolutely wonderful; as they say you couldn't invent it? But I do think that Andy Burnham is on the right track except you merely have to transpose politicians for cows. The benefits are tremendous; we maintain the bovine herd, which is useful, whilst ridding ourselves of the pointless and yet still reduce the methane cloud as that is what it would seem most politicians emit. Regards Richard J Levett, Leeds
I trust that Andrew Neil will be publicly suitably humble today after the badgering he gave "the former home secretary" yesterday over a story about extremist muslim influence in two schools which has since collapsed in flames. He was repeatedly told that the story was an ALLEGED one and the facts needed to be ascertained. But that didn't stop the "former Murdoch editor" from surging on After all why should the truth be allowed to spoil a good story!!!??? Trevor A Smith, Sidmouth Devon
IRAQ ENQUIRY: We need to know now what the nine reasons a Govt. Ministry will be able to use to censor the final report. If they really do give carte blanche as Nick Clegg implies we should stop wasting money on holding the enquiry. Bob Simpson, Leeds
It is a very true saying "Truth will out". All civil servants bound by an oath should remember this. When Leaders (so called) mislead millions they are finished, at least morally. What should you gain in this world if you lose your soul. R. Whiting 30 The Drive Lancing West Sussex
I heard the female presenter on your show yesterday say that she could no longer access a page on the Hizb ut-Tahrir website regarding membership. Perhaps you already know this but google caches (keeps for a while) previous copies of web sites page so you can always see what the looked like before. Simply type in google "site:" that you are interested in and then hit "cached" on the page that come up and you will see what is stored from before.. Like the programme - just trying to help you get to the bottom of this. Mike Martin, France
I hope today you go back to the comments made after PM Question time and challenge those people who made comments and the whole coverage after. Allegations that are completely wrong made by David Cameron have been reported as fact. He should be ashamed Tom Elliott, Berkhamsted
Andrew Neil literally bullied Jacqui Smith on Daily Polics following PM's Question Time. What makes matters worse it now transpires that David Cameron and indeed Andrew Neil were short of facts concerning extremist Muslim school being given government funds. Male chauvinist pig "hey you `jimmie" that typifies Glasgow bigots comes to mind. Shame on you Andrew. What about a public apology! Denis Knowles, UK
I would love to hear a discussion about the reason why the Davos meetings and G20s failed to forecast the credit crunch. I thought that was their purpose. I have sent similar emails to David Cameron but he fails to comment. The last but one G20 was serving red wine at £189 per bottle no wonder Brown dashed across to attend in New York. Many thanks Richard Pearson, Bexley,UK
Your two presenters were clearly in love with Bianca , not a probing question just meek acquiescence that she is an expert and genius about climate change . In fact she has no better credentials to talk about than my neighbour next door. Come on show some backbone and impartiality give a nice friendly ride to a climate change sceptic, bet you dont !!!!! jim hamilton, malvern
Have just watched Mrs Jagger in the hope I might learn something but all it demonstrated was that she is a ewe following the leader . She knows nothing , she regurgitated the climate change propaganda and offered nothing in evidence. What is the Daily Politics doing giving airtime to such a charlatan , it simply shows yet again that the BBC is totally taken in by the climate change theories. They dont want to rock the boat ,come on give airtime to the sceptics. andrew kirkham, birmingham
Re Bianca Jagger's absurd contribution yesterday when is the Daily Politics going to give a climate sceptic equal air time. All she did was to mouth platitudes and did nothing to add to our knowledge. I know as much about climate change as she does. jean shaw, worcester
WEDNESDAY NOVEMBER 25
I do hope that andrew neil "balances" the political "books" tomorrow with regard to david cameron's assertions in parliament re govt aid to islammic schools. in today's programme he unleashed such a tirade about it to the guest jacquie smith...it now seems to be that david cameron's facts were wrong...i will look in with great interest to see if andrew neil makes any reference to this...nick robinson was excellent in his report tonight...measured and totally informed... janice thomson, ayr
Fantastic performance from Andrew Neil. The man-made global warmists must come under more aggressive scrutiny - the case does not hold up scientifically - and there is very dark political game being played. Stan Arnold, Bristol
I hope that before beginning Thursday's edition, Andrew will have the decency, honour and journalistic integrity to apologise for the false accusations which he REPEATEDLY insisted on (rather more than the conventional 3 times) in Wednesday's edition; to the head, teachers and students of the Islamic schools which he slandered in Cameron's usual incompetent wake. As exposed by Jeremy Paxman and the rather more careful fact-checkers and less partisan team on Newsnight. Regardless of the most comically blustering performance I have ever seen, by even a Conservative politician. Andrew has a fantastic potential for invigorating and injecting entertainment and dynamism into politics coverage. However, after the appalling spectacle of anthropogenic climate change denialism this week, then yesterday's disgraceful grandstanding on a false prospectus, someone really has to take him aside and remind him that his BBC appearances are NOT an opportunity to extend his Specatator magazine's ultra-right-wing agenda and polemicism to our airwaves. Time for a sober re-assessment of what constitutes neutral and non-partisan (either politically OR IDEOLOGICALLY) interrogation. I am afraid that for Andrew often to adopt the positions with which he personally feels comfortable, from which to critique our politics, is not acceptable regardless of the confidence with which he himself holds them. It would be a shame to lose someone of Andrew's talents, but an ability to leave one's own beliefs and prejudices entirely behind and comvincngly offer up left-of-centre critiques of the right and right-wing ideology, AS WELL as his skillful adoption of right-wing critiques of centre-right and centre ideologies (can't remember when actual left-of-centre ideas were even last presented up for appraisal!), is a prerequisite for sitting in the chair he occupies. John Walters, Bexhill, UK
Since Scotland does not get the Daily Politics on a Thursday can I be assured that Andrew Neil offers an apology to Jacqui Smith and to his viewers for making the basic journalistic mistake of accepting one side of an argument. Neil's treatment of Jacqui Smith was totally unacceptable, demanding answers to questions she could not have had the answers to and which were based on a false Tory claim. This is simply not acceptable from a programme paid for by the public and produced by an organisation with impartiality enshrined in its charter. Raymond Anderson, Aberdeen
When Anita quoted extraordinary rainfall figures in the same area but from decades ago Bianca Jagger ignored those inconvenient facts. Typical tactic. I would be interested in a comparison between my environmental impact and her environmental impact. The measures that her supporters would impose would hit me proportionally more than her. Rex Burr, Norwich England
Dear Daily Politics, Listening to tonight's media reporting on the first two days of the Iraq War Enquiry it is already evident that this system is biased towards telling the public what it wants to hear. Foreign Office Officials today revealed that Iraqi WMDs may not have been ready for use in the days leading up to the war, but the media reports this as evidence of our government lying to us rather than confirmation that WMDs existed. Oh for a system of getting at the real truth that is not spun by a media that needs an audience. Philip Iszatt, Radstock, Somerset
We need a piece on the powers of elected MEPs and other powers that seem undemocratic eg election of an EU President etc. If not via the Daily Politics, This Week would be a good programme to cover it. Robert Farnes, Limpsfield Chart, Surrey.
Why was Bianca Jagger given free airtime to expound her views, which are well known & easily discredited. There should have been another guest with opposing views to balance her views. J S White, Suffo;k
I always try and watch your show everyday. You have interesting guests and I like the touch of humour and good questions Andrew and his co-presenters have. Politics can be a bit dull but this show makes it more interesting. Regards Anthony Neil, Southsea Hampshire
Let me begin by saying how much I enjoyed PMQs this week (25.11.09). The fact that we are able to view democracy in action is something for which I am ever grateful. However, having witnessed Andrew Neil's ensuing 'interview' with Jaqui Smith on The Daily Politics show, I feel compelled to express my extreme disquiet at what appeared to be his gross misuse of power as a broadcaster. In my opinion, programmes such as The Daily Politics should enable public engagement with political issues and as such presenters should be the tool through which engagement is facilitated; asking the questions to which the public want (and need)to hear answers. However, rather than enabling an informative exchange, Mr Neil's interview style was at best unhelpfully aggressive and at worst arrogant and autocratic; stifling any opportunity to hear, let alone digest, Ms Smith's responses. Whilst I do not believe that politicians should receive 'an easy ride', I do expect that they should be heard, indeed this is a requisite of democracy. What I do not expect is for presenters to dominate interviews to the extent where they affectively shut down or sensor debate. It is for interviewers to interview, reporters to report and the viewer to formulate their own opinions based upon what they hear. From last week's programme it would appear that The Daily Politics programme should be renamed 'The Andrew Neil Show', at which point I could perhaps make an informed decision and switch off. Clare Hill, UK
Gawd bless you Andrew Neil. Just watched my recording of PMQs, followed by your hatchet job on Jaqui Smith. A classic , everyone in that studio was thunderstruck .as well as myself. Brilliant! rgds, bill, somersham, cambs
Your climate change debate was excellent. What worries me is the way the school curriculum is ramming climate change down my children's throats but in a totally one sided manner.Yes, explain the threats of climate change but also the other side until one side is definitely proved correct-there isn't a day without one of them coming home to lecture me on becoming'more green'.A form of brainwashing maybe which is alarming to young children and may prove alarmist. Surely education should be balanced in all respects? penny watt, oxford uk
Andrew Neil's object lesson in how not to chair a discussion needs a reaction on a later programme. His intemperate verbal assault on Jacgui Smith was out of order. Particularly now that we do have the Government reply to the Tory allegations on Islamic school funding. Neil hides his political leanings most of the time but once in a while they break through. In the name of balance this subject must be revisited by him. Let's see him giving Michael Gove, who started this row, a hard time. Raymond Anderson, Aberdeen
I watch The Daily Politics most days and usually enjoy the programme. Andrew Neil's shouting at Jacqui Smith today was totally out of order especially in the light of the news coming out at the moment that David Cameron's info re the schools was wrong. I hope Andrew Neil will apologise to her Patricia Gibb
Once again the PM has been completely wrong-footed by not only Cameron but also by Nick Clegg. The Islamist schools issue clearly caught the PM on the hop and I imagine he will be having a quiet word with Ed Balls later. The protocols concerning the Iraq War inquiry were also very disturbing to those of us who desperately want everything out in the open. I fear the government will hide behind the protocols to prevent embarrasing details reaching the public domain. Well done Andrew for not allowing Jaqui Smith to get away with flannel! david kidd, bury st edmunds
What does Bianca Jagger know about Climate Change? - she needs to be reminded that weather (as in the Cumbrian floods) is not climate. The Met Office report to which she refers must surely now be open to serious challenge, based as it is on the CRU data now the subject of the "Climategate" revelations. Congratulations to Andrew for his probing interview with Profs. Singer and Watson on Monday which started to challenge the Global Warming edifice that threatens to overwhelm us all more effectively than any putative sea level rise. I for one have now signed the two Number 10 e-petitions requesting a drains-up at CRU, and by implication the whole Climate Change monster - hopefully before our Government commits any more billions to what may only after all be a global mirage. Nigel Whitehead, Banbury
Hi I thought that Jacqui Smith was very poor. I would like to know please what this discredited woman has to do to be removed from the tv circuit. To me she epitomises arrogance. Amyclaire Smythe, Rochdale England
I've never seen or heard anything quite as absurd as Bianca Jagger talking about climate change on the Daily Politics show and even blaming the recent flood in Cubria on climate change. What does she know about climate change? Is she an expert? She even appeared to quote the BBC as some kind of authority on the subject! Tony Kallend, Westerham
Why does the left wing BBC keep pushing the global warming/climate change nearly every day they push someone forward to try to convince the public. We have ministers, environmentalists and politicians from every party plus every tom.dick and harry who is pro the subject, the vast majority of these have no scientific knowledge at all but have jumped on the bandwaggon. We had 2 scientists on the programme yesterday for and against and i'm afraid that the pro one had no proper argument but kept referring to the model. In my opinion the against scientist put forward convincing arguments. I do not believe in global warming/climate change it is nature that causes things to happen not man. I hope the tories win the next election then get rid of all the left-wingers within the BBC, that may mean sacking the whole of the BBC staff, then replacing it with impartial people who can restore the publics confidence again,if they did that I don't think that people would object so much about paying their licence fee. At the moment we are just paying to support the Labour (communist)party by pushing forward their agenda. Today we had another nonentity celebrity Bianca Jagger who opinion is no more relevant than mine. The BBC lost yesterday so what do they do push forward another celebrity to try to convince us that she knows better. I don't think so. Ernest Pateman, Shaw,Oldham,Lancs
Thanks to the DP Team for 'preparing' Anita and Andrew so well. Andrew is such a delightful expert in his specialism and Anita is obviously very intelligent and a quick learner who has learned a great deal from Andrew and has even managed to enhance his status in the process. My DP mug is still on display; what status this brings to me! My wife and I are real fans of this programme. Finlay McNaughtan, Glasgow
Today's Daily Politics-what an unbalanced programme! Three Tories-Clark,BBC political commentator and of course A Neil,he of the schoolboy humour-all having a go at one Labour MP. How all the chaps laughed at Neil minor's pointed quips! And then B Jagger delivering her vacuous comments! BBC impartiality ,fairness and balanced comment much in evidence? john, UK
Today i dont care about Brown, Cameron, Clegg or any other political issues of the day because ive just won a Daily Politics mug. Get in. jeff anderson, hartlepool
You really nailed your colours to the mast this morning didn't you ? Why was Ms B Jagger given SO MUCH air time for her OUTRIGHT BIASED PROPOGANDA....why was SO much time given to her ? Where was the BALANCE ? Why no Nigel Lawson or Christopher Booker or other non-believers ? Unbiased BBC - you HAVE TO BE JOKING !! Another one of your 'balanced' pieces. In fairness you should NOW give EQUAL air-time to Christopher Booker. I'm sure even the BBC is aware of him - one of the many who speaks out AGAINST this unholy CULT of AGW. It is a CULT, and you've ALL been brainwashed. You should be ASHAMED of yourselves for your stupidy and your unthinking brain-dead brainwashed presenters. So - when does Mr Booker get EQUAL air-time ? Bet you lot wouldn't dare !!!! Anne Smith, Lot-et-Garonne, France
Why are you allowing Bianca Jagger to tell us, The Britsh what to do, she should focus her attention on Nicaragua. Surely, that not a country without problems??? Simon, Warrington
I bet Bianca Jagger didn't walk or go by public transport to the studio even though I expect she's eligible for a bus pass, so until she owns up to, and compesates for her passed plus size carbon footprint caused by her previous jet set lifestyle then I'll not take any lectures from her thank you very much. Rgards Robert W. Warne Cardiff. Robert W. Warne, Cardiff Wales UK
Well, I'm afraid you finally lost me as a viewer of PMQ's during today's programme. We once again started with the ethereal voice informing us "Gordon Brown is standing up to answer questions", followed shortly by a name check for the Sec. of State for Education. Surely you realise that anyone watching the programme has at least a modicum of intelligence, and be able to recognise familiar Parliamentary figures without a comment being required. We again discovered that the vital first part of any question is lost by the needless commentary overriding it. Please, let's have PMQ's as broadcast by BBC Parliament, without the annoying 'voice over'. Robin Biddiscombe, Basingstoke, Hampshire
Re Daily Politics 25 November 2009 How are we to counter global warming if defra are not concerned by carbon dioxide emissions? Similarly, when applying for planning permission for renewable energy I was advised that it would probably fail on grounds of Urban Development. David Friend, Exeter
I thought Andrew Neil crossed the line today to the unacceptable side. He must remember that it is the daily politics show, not the Andrew Neil show. Also with regard to the discussion on climate change, perhaps Bianca Jagger should read the December issue of the Geographical magazine. In the bullet point items it states that the level of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere has reached its highest point for 10 million years, when none of the modern technologies existed. Another article points out that the reduction in the size of the gaciers is not due to melting ice, but due to the fact that the rate of movement of these glaciers has increased. No one seems to be considering that nature has very strong powers of resilience to the results of human activity. Alan Stenning, Haywards Heath
This government is meant to be reducing co2 by 80% yet it is adding to the co2 emissions by 80% by allowing thousands of acres of Green Belt to disappear under development! There are thousands of derelict houses,empty industrial units,empty shops, yet they allow more to be built on the outskirts of all our villages, towns and cities! The only way people can get to these developments is by some sort of motorisation!adding to the co2. Absolute madness when in city centres everyone can walk or cycle. Has anyone researched into whether the floods in cumbria have coincided with other sudden expansion in past years, eg the industrial revolution etc? Hawkswell, York
I would like to know just why Ms. Smith is on a prime time Political programme funded by the Taxpayer. This awful and dishonest woman should be in jail not laughing & joking on television. Is the BBC so pro New Labour that it has to wheel out disgraced Politicans of this nature. Not only did Ms. Smith demean a once great office of State by supposedly dossing down in her Sister's bedroom, she is also clearly guilty of fraud. An absolute shame on the BBC. glyn williams, High Wycombe, buckinghamshire
I would like to say a word on Mrs. Bianca Jagger. She says the floodings currently occurring in the UK, are a direct result of climate change. Who says she is right? Who can we believe after we heard some emails intercepted from a university somewhere in Anglia orginating from scientists trying to cover up evidence that suggested the green house effect is plausibly not caused by human activity. My view on this, the current floodings in the UK are caused by the lack of investment in flood defences. So my advise to the British people don't be fooled by these politicians and scientits whose interest it is to cook the facts on climate change. Marcus van der Voorn, Sassenheim, The Netherlands
Compare Labour environmental and energy policies to the Danish and Germans. They have successfully used policy to create new "green" technologies and industries. To the point where the UK has to import almost everything. We are even unable to build triple-glazed windows in the UK. Mike Harding, Sidcup, UK
Exactly what direct evidence is there that the rain in Cumbria is linked to climate change that can be produced. And yes Cumbria has received more rain than this week look at the stats Dame Hyndman, westcliff on sea
Re: Ms Jagger What a load of tosh she is talking! I live in Cumbria so we know what rain is all about. As for the causes of "climate change" I personally believe this a a natural cycle of events and there isn't much mankind can do about it apart from reducing polution. Yes we can do more with renewables but Nuclear energy anlong with coal fored stations have to be part of the mix. Why can I say this? I was an apprentice in the building of power stations (of all types) and subsequently went selling CHP units. Climate change is as far as I am concerned a city centric fashion. Regards Paul Want, Windermere
Re Bianc Jagger - another example of celebreties pronouncing on science and getting it wrong. It is very difficult if not impossible to assign a weather event to climate change, as evidenced by the comments on floods in Cumbria. Nuclear waste - the waste from a nuclear power station for a year fills a space about the size of my desk, much less than from say a coal powered station. Steve, Cannock Staffs
This global warming or even Climate Change, is total rubbish. The intention being simply to raise more Taxation for one reason or another. Only two hundred years ago, they were HayMaking in Greenland. ATFlynn, "Norfolk's Mutineer"
It's unfair to attack the government for not banning a group, where the evidence does not meet legal standards. If the government did ban them with a new power. The same people will accuse the government of being authoritarian. Cromwell, london
Could Bianca Jagger also focus on the fact that UK doesn't produce 98% of the world's CO2. We should do our bit but she should be pointing the finger in many more directions!!! Dr Arnold Coffer, Shaftesbury
How can you allow Bianca Jagger to spout such drivel about Global Warning without any balance being made. This is political propoganda. The questioning of her in the studio did not go anyway to providing any robust argument. I am afraid this confirms the BBC's unwavering adherence to the "Global Warming" even though it is now apparent that this is based on dodgy science Martin Riley, Lytham
limate change is constant, an accurate record is only available over a short period. What it says it goes up and down (with or without human intervention) It's happening either way, how's to blame? Who cares? Rob Burnham, Greenleys, Milton Keynes
Recently, a supermarket (Sainsburys) sold light bulbs at 10 pence each. Wouldn't it be a good idea for the Government to fund a light bulb exchange (especially as the wealthier folks will have already changed) to ensure that every house had only low energy use bulb. It wouldn't cost much. Robert Kibblewhite, Witney, Oxfordshire
Hi Andrew What planet is Gordon Brown on when he refers to this country as a rich country? We are up to our eyeballs in debt. As far as banks go charging for unsolicited debt is unacceptable however there is no chance of a free lunch and if you can't afford it you do without and do not access other peoples money without their explicit approval. Paying to fund terrorism is simply reprehensible and it is another example of a government out of control. regards Joan Duncan, Stonehaven
Why does Bianca Jagger not realise we have had floods in this country for hundreds of years. The BBC is also very biased in its reporting of "climate change". Where is the alterntive views. David Thompson,
Climate change may well be happening but it IS NOT YET PROVEN TO BE CAUSED BY HUMAN ACTIVITIES! Bianc Jagger needs to check her facts! As for MAlta having no renewable energy. IT IS AN ISLAND JUST AS WE ARE!!! Thy have the same access to wind and sea pwer just as we do. BBC get an expert on not someone who just happens to able to shout loudest due to her past associations. Gareth Buckley, Goostrey Cheshire
Would it not be better if Ms Jagger also investigated those countries who use climate modifications apparently banned by the UN, but continue today across the whole continent of Africa, including the middle east. maira, UK
I live in Cumbria. Bianca Jagger says "imagine the floods in London". Norfolk and East Anglia are being sacrificed for the sake of London with their coastal defences being purposefully neglected so that tidal surges will take the pressure of the Thames barrier by allowing the flooding of East Anglia. Cumbria is neglected. Why are people ignoring the heat generated by people. Cars, homes, breathing of 6 billion people etc all generate huge amounts of heat. It is not merely CO2 Stephen Gash, Carlisle
Surely the point about misdirected funds to extremist groups that fund schools is that the state should not be funding faith schools - just secular schools. Mike Harding, Sidcup, UK
No extreme weather event can ever be attributed to a single cause, however the science has and does predict that global warming will lead to more extreme weather events. In some places that will be flooding, in others drought and others heatwaves or hurricanes. Those predictions are now coming true. Record floods, droughts, heatwaves and tornadoes are occuring with increasing frequency all over the world. We really do need concerted action urgently. Peter, Oxfordshire, UK
Just seen Bianca Jagger's broadcast. Interesteing, I understand the need for spotlights for filming, but she need not have left the table lamp on too?? So much for climate change!!! Ian Hooker, Watford
What does Bianca want? If we completely shut down the UK it will make no difference... The issue is world-wide and I don't want to be the sacrificial goat on the pyre of an un-proved theory... David Rose, London
What qualifications does Bianca Jagger have as a climate change expert? Why do we have an endless queue of celebrities or their wives or husbands preaching to the rest of us about things they are really not qualified to speak about? Mikko Takala, Drumnadrochit, Scotland
Please explain Bianca Jagger's qualifications for making pronouncements on climate change. Maggie, United Kingdom
More global warming nonsense. Haven't you read what duplicity the University of East Anglia has been up to? Why are they not being investigated. Dianechoyce , London W2
Why has no one asked about the hacked emails from the CRU, revealing mass fiddling of figures and destruction of 'unhelpful data' to perpetuate this man-made-global-warming mantra? Nigel Williams, Northampton, UK
Other than Andrew Neil's presentation of the climate change debate between Professors Singer and Watson on The Daily Politics the other day 'he allowed a fair debate on the subject'; the constant drip drip of the "Global Warming" agenda by our broadcasting media fly's in the face of impartiality. Are we going to get this every time there is a bit of bad weather? Ron McEvoy, Waltham Abbey
I very much enjoyed daily politics. Andrew Neil was my favourite commentator. I always watched This Week. I have just switched off the Daily Politics, appalled by Andrew's unfair and agressive questioning of Jacqui Smith on the issue of funding to a school with possible Islamic fundamentalist connections. This situation was not confirmed, yet Andrew Neil treated it as if it were verified. This is very poor journalism. I am very disappointed. I have switched off Newsnight. Now I have to forgo the DP and TW. Shame on you Andrew Neil and the BBC. Christine Heron, Birkenhead, Merseyside
If the bnp said their members should "murder all jews" they would be banned in a trice, are Labour worried about the muslim vote ? Bill, Doncaster
It should not matter whether the group is proscribed or not, any group with dubious backgrounds should not be getting government funding for setting up and running schools. David Robertson, Stockport
Brown is spent. sooner gone the better the single most destructive issue for me is the sad surrender to the that's the way it is brigade when others are left without a home,job,health or social care our society is becoming no less than a barren desert of moral bankruptcy willing to condem our young to a only the self matter and all others must pay for the sins of their fathers that's the way it is society. edwardjbailey (stay safe eddie to the young) edward j bailey, coleford nr. bath
The recent flooding in the UK is NOT to do with climate change, it is to do with New Labour taking £1bn from the river dredging / sea defences budget to give to their core chav voters. Dariusz, London
The Conservatives should look at their European allies before making comments about extremist views John Wilson,
Could the BBC please find someone to take the place of Andrew?! He likes the sound of his own voice and thinks he is cleaver when in fact he is rude and domineering. His offhand comments are a waste of time. William Joseph, London, UK
This is not The Daily Politics programme this is The Daily Mail programme with its bulling language (by Andrew to Jacqui Smith, shameful!)and fear mongering about Muslims. terrible. Matthew, manchester
Well done Andrew. You have exposed J Smith as the ill informed and self centered politician she is. This attitude seems to run through the present government. roger gatland, Twickenham
Government plans to fund religious schools are coming home to roost. But it's not just a problem for Muslim aschools, we shouldn't be using public money to fund ANY religious schools, including CofE, Roman Catholic & Jewish schools... David Hewitt, Southampton
Andrew Neil's persistant attack on Jacqui Smith is shameful. She answered the question and he deliberately kept referring to her as former home secretary. Whatever happened to unbiased reporting? Allan davies, Basildon
J. Smith has no where to hide on the subject, BBC Newsnight interviewed the Headmistress of another London School, a Saudi funded one where Jews and Christians are described as Monkeys and Pigs! Maurice Ridley
Wasn't David Cameron's question about funds to extremists a shameful example of dog whistle politics? Bernadette Meaden, Widnes Cheshire
The Islamist funding story has been around for months, incuding being in the national press, i find it simply unbelievable that Brown didn't know about it. mark, lincs Uk
Do politicians like the sound of their own voice so much that they seem incapable of just a simple YES or NO? Sherli Delahay, Bournemouth
Few people become overdrawn voluntarily, since their debts then rapidly accumulate. But due to poverty this is sometimes unavoidable. If someone acidentally overdraws by £10 with HBOS, and a direct debit bounces, they will be charged £185 in fees for the month. Does Jacqui Smith agree with the Gordon Brown that these charges are fair? Nigel Patterson, Halifax
Suggesting the tories want to politicize the police is a bit rich from a govt that already has!!! G Phillips, Sussex
How cynical that Gordon Brown claims in answer to David Cameron that he has no knowledge of the islamic Fundamentalist school and yet somewhat later in the question time a Labour backbencher raises the ability to criticise Cameron at not listening to the results of some investigating committee, it shows how much question time is becoming a real farce... Michael McEgan, Aylesbury
Re the PMs comment just now on Inheritance Tax, wasn't it Mr Brown who doubled the rate for surviving spouses and survivors of civil partnerships from 325k to 650k in 2007? The biggest rise in IHT in my life time, complements of the self-same Mr Brown? Best wishes Tony Hollis (Frimley Green)
Again and again Gordon Brown loses the plot. In a question regarding ACPO and terrorism, he turns to the opposition front bench and makes unnecessary claims on Tory financial plans! What a farce. Tom Cassell Rotherham
Please change the camera angle, Ben Bradshaw hogging the limelight behind Brown is putting me off my lunch! patrick, northampton
Calling for an organization to be banned because somebody 'reportedly' and 'apparently' said something is ridiculious. I though the Tories were supposed to believe in hard evidence and the rule of law ? Bob, London
Well done to Nick Clegg for revealing Government Protocols designed to ensure yet another Whitehall whitewash in the latest and arguably, most important public enquiry into the invasion of Iraq. Gareth Unwin, YORK
Can you explain why there needs to be multiple tributes expressed about servicemen etc instead of one by the Speaker on behalf of the whole House. They way it is done at the moment could be perceived as simple political posturing. Mr L Swann, Cramlington, Northumberland
Re: the secret loan to HSBC and RBS. It seems that the handout of funds by the bank of England of £65 BILLION! could not be found out by any UK accountants or financial commentators from the accounts issued by the Bank of England! It seems that only those "in the know" and dealing with the handout of money as donors and recipients of £65 billion knew and they kept mum about it. It therefore appears that there is absolutely no transparency or accountability on the Banks ability to donate or to whom. Can I therefore assume that the bank can give any amount of nice amounts to favoured organisations or even individuals and no one would know? The concept of a corrupt gravy train to senior politicians and/or organisations is mind blowing but now seems perfectly possible. I am now beginning to feel that UK plc. is completely corrupt from the very top. Enjoy your progamme very much. Keep asking the awkward questions and try to nail down these slimy devious politicians who all seem to be in cahoots to avoid telling the truth. Maybe you will succeed in ometimes getting the truth out of them. Many thanks, Frederick Sampson. Frederick Sampson, Lymington, UK
I thought Gordon Brown and Ed Balls were chums. Doesn't the fact that they don't appear to be talking to each other demonstrate graphically the ebbing away of the Prime Minister's authority. Chris Bowring, Nine Mile Ride, Wokingham, Berkshire
Every time someone at your side tries to pronounce this gentleman's name, we cringe here. I know it is a very difficult diphtong at the end, non-existent in English, but please do not mutilate it to 'Rumpy'. It should sound nothing like. I'm sure Andrew Neil knows better. Abel
It would seem Gordon Brown is wearing an Old Etonian tie. That will throw Cameron this PMQ's. Can one argue with a school chum? Neil Ryan, London
I'm fed up with hearing about what Scotland wants. Can England please have a referendum. Most English people would be pleased if England declared independence. Derek Marshall, Southampton, England
All this talk about him becoming Foreign Secretary,,i s this a serious proposition? Is it really possible that an unelected person. Can hold such a post? Democracy! It goes on and on…. Pauline stacey, swindon
Just watched an interview with people concerned with events in Scotland. I think it was about how Scotland's government raises money to pay for projects. As the interviewer kept interrupting I was unable to follow exactly the argument. If your presenter is going to ask questions I think it would be good manners to let them answer. Charles Thomson, England
If benefits were still collectable in cash from Post Offices then the poorest would not have been captive, reluctant bank customers and subject to a high percentage of income taken in bank charges when, as I know frequently occurs, the DWP makes errors in the timing and amount of payment of benefits so causing charges to be made. I bet the House of Lords wouldn't have come to the same decision. pamela booker, Market Harborough
whilst listening to the daily politics today I could not believe my ears when I heard the patronising remark from Andrew refering to Scotland "well its a small country you all know one another", we obviously don't or he would have heard me remark that he is the type of scot that makes me ashamed of my country, one who denounces it. S. Parker, Stromness, orkney,Scotland
I have no wish to see or hear Jacqui Smith. I find her offensive. She is a disgrace- both morally and professionally. Please any quest other than her. Mr A May, London
WERE free banking to cease - to end overcharging of some customers - it would not be a case of those in the black subsidising others. At the moment the reverse is true - those attracting excess overcharge charges are currently subsidising the free (to customers, but not free of costs for banks!) banking! Such subsidies (especially as here, by generally poorer customers of generally better-off ones) is not only immoral but demonstrates the banks are a monopoly/cartel: such cross-subsidies are impossible outside cartels/monopolies, because in a freely competitive market there will always be another supplier for the overcharged customers to go to who do not penalise them to subsidise others. In any case, there is no case for free banking to end: banks pay little or no interest on billions of pounds in their current accounts, on which they consequently make 100s of millions at no cost. THAT is the 'deal' with Free Banking. Without it the government/OFT should insist on full interest being paid on all balances ... see how the banks like THAT. At the moment, this obvious cartel continues to exploit customers and make huge profits from us in the good times, then get billions from us as taxpayers in the bad. It's a big con that must end - perhaps by introducing a public bank owned by a non-profit trust to break the cartel? John Walters, Bexhill, UK
Surely the Scottish can leave the present union with us, their are members of the EU so if we're not responsible Brussels will have to take up the slack should it develop? Of course it's a move in the direction of finally removing the pound as well, as it would be introduced in Scotland there after Rob Burnham, Greenleys, Milton Keynes
Would someone please exlain what sort of BILLION politicians, bankers, pundits and commentators are referring to? To be on a billionaires' list in the UK, how many noughts? Is it 1, followed by 9 '0s', i.e one thousand million or 1, followed by 12 '0s' - a million million? It makes a considerable difference. I'd be prepared to bet that hardly any Minister, MP or High Street banker could tell you I suspect, based on quite random research among my (few) intelligent and financialy aware friends, that no knows for sure. I would take the Bank of England's guide line as to what it means in Today's-Speak, even if it is not the official Oxford Dictionary definition. Can you elucidate? Terry Burke, 43340, Haute Loire, France.
I find the 'brass neck' and downright hypocrisy of Jaqui Smith for her criticism of the SNP's plans for a Referendum on Scottish independence. At least Alex Salmond is determined to honour his promise to allow the people of Scotland to have their say. Contrast that with Gordon Brown and New Labour's failure to keep their promise to the whole of the British electorate over the Lisbon Treaty, you don't need to guess who's word I respect as a politician and a man. Son of the Manse my eye !!!! Douglas Unwin (York)
Jaqui Smith blamed the Supreme Court, for the banking judgement. She shouldn't be allowed to get away with that. It was bad lawmaking by politicians who drafted the law and regulation(s) with inadequate parliamentary scrutiny, that has caused the problem with respect to the relevant Regulation 6(2)(b) etc - see the judgement. I do not like politicians blaming the courts for laws which they passed - they are getting away with that far too often. Brian (Wakefield)
I am led to believe that MP's are treated as self employed by HM Revenue and Customs. Why? They are paid a salary, expenses and a pension from the public purse. Is there any other group of tax payers where this beneficial arrangement applies. David, Edinburgh
Every day we see more meddling and more laws being introduced by this Government whether it be health, education, law and order, hips, which mostly only affect England or England and Wales and they have less and less power in Scotland yet our Prime Minister and Chancellor and many members of the Cabinet not to mention MPs are Sottish voted for by Scots and they have no say over the lives of the people who voted for them. This Government has already given every part of the U.k. it's own Parliament or Assembly except England. We are in effect governed by foreign rule. Imagine the scenario if we had sent Margaret Thatcher to rule over the Scots while we voted for an alternative Government, there would be rioting in the streets. The Conservatives won the majority vote in England at the last election and yet we could end up with a Labour Government thanks to the Scots. We English are being governed by a Government we did not vote for. Julie Brice
The parties have very little to debate since Europe seems no longer an issue. Parliamentary questions will be very dull indeed even with an election coming. Hopefully UKIP will rise above this complacency. Grant Pulen, London,Barnet
Does anyone seriously believe we are in Afghanistan to defend the UK ? Withdraw today ! Edward Wheatley
The Islamist funding story has been around for months, incuding being in the national press, i find it simply unbelievable that Brown didn't know about it. mark, lincs Uk
The secret loans that the government and BoE gave to HBOS / RBS was Enron size fraud against the markets, the shareholders of Lloyds, and the taxpayers. Dariusz, London
Can someone ask Jacqui Smith when she is going to pay back the money she took from public funds , this is a question we need to know , Jacqui Smith knows a lot about cover ups . John Gittos, leeds
Shame on you for inviting the fraudulent Jacqui Smith onto your programme. Mike McCrindell, Harpenden
Hi Anita, Was the slow motion footage of Lord Myners designed to make him look like the 75 billion dollar man? David Rowe, Wem
So the powers of the Scottish Parliament are to be increased. However, the English are to remain as 3rd class citizens by being the only nation in Europe wihout its own elected parliament or assembly. We want an English Parliament and we want the BBC to start talking about it, considering its own poll showed 61% of English people want it. Regards Stephen Gash, Carlisle
Why do several MP's stand up briefly each time a question is asked at PMQ's ? James Kneller, Ilminster, Somerset, England
I am sure you will not be reading out this email - but I am sending it anyway - why do the BBC continue to have Jacquie Smith on their programmes - Question Time, Any Questions etc - I don't think the British public are remotely interested in what this disgraced MP has to say!!! She has clearly not been telling the truth - so why should we believe anything she has to say. Its absolutely disgraceful. There must be a few decent MPs left that you could invite on your show. Shame on you giving this woman air/tv time. J Wright
You've missed the bigger point. At the same time Mr King said that Gordon Brown has NOT presented a CREDIBLE answer to today's financial crisis!! Peter Brady, Buxton
We did not here you mention the latest opinion poll giving the Tory party a 17 point lead, come on now be fair. R Strange, Kidderminster
No doubt you will be discussing the LOLR loans to HBOS and RBS. If the Appeal Judges had known of them in July would they have still rejected the NR Shareholder's request for a Judicial Review ? Michael Doherty, Craster Northumberland
We have had Blairs Babes and Cameron cuties we should now have the Brown Broilers. chris buxton, Derby
Will the Supreme Court's ruling benefit Labour or the Tories? Mike Mitchell, Spalding, England
Supreme Court decision on bank charges goes in favour of the banks. Oh surprise surprise. The government wants the banks back in solvency for which they need more money, so who ends up paying; we little people of course. The big boys put their money off shore. I suspect a stitch up and so doubt the independance of the Supreme Court. James Phillips, Rugby, England.
What a surprise! There is only one way to have a fare banking system, The FSA must approve changes to charges before they are passed on to customers. At every turn the banks prove their greed without much thought for the country's economy. Could The FSA negotiate a deal for people with debts they cannot pay Tim Penhale
I would like to suggest that Andrew or Anita raise the question of 'Collective Responsibility' when they are next discussing the Iraq War Inquiry with invited guests. It is my understanding that one important element of the unwritten British Constitution is that the British Prime Minister is first among equals (Primes Inter Pares) in relation to his or her Cabinet ministers. This does not seem to have been the case during the months preceding the start of the Iraq War. This principle of 'collective responsibility' has not, so far, been mentioned, but it has important implications in relation to the individual power of the Prime Minister in the sphere of UK foreign affairs, and more generally. Has the principle been ditched, and if so, when did this happen? Sheila Oakley, London
Given what her record is in the recent past, where does Jacqui Smith get the gall to present herself, yet again, in the gaze of the British public? On television. Most folk would be ashamed to show their faces. It just goes to illustrate how out of touch these people are, and how utterly thick skinned. Allan McInnes
Under which ruling of access does a BBC/British accept a non-British subject/citizen to come on the National Television and lobby for time. Under "Celebrity all hours, any time, whenever they like", I suppose. She was famous for having married Mr Mick Jagger, God knows whether she ever lived with him, but it was an awful long time ago, like the 1970s. She didn't revert to her original surname, as most modern equal opportunity women would, because this way she gets Celebrity access. However, why does she gain so much attention? There are quite enough Climate Change functionaries already, and in any case it is way too late. The time to Act was late 70s early 80s. The glaciers have already substantially melted; the Poles are accelerating their ice-caps downhill; Greenland which was always 'white' can now be discovered as rock and moss; Hurricanes, although lower in frequency this year have escalated from the 1970s; Temperate zones are suffering increased rainfall, ie, UK flooding; in the Southern Hemisphere much of his falls over Ocean. Time to pack it all in and wait for the Surge. Nicholas Ruddock
Bianca Jagger on climate change
Jacqui Smith was rebuked for having wrongly defined her second home as her sister's.For this she claimed £116,000, which astoundingly she has not been asked to pay back.Conveniently she relies on this decision and refuses to pay any money back.Are we seriously expected to believe that a Home Secretary,taking sovereign and life changing decisions on our behalf is forced to rely on other's decisions in this context.What is right is the important concept.What happened to Honour in the Right Honourable? I have written to her twice on this and received no reply from her personally. Alan Taylor, Grimsby.
I've almost given up on contacting you as you give so little time to e-mailers. However please pass on my compliments to Andrew Neil for his incisive questions on Monday concerning the climate debate. It was a good bit of journalism with pertinent questions, which were well researched. I hope you can revisit the subject again, as there is a lot to discuss with, as we know, huge economic and political implications. Steve Giess
WHY WOULD THE " PUBLIC " ( THE VAST AMOUNT OF THE POPULATION NOT EVER HAVING OR HAVING HAD , AN OVERDRAFT ) , BE OUTRAGED BY TODAY'S RULING ? THE TAXPAYER , OWNING THE BANKS, WOULD BE THE ONES HAVING TO PAY FOR PEOPLE , UNABLE TO LOOK AFTER THEIR FINANCES PROPERLY. I HAVE A £ TEN THOUSAND OVERDRAFT, COSTING ME NOT A PENNY IF EVER I USE IT. I AGREE THAT THE CHARGES OF £ 38,00 FOR A 1 PENCE OVERDRAWN WERE REDICULOUS I AM A PRIVATE INDIVIDUAL. ! KLAUS, CHESHIRE It seems to me someone somewhere needs to check whether these people have their faculties! What a completely ridiculous judgement, no basis other than protecting a struggling banking system me thinks! Jaclyn, Keynsham
Hi, I'm trying to remember when Andrew interviewed 2 professors on climate change but I smoke too much & can't :) Can you help point me in the right direction? Thanks john, Edinburgh DAILY POLITICS REPLIES: It was on Monday's show
Can't be right all the time, those Law Lords are scrupulously accurate, no room for natural justice, but a little hint for them, as where to go! Martin
There are 2 things which puzzle me about the war in Afghanistan(besides why are we there} and I have never heard anyone asked to explain them? Why don't they explode the roadside devices in situ? How do we gain ground if we fight from and return to set camps? Love the daily show and the Thursday night late edition. Is there any point in PMQs and why does David Cameron ask all his questions at once and allow any of the Labourites to then insult the Tories who have no ammunition left? Geoffrey North, Darlington, Co.Durham
Yesterday you debated a hung parliament based on that opinion poll, which BY the way was over a week old when published. On Monday evening another large poll, over 2000 questioned over the weekend came up with: Cons 39 Labour 22 Lib Dem 21 Others 18 Poll undertaken by Angus Reid, the 3rd commissioned by political betting blog MIke Smithson, who is highly respected by the media. These three polls undertaken have shown little change over the past few weeks. A totally different story at the present time The poll is not commissioned by political motivated organisations or the media. Also it takes into account past voting unlike the IPSOS MORI POLL which records definate voters, excluding I believe the probables who normally vote. Why did you not refer to this poll yesterday. If you want the full regional voting breakdowns of this poll go to political betting web site, in the South East and the Midlands Labour appear to running 3rd. Suggest this is also referred to today. Angus Reid is a Canadian pollster, who gets accurate results there, in that hung parliament scenario, but has the assistance of a major polling organisation over here in obtaining the information.He is applying for registration with the British Polling Group, who approve polling organisations. Have a word with Mike Smithson about it. david , Staffordshire
Regarding the covert loan to RBS and HBOS I was dismayed to hear Lord Myner on Today this morning defending this action because the money had been paid back - is this the same Myners whose pension report advised "greater transparency and accountability" after Maxwell - does this mean that if Maxwell had paid all the money back after corruptly raiding his pension fund then that would have been the right thing to do - I would like you to put this question to him if he comes on the programme. Jennifer Robinson, Buckinghamshire
If all the mothers/wives of soldiers who died pointlessly in Iraq war, got up a Petition to take Tony Blair to a Criminal court for Prosecution - how many signatures would they need to achieve that? At least it would test whether our high Judges listen and adhere to mass public opinion. lewis rory McLeod, Almere, north Holland.
Given that you have two former home secretary's on the show today could Andrew possibly pursue answers to the following. 1 In light of the latest hideous offence against a child is the home office ,in John Reid's words,fit for purpose? 2 Do the two former home secretary's feel that new Labour has heralded in a weakening in the support for the victims of violent crime? 3 Would they support a system of elected sheriifs to provide local power over our policing ? Winston, Wolverhampton
TUESDAY NOVEMBER 24
Sir ,If possible could you ask any of your guests there views on the sufferers of pleural plaque negligently exposed to asbestos .I have been fighting for justice for over three years to have compensation reinstated and at last a private members bill was passed in the house of commons after its third reading but failed in the house of lords.Sir I have been informed a meeting today the 25th nov between the prime minister and mps regarding our fight for justice so if possible could I have your support on behalf of all sufferers Regards , brian legg, President GMB Boilermaker Section Swansea
Barry Sheerman is deluded if he believes that all is well with the Ofsted Inspection of schools. The school situation is as big a shambles as the social services. Very few teachers complain about Ofsted because they don't believe that they have any power in the system. Ofsted Inspectors have no accountability for their professional judgement. The Ofsted complaints system is flawed and unfair to teachers. Complaints will only be considered for procedural failings of Inspectors. Ofsted's premise is that Inspectors are right and teachers are wrong no matter what evidence is provided. The Independent Adjudication and Ombudsman have no remit to examine an Inspector's professional judgement. The complaints system has been criticised by the Independent Adjudicator, amongst other things, for giving contradictory information to complainants. The practice of withholding information illegally also appears to be common place. In the last business year there were 13 complaints about Ofsted to the Ombudsman but 0 were accepted because of their limited remit. Jules, Preston UK
I am sure you will be referring to the most recent POLL After the six point lead from Ipsos MORI, we now have a 17 point lead from Angus Reid. The topline figures are CON 39%(+1), LAB 22%(-2), LDEM 21%(+1). Others are unchanged on 18%. The poll was conducted over the weekend, so it is the first proper post-Queens speech poll. The changes from Angus Reid's last poll are all quite minor, showing a small shift away from Labour but nothing to get excited about. It does, of course, contrast sharply with MORI's poll, particularly in terms of the level of Labour support. Peter Brady, Buxton Derbysgire
Good day Anita and Andrew, Why Not have some radical changes ? Why not start with a new law that allows only one charity worldwide? It will stop all the many thousands of various charities all spending on people, paper,postage and all those annoying phone calls in the evenings. Why not create a new law that allows only one rate of income tax. A much larger 'personal allowance' would be permitted and a flat rate of income tax for all. This will allow those who want to work harder keep more of thefruits of their labours. It will greatly simplify the massive volumes of tax regulations and make 90% of Scots get a proper job !! Lets all start again ? Kind regards, Ron Clarkson, Frinton on Sea
Just want to reiterate so brilliant to be able to have discussion on climate change I hope we can have more!!! Cathy Edwards, Burtle, Somerset, England
I just wonder if i am the only viewer who tires of guests on your programme like Mark Constantine. Environmental activist!! Apart from possibly being the most pretentious title anyone could award themselves - surely he is nothing more than someone who is obsessed with a single issue. So why does he and his ilk get afforded 'pundit' status. Is he no different than a thousand other people who are single issue obsessive's? Other than of course for the fact that he fits neatly in with BBC left of centre 'PC' agenda. I'm not sure if this makes the Daily Politics producers simply mindless for following the BBC agenda or just lacking in any imagination to book guests that might actually provoke some original thought. Dr Kevin Law, Dundee, UK
I came to UK over 2 and half years ago on a 3 days visit, I was arrested thumbprinted and DNA on my arrival at the Airport Police station under the guise that I have my cousin's Credit Card with me, I have his consent in having his card with me, he was called to confirm my story which he did and the bank was also called, the bank also confirm there was no fraud on the account, but still for no tangible reason and without any explanation at all they took my fingerprint and DNA, as I broke no law I was released immediately but up till now my DNA and fingerprint are still on the Database, whereas I believe this Database is for Criminal. Am I now a Criminal? Is there anything I can do to make the Police remove my name from the Database Hezekiah , Dublin, Ireland
Following the MPs expenses issue, mention is often made of a salary increase for MPs to compensate for any expenses restructuring/restrictions. What is generally overlooked is the fact that any increase in MPs salaries would directly reflect a proportional increase in their, already, 'gold-plated' pensions. If their salaries are increased, then their pensions should be based upon the present MPs salary for a defined period of time, say the whole of the next Parliament. D Watts, Weybridge
In today's show, all 3 guests agreed a hung parliament would be a good thing. When can we expect a show with 3 guests who agree it would be a bad thing - and the reasons why. Marguerite Ashley, London
Anita and Andrew, interesting to listen to the debate today. I was saying late last year that as the financial crisis was so severe, not just for the UK but for the world that Parliament should have been disolved ( if that is the right term) and Party lines removed and the country run by a coalition with Darling, Cable and Osborne putting their heads together and working as a team to solve Britain's financial problems without the contraints of their leaders or Party Politics. Perhaps this would also have made way for other matters to be 'discussed' at PMQ instead of the school yard posturing that normally amuses us. Andrew Hessen
Did Daily Politics mention the latest poll out yesterday by Angus Reid Strategies with the Tories on 39%, Labour on 22% and the LibDems on 21%? That puts the Tories 17% ahead unless I'm very much mistaken. Sunil Prasannan, London, UK
Mark Constantine highlights 'the inability for anyone, anywhere, to listen without an over-reaction'. For example:- As a 10 yr campaigner myself, I find it quite laughable, even on your (more-intelligent) programme, you ignore independant input (from me)as to exactly what caused the economic crash! Our system is over-run with a lack of natural inteligence ...you feed only of one another incesually. Albert Hankins, Launton, Bicester, Oxfordshire
Nick Clegg was reported to say "In the event of a hung parliament he would support the party with the most seats" surely that is NOT democratic - should he not support the party with the most VOTES. By voting for 'the most seats' we could well have, AS NOW, the tail wagging the dog when supporting the party with the most votes we would have a government that represented the majority;I agree that government leaning (not at the exclusion of) towards the majority view is a strange concept for politicians to grasp Alan John Howes, Birchington-on-Sea
Mark Constantine comments on protests. It is so ironic when Mr Blair came to York University the Students were having a protest! He commented on how small it was and that when he was at uni they had protests all the time!Sad he has put the "kibosh" on peoples freedom of speech and protests! I am longing to join the R S P B on the climate change protest but do not want to be spied upon!Plus also i would be adding to my carbon foot print if i came to london or went to Glasgow! What can i do? Hawkswell, York
Dear Daily Politics, I'm sick and tired of the present government not taking the necessary action when dealing with industry and businesses given the current climate and the fact they are dragging their feet with regards to Parliamentary reform and the Tories continual limp wristed (opposition arguments) that do nothing but show an opposite view and not a solution. To that end I feel we need a fresh pair of eyes and feel the solution is as follows: • Have the Liberal Democrats in power with Labour as opposition. • Give both the Scottish and Welsh Parliament a decent voice. • Give the politicians a basic pay grade and have a success based cash incentive system for ministers, back benchers and shadow opposition (i.e. £60,000 + £xx a year). • More Parliamentary reform, we elect the Party and we should make sure the ministers running the country are right for the job. What has happened to British industry? The government has thrown millions at banks and then left the banks to deal or might I say NOT deal with industry. Thousands of jobs have been lost to the government's lack of action which I might add the so called opposition has not tried to help either. I hope you have found my comments of use and look forward to having some of these questions put forward to any of your up coming guests. Dylan Moore, Stockport, UK
Your piece on this is based on one opinion poll giving the Conservatives a 6% lead. Another (later) poll gives them !7%. Both are probably equally wrong. James Matthews, London N2
There was an Angus Reid poll in yesterdays Politicalbetting.com yesterday showing a Tory lead of 17% which flies in the face of the weekend poll. Cliff Holding, Edinburgh
Does Andrew Neil still hold the same veiws about the BBC has he held during his time at a commercial radio station in his earlier years , or has a contract changed his veiws john , Leeds, UK
On my way home last week i was eyeballed by police in Barnet, i was apprehended putting my key in the front door of my flat and accused of burglary. I managed to convince them of my innocence when i jangled my keys in front of their nose. I was asked or my name and address and was given the impression tha i woukd be arrested if i witheld this info. Because i didnt want a swab in my mouth like Saddam Hussein i gave them my name and address. I would like to know where those details have ended up. I was told the it was a government requirement. We are creeping towards a police state. No question. Andy Maidment, Barnet. London
We need to cut the number of MPs. 1 from Scotland 1 From Wales 200 from England 2 from Ireland john garner. Torpoint
The House of Commons would never have been marginalised to its present state if it were not for our ridiculous first past the post voting system. A proper PR system would soon make parliament relevant and lively again. Why does the Daily Politics never discuss this subject seriously and at some length? Is it just Andrew's prejudices? Graham Sowter, Blackburn
This conversation about a hung parliament is nonsense our system cannot produce this I think the chances of this are about 2%, so why this discussion , mind you I suppose you have to fill time .Your report just pampers to frightners. john, Leeds
Why doesn't the Commons introduce electronic voting in the chamber instead of wasting so much time in lobby voting? Please don't say they can't afford it!! Brian Lawrance, Herefordshire
Ofsted? thousands of empolyees? Does anyone know who they are? Sounds as though they need regulating!! Derek Johnston, Aberdeen
PMQs at the end of the day, clashing with children's TV or Neighbours? You having a laugh? Brian Lynch, Bentwood
So at last OFSTED is getting the whipping it deserves ; born out of a belief that teachers need bullying [Chris Woodhead]were many research argues that 50% of OFSTED reports are inaccurate. And OFSTED boss is the wife of £60,0000 Tony McNulty ; who my mate reported to the DWP on the shop a scrounger web site my cup runneth over. johd davies, Warrington
A poll of 2,000 people last weekend and published yesterday showed Cons 39% Lab 22% LibDem 21%. UK Polling report and Political Betting both show it , why don't you ? ken, london
Could you please explain, on air, why when all but one poll shows the Tories with a 13 or 14 point lead you are making so much of one poll that shows them 6 points ahead. Ralph
Iraq inquiry: If a privy councillor has previously sworn to keep a secret, say on the dodgy dossier, will he or she be unable to come to a public conclusion if the Chilcot evidence suggests that the dossier was dodgy. Keith Beckett, Ashton in Makerfield, Wigan, UK
Just as in the Sharon Shoesmith case, when Ofsted said documents didn't exist, and then "found" them, there will be documents that the Iraq inquiry will never see. I also wonder how many witnesseses have been briefed by Brown's henchmen before hand - Chilcot should ask this as the first question for every witness. Anthony Howells
Whilst I can understand the discredited journalist Andrew Gilligan being on your show yesterday, in the interests of objectivity I think you should have commented on his role in the David Kelly Affair and his report on the war which led to him being called in front of the Hutton Inquiry and hid consequent dismissal from the BBC. He clearly has an agenda against Tony Blair and or Alaistair Campbell and is hoping Chilcott nails Blair and or Campbell William Nicol, Largs, Scotland
Until someone completely independant is put in charge of the MPs' expenses inquiry no-one will believe what MPs come up with. They will not pass judgement on other MP. Take Jacqui Smith for instance no-one on Question Time would criticise her. She said a committee of MPs had said that she need not repay any of the £116,000 she has falsely claimed, this committee was Labour Party dominated, no surprise there then. Ray Mallon should be put in charge with members of the armed forces helping him. Ernest Pateman, Shaw,Oldham,Lancs
Yesterdays professors on Climate Change. It might be true that nature effects what is happening to the climate, so in that case we Humans will be effecting nature, because we are altering Nature, cutting down tropical rain forests, polluting the atmosphere with all our cars, building on good agricultural land that was absorbing co2! We are making things worse for Nature to cope with! As for Governments trying to save the world! they have been the cause of the demise! Act on CO2 campaign "cut back on using our cars by 5 miles" it is because of the government allowing out of town development that everyone has to use their cars more! Where is the common sense? Hawkswell, York
Dear Andrew & Anita, In the event of a hung Parliament, would it not be a good idea to request Daily Politics viewers to start listing which MPs they'd like to see hung? On a less serious note, a hung Parliament would certainly be of a benefit to the nation if it delivers a kick in the pants to the Party system (and by default to those within the system) if voters switch their allegiance to independent candidates. As virtually all parties have proven themselves incapable of honest government, any protest vote to any political party is worthless. The only true protest in the next General Election must be to local truly independent candidates. PS - Congratulations on such a splendid debate yesterday over global warming. Informative, yet concise and understandable. If only politicians could measure argument as well. Too much to ask? Albert Roy, Bow, E3
I was deeply disturbed by aspects of two items on Monday's show. On climate change, two issues were conflated. One was the suggestion that one team of scientists were fudging the data. This was done mostly by innuendo. Worse, it was discussed as if it undermined the main message about climate change. The maverick scientist ought to have been asked two obvious and important questions. Why are the great majority of climate scientists worldwide so convinced and so passionate? And, since you accept that CO2 is increasing and that it acts to trap heat, why do you think that this is not significant? The other issue is on the preparation for war in Iraq. Anita, I understand that you feel strongly about this, but you need to understand the difference between military planning and political intent. You kept referring to the preparation as if it were intent. This is a failure of logic and, I'm afraid to say, of impartiality. Forces are often mobilised and then not used. Sometimes subsequent events show that the appearance of intent was a sham. Roger Brewis, Forest of Dean, UK
What a laugh we are told that some MPS era going to be referred by the police to the CPS, they are going to do nothing, no one is going to be prosecuted and I believe that is why Gordon Brown tells them to comply with the inquiry, he has already looked into it and the damage it would cause his Government Ted Prieto
Hi Anita, I am really looking forward to you item on hung parliaments. What I would like to know is why in the last 30 years there has only been one election that changed the the party in power? Since the Reform act of 1832 the pendulum as swung one way then another but during the last 30 years it seems to be swinging more slowly. Perhaps it is down to global warming! Kind Regards, David Rowe from the small town of Wem in Shropshire
Excellent interview (seen on the internet) with Professors Singer and Watson. It's about time the Global Warming advocates were confronted with probing questions. -- and everyone remained civil and didn't all talk at once! Roger Helvey, Philomath, Oregon, USA
It always fills me with good cheer to see Anita smiling and laughing but just lately she seems a bit "down in the dumps" and I am missing her infectuous laughter. Hope all is well. Alfred Penderel Bright, Harrogate, North Yorkshire
I have to agree with Ken Clark a hung parliament would be a terrible outcome following the election. This would only be made worse by the hideous prospect of another majority Labour Government. The idea that the very people respoNsible for creating the highest structural(and I STRESS STRUCTURAL) deficit ever should be entrusted with our economic stewardship any longer is hideous. The Conservatives need to seek and win a mandate for massive public service reform. They are the only party who have any prospect of delivering this much in the same way as Margaret Thatcher administered the essential medicine post 1979. Winston, Wolverhampton
At last the BBC is allowing the beginnings of questioning of man made 'global warming'. Thank you 'Daily Politics'. We need really rigorous interviewing to get the truth about the data and who is really behind the propoganda. I have been an environmentalist since before such people were heard of, but the unquestioned and unchallenged views are now given far too much credence without proven scientific evidence. Keep up the good work and let's have much much more openness and honesty. Ann Knight, Kettering, Northamptonshire, England
MONDAY NOVEMBER 23
can any of your journalists and researchers recall a single major public inquiry ever that has had no counsel to the inquiry? I make the proposition that untested evidence is worthless and that evidence can only be tested by skilled cross-examination. in the premises, absent counsel to the inquiry the whole thing must amount to a whitewash. It is not only outrageous, but highly suspicious that no counsel and it must be a top QC has been appointed it is simply ridiculous to expect some old civil servant with no forensic skills whatsoever to forensically test evidence Absent such testing the country will cry foul and so should Parliament the whole thing looks like a fix to save Blair's skin- but, granted, that shows bias on my part Forget how it looks, it's blindingly obvious that the inquiry will be a farce without competent senior counsel acting for it and with a duty to it and the truth the whole country want s to see Blair brought under the guns of a highly skilled cross-examiner and the rest of the crew too the BBC must not let this go unchallenged and unexamined or it would be failing in its public duty Peter Codner, Devizes, Wiltshire
Congratulations, on confronting the real issue head-on 'is AGW real?' Amazingly, yours is the first examination on the television for a very long time and the first not to lead us immediately and inexorably to the conclusion that AGW is fact. Andrew has started to ask exactly the right questions. Obviously the hockey stick is suspect, if not quite yet discredited. Undoubtedly, the 'consensus' is not as solid as we had been led to believe. What is crucial is the last 10 years. The scientists cannot fit the current data into their computer models. Either the models are wrong or incomplete. More worrying, they apparently ignore some possible factors- the sun's activity- but concentrate almost exclusively on CO2. Case not proven. So why are we being rushed to a deal with speed that would embarrass the most aggressive replacement window salesman, in Copenhagen. A deal that not only costs us millions but establishes the EU as a revenue raiser. As usual, just follow the money ali stewart, Notts
Gordon Brown threw another few million into the pot for the Iraq enquiry which he only started just to get the press off his back for two days. Do you remember when? I don't see any sign of the enquiry that the public really want: 1 How did the economy collapse? 2. Why did 800 years of democracy end this year? Vernon Moat, Exeter, Devon
Congratulations to AN for first balanced report by BBC on climate. Fred Singer is the guru of reality in climate science and policy. Govt support for carbon control is a scam and cripplingly costly Dr Alister McFarquhar, Cambridge UK
I watched todays Andrew Neil on the Daily Politics show. I was puzzled by his mentioning (in a debate between Prof Watson and Prof Singer) something regarding a hacker accessing some computer at East Anglia University. He did not explain it very much As i have not seen any mention of this in any BBC news item perhaps you could enlighten me. By the way it was nice to hear two sides of the Climate Change debate for the first time. Well done the BBC. patrick healy, scotland
I would like to second that suggestion to get Christopher Booker on the show. After all the propaganda and wasted money on the subject of man-made global warming it would help to let off some steam! Steve, London
You know I nearly fell of my chair when I heard a real debate on the science of climate change. It is about time. 2 weeks before Copenhagen and this is the FIRST discussion between scientists I have ever seen on the BBC. Great work. Keep it up. We need more discussion. Dominic , France
Thanks for pointing out that we are buying our own Gilts with Quantative Easing or printing bank notes! Not many people know that, and when I point it out they can't believe it - but then I am 78 years old and only retired from City banking recruitment in 2001! Sheila Jones
Professors on climate change debate
Your discussion on climate change today and the comments posted on your website highlight the need for us all to become better informed about this issue. It is vital that we can make decisions based on scientific fact as much as possible however imperfect the science is. What is depressing and worrying is the tendency of people to jump to conclusions based on their political view point or world outlook and to make the facts fit around this. People on sides of the debate may at times be guilty of this. It is important to know the vested interests and background of the slick, clever 'scientists' on programmes such as yours. I was rather interested to read about Professor Singer's. It is possible although highly unlikely when looking at the evidence that climate change is natural and we don't need to change our lifestyles at all. All I would say to people who believe this however is 'Are you sure?'. Please take the time to check out all the evidence you can get your hands on and make your mind up based on as much information as possible not on the word of someone like Singer. It may be that the green movement is right (however nice it would be if they were not), that human made climate change is happening and we need to do something about it before it is too late we cannot just dimiss this. However corny it is to say it we do owe this much to our children, let alone our grandchildren. Hannah Griffin, Sherston, Wiltshire, UK.
Dear BBC, The recent flooding in Cumbria has been very severe and I am wondering whether anyone has considered how this flood-prone area will affect the siting of two or three proposed new nuclear power stations near the existing Sellafield plant in Cumbria? P Cooper, Surrey
I saw the last few minutes of the climate change debate. Congratulations! Andrew asked all the right questions and showed a good grasp of the issues. The alarmists must not be allowed to claim that warming is not natural variablity but cooling is. More debate is needed urgently. Contrast this excellent probing journalism with Roger Harrabin's notes on the BBC science page. Instead of mentioning the controversial science issues behind the CRU files he takes the opportunity to tell the public that confidence in AGW is now at 99%. He should be sacked. Peter Sinclair, Amersham, Buckinghamshire
Climate change, co2 etc. How do you explain the retreat of glaciers well before the 19th Century? The Franz joseph glacier & Fox Glacier in South Island started to retreat from 1750 with a major retreat starting back in 1935! Peter Hodge, Burton on Trent
Thank you so much for adopting a neutral stance in the climate change debate and for allowing Prof .Singer to put his views across. So many presenters simply jump on the politically correct bandwagon and denounce other attitudes as heresy. If you repeat something often enough people will adopt it as the truth. Personally I have not been convinced of any link between human activity and the supposed impending catastrophy, or that anything mankind can do would avert it. If true surely a reduction in world population would resolve things, but this of course is a taboo subject. I believe that a halt to deforestation might assist air quality and that it makes sense to develop renewable technology to make provision for the eventual exhaustion of fossil fuels. Meanwhile governments continue to listen only to the scientists who help them improve their income stream from green taxes. Peter Brown, Canterbury, England.
Congratulations on allowing us to hear both sides of this argument. How about getting Christopher Booker of the Sunday Telegraph in to discuss the political and financial aspects. Robert, Bristol
The Daily Politics, and especially Andrew Neil in conducting today's programme, should be congratulated on the Climate Change debate between Fred Singer and Bob Watson. This is just the approach that should be taken in giving licht und luft to issues. More of this, please, on the Daily Politics and elsewhere on BBC, especially with the coming General Election. Perhaps the only missing item is to have an "independent" (a philosopher?) comment on the panellists' views to help us viewers. Andrew Neil does this, but it it quite a lot to do whilst also asking the questions, especially on technical matters outwith his own expertise. Robert Kibblewhite, Witney, Oxfordshire
Thanks for taking notice of the facts on climate and carbon dioxide. To catch up please read about the conference on 28th. October held at Imperial College by Weather Action. Conference Chairman and President of the Royal College of Science Association. John Sanderson, London
I really must complain about the bias that Andrew Neil showed in conducting the "climate change debate" on today's programme. The pro-global warming academic was allowed to propound his theory extensively and wordily at will, whereas the sceptic professor was cut very short by Mr Neil interrupting. It is clear that this is because the very reasonable sceptic questions being posed were uncomfortable and challenging to the socialist chairman. We have come to expect this sort of behaviour by the socialist establishment-supporting BBC, but even so, it cannot go unremarked, or uncomplained about. The BBC's bias towards these unsubstantiated and contestable global warming theories must be challenged and exposed as often as possible. Jeffrey, Reading, England
Hi, when you are looking for fillers to put round the main items (MP's expenses) have you noticed that DEFRA now has more inspectors and staff than there are farmers. Actually with set aside I am thinking of buying piece of land where I am not going to grow anything and instead claim the set aside allowance. It must be more profitable than producing monthly magazines. Bruce D Skivington, Publishing Director, LRE Media Ltd
I'm normally a big fan of the Daily Politics, but was not impressed by your Climate Change debate on Monday 23rd. By having one professor for and one against the concept of man made climate change, you made it appear as if scientists are equally split on the idea. But in fact 99% agree that humans are causing global warming and that we need to do something about it. With only a coule of weeks til Copenhagen, why weaken the public's will to combate climate change?! Dan, Bristol
Re climate change. If the rise in global temperatures in the last 100 years is due to mans activity how do the climate scientists account for the rise in temperature that Mars has undergone in the same period. Stuart B, Hull
Simple physics says lots of things. More complicated physics begs to differ. James Hodson
About the current discussion on air: Why do the media persist in presenting climate change views as if there's a 50-50 balanced discussion among scientists between those who agree that humans are the cause of current climate changes and those who do not. Around 98% of scientists agree with the overwhelming evidence that human activity has caused our current predicament. Please stop presenting it as if it's all still up for debate because it's misleading and damaging! Sarah , Cambridge
Do you remember 10 years ago Blair was preaching to us about the dangers of the millinnium bug where we were going to see global meltdown . He said scientists said computers would go haywire , planes fall out of the air and missiles would self launch. O well we are still here . So much for scientists. john grayer
Shouldn't there be an inquiry into why so many MPs allowed themselves to be influenced by a few warmongers and simply vote with the government, regardless of their own conscience, and as in this case, of how much injury and death would result from their actions? Brian, Newcastle Upon Tyne
PARTICULARLY excellent today - guests as well - lovely to hear someone actually speak with more than the usual candor, on the causes of Iraq war... You are BOTH IN GREAT FORM !! With affectionate regards Michelle
good for Fred, speaking up against the Climate Change Taliban! Everyone knows it is a natural occuring process, and the government is using it to tax us to hilt in the name of climate change! patrick, northampton
Please examine the greatest, and perhaps the most famous evidence... the hockey stick richard spring, london
Man made global warming is a hoax and the recently published hacked documents from the University of East Anglia show this clearly. This is being reported by the Guardian, Wall Street Journal, Washington Post etc. Henry , Oldham
Michael Howard and his conservatives can hardly claim that they pulled out all the stops before Blair made mugs of them over invading Iraq with Shock and Awe! They only needed to join in the calls for real evidence before they supported this disaster! Paul Kenyon, Chorley, Lancs
I hope the debate on man made global warming is not loaded towards to 'we are all doomed and it's all our fault' line that the BBC usually takes. I have yet to see any solid evidence to prove man made global warming. Everything that has been put out has either been manipulated or made to sound horrific. With the leaking of e-mails from the hadley centre alot of what has gone on is coming out, at last. I still wait for the bit of proof that man is causing catastrophic global warming! Dave Lisle, Forres, Scotland
Hold on a minute, Michael Howard supported the war for regime change, irrespective of false dossiers or WMD's. He openly said so before the 2005 election. He supported the war fpr Bush not Blair so why pretend otherwise? Mark H, Wembley, London, England
Global Warming. Why don't the government print all the so called facts relating to Global Warming, as its seems to be another way of taxing people, as Global Warming has occurred at least 5 times in the past to our knowledge, what has happened to the tax from air flights, where has it gone too, and what have they done with it with regards to so called Global warming. John, Bakewell
I believe the FSA has to approve change to customers circumstances before banks are allowed to enforce them. Whoever believes the banks will change without strict measures is dreaming, any bank that says it will relocate should go. Do we want another disaster similar to this one? We need to retool the economy for new industry, there isn't a better time than now. Another Penhale ranting! Kind regards Tim Penhale
Labour and business - the truth. I am an entrepreneur who has just started a new business with global potential. I sent a letter to Peter Mandelson by special delivery so he definitely received it but neither he nor his staff even bothered to reply. Labour sees business solely as a source of tax and has no idea about helping business grow or survive. Best wishes Nigel Coole, Southampton
Re Andrew Dismore: last time I looked at a map Hendon was firmly in London and I don't think it's moved since. Charlie Stevens, Bournemouth
Andrew and Anita, Can you please ask todays Conservative guest(if you have one) if he/she agrees with David Cameron's comments on the Andrew Marr show on sunday on a European referendum. When asked about whether he might hold an "IN or OUT referendum on the EU", should he be elected as PM, he replied along the lines of.... "I don't think leaving the EU would be good for Britain, so we won't have a referendum on membership of the EU" He seems to now have the exact same position on referendums as Gordon Brown - IF WE DON'T THINK WE'RE GOING TO LIKE THE RESULT OF A REFERENDUM, WE WON'T CALL ONE!!!! My vote is heading in UKIPs direction.... Matthew Brown, Tunbridge Wells, Kent
Andrew and Anita How independent will the Chilcot Inquiry be with such staffing secondments from several departments that will be under examination? What departmental staff positions did these officials hold between 2002-2003 I wonder. Do they themselves have any skeletons to hide? Dr David Lowry, Stoneleigh, Surrey
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I'm glad to see you've got climate change as a topic for today's programme: not before time... Now I hope this is not going to be a re-run of the consensus arguments at the sort of level Newsnight-of-the-last-few-years, "ethical-man" claptrap etc, has managed. If you need moral courage just dig out that "Wagon Wheel" Report from the BBC Trust: all sides in the debate need to be given a chance to be heard. You may even find that there are (beyond the UN's crafted consensus world) many people on ostensibly differing sides who would agree on at least a number of points. Where they disagree is where more debate is required. Raise it up a notch: Weather: - sure, extreme weather events like the ones we've witnessed in Cumbria ought to be of major concern and are of course related to changes in climate at some level; - but temperature projections based on generally rising CO2 amount to no predictive capability at all; - the Met Office did forecast the problems several days ahead, which did help planning; - Piers Corbyn's predictions had (through solar analysis) majored in on the 17-19 November (+/- 1 day) as being of extreme significance for the UK, months ago, although as far as I know did not pin-point Cumbria itself. ****He's predicting another major event for the end of December.**** His techniques are clearly grounded in something that delivers predictively over a significant period, to within a particular degree of accuracy. Andrew Robinson (edited for length)
At last you have got someone on the programme to put the alternative to all the cardigans who realised that the earth is actually cooling down when they were pushing global warming they conveniently changed it to climate change. So much for their scientific knowledge. . Ernest Pateman, Shaw, Oldham, Lancs
So now it appears that Blair was in the process of joining in the attack on Iraq at the same time he was telling Parliament that there was no intention of attacking Iraq, little wonder that he did a runner before the true facts came out, well Mr Blair you can run but you cannot hide Chris fagan, blackburn
I think it well publicised that the earth has, over milleniere had many, many climate changes and is still operating. One of the main factures in our present problems is the felling and cutting up of the earths lungs (Trees). Is global warming happening.....................probably Can we do anything about it......................No Apart from adapting to the change. Derek, Monmouth , South Wales
Just some more thoughts on the "global warming" scam, and his fathers book "appeal to Reason" is also worth a review and maybe an invite to the former chancellor, as he has studied the issue in more detail than Mr H. Benn!! Neil P Wren
I, like you, I am sure, are thoroughly fed up with the Expenses Scandal. However, the continual revelations regarding members of the Committee governing MP's conduct makes one think that the Conways, McNulty, and all the rest have been allowed to trouser my taxes because members of the committee are not as honorable as they should be. It also helps to make tax payers think that you are all 'at it' and cover one another's backs. It is just not good enough, you must be seen to sort out those MP's who have been allowed to avoid repaying large sums of ill gotten gains by the decisions of their fellow MP's. Where is the criminal action against the fraudsters and crooks in your midst! Mike Edwards, Haslemere, Surrey
It would a public service if Andrew keeps up the line of questioning he recently embarked upon when interviewing Hillary Benn on Climate change issues. Contrary to received wisdom the science of climate change is not clear and there are many alternate views. The worry is that this government in particular in it's quest for higher and higher taxes will use the green tax arguements to garner more of the individual's hard earned.We need a proper two sided debate on this issue not nonsenical self importance of 50 days to save the world.The person who said that is not fit to lead!! Winston, wolverhampton
Toady you ask the question about global warming...our fault or not. We extract billions of gallons of oil fomr the ground and fill it with mud and water (not an unlimited substance) We remove from the earth billions of tons of materials and redistribute it or turn it into harmful gases. We divert major rivers (Russia/USA/China) that have not only change the balance of the globe we spin around on but has to change to the whole eco-structure around it. I suggest law of cause and effect..as Queen sang.. If God looks down what does he think about what we've done to the world he has created!! John Moffat, Bursledon, Hampshire
Recently we have had reports of child abuse and neglect, while today the British Heart Foundation tell us that most parents don't even know the true inadequate extent of their kids excercise. Clearly some dewy-eyed couples are unprepared for the very difficult task of bringing up children, so I suggest a Parenthood Licence (similar to a Driving Licence) together with compulsory courses and exams on the theoretical and practical aspects involved. Those without a license would be banned from starting kids on life's tough highway. Malcolm Everett, Saltdean, Brighton
WEEKEND NOVEMBER 21-22
Don't you think that it might be a good idea to let your viewers make up their own minds about the political issues that you claim to be elucidating? I, for one, am tired of your presenters' glib sarcasm and know-it-all attitude to virtually every single issue. Moreover, most of the know-all journalists that pour forth on your show have never received anyone's vote. Do you really think that you're helping the democratic process? Sheila Oakley, London
the latest floods - how about mentioning what we could all do to help - reduce our carbon emissions that are leading to the excess rain - how about a different tip each day eg insulation ( roof, windows ), energy consumption reduction ( overfilling kettle, switching things off when out of the room etc ), no to bonfires, patio heaters, bbqs etc S.D.Little, BSc ARCS
Dear Question, should the homeless be given empty houses, i would say, if they went into rehab first, the goverment needs to learn so many people how to live, have you ever seen some of the houses that get trashed by so many of these people, alcohol and drugs, so they certainly wont take care of a house, as you would think some kids already home less, having to live with such familys, think the council and any land lords would tell you that... mary, Leigh
There is a flashmob protest this week outside the offices of Trafigura in order to get the ban on the media lifted regarding the toxic waste scandal Reggie, London
FRIDAY NOVEMBER 20
May I suggest that today's introduction to the EU president piece by Anita Anand was a touch biased - while we accept that neither van Rompuy nor Ashton have been elected to their posts, the level of sarcasm (in particular the ironic reference to the Health Authority - Ashton was also leader of the House of Lords and EU Trade Commissioner), was a little unbecoming of a BBC production and unreflective of your usual standards. Yours faithfully, Daniel, UK
As the government put the tax on alcohol up to offset the VAT cut. Why won't they be reducing it again on Jan 1st. This is just an extra tax that stuggling pubs can't afford to pay. julianm mclauchlan, bristol
I don't care who is "Top of the Political Pops". Why do you stop interesting discussions because "We have to go over to Giles"? Lynda Sinclair, London UK
Maybe your presenters could concentrate on what a disaster this LABOUR government has been for the last 10 YEARS instead of trying to trash conservative MPs who have NOT been in power, and have not been able to influence Gorden Brown, even his own MPs are unable to do that. Thankyou. Marian marian mccann
I suspect that the vast majority of people don't necessarily want more female/Asian/black, whatever, MPs. What we need are intelligent, honest, honourable members, preferably not career politicians (that's what the senior civil service is for) but people with 'real-life' career experiences and knowledge. Peter Palmer, Heckington, East Midlands
I think your guest Ms Thornbery, who spoke so eloquently on wednesday, just proved that M.P.'s still have not got the plot! She does not understand that offsetting a computer as a necessary business expense is NOT the same as claiming for chiuld care. The children are her idea and not essential to her 'job' as an M.P. S. Lawrence
Please, unless you want us to get all hot and bothered about "super-states", it is the President (i.e presiding officer) of the EU Council of Ministers. MSPs elect a presiding officer for the Scottish Parliament, so why shouldn't the Council of Ministers elect their Presiding Officer? David
Andrew Pierce is sneering at lack of democracy in the EU. But seems to forget that the UK current government was elected by 21 per cent of all eligible voters- certainly smaller proportion than Saddam could have expected in Iraq in a free election. How do we stop the US invading? Brian Wright, Stratford-upon-Avon
What a biased team discussing women. A Labour MP and mumsnet representative referring to "Gordon Brown" "Nick Clegg" and "CAMERON". David Holliss DAILY POLITICS REPLIES: As Anita said at the start of the interview, the Conservatives were offered a place in the debate but were unable to put anyone forward.
The leaders of Europe have shown once again that they will always put self interest first. They did not want Blair for president,because he would make them look like second rate donkeys. As he did to the Tory party and their leaders,whilst prime minister. The Tories have shown once again that they will always put petty party politics above the good of the country. Edward Reynolds, Alicante spain
Hello Anita and Andrew, I saw the pic of our glorious New EU President Mr Van Rumpuy. Well his name for starters reminds me of Rumpole of the Bailey.Should we be calling him Rumple Of the Brussels. Also Mr Van Rumpuy looks so much like Mr Burns in the Simpsons.Will he be saying "excellent" alot? Regards Andrew from Tooting
Your headline with reference to 'bad hair' and 'bad suits' politicians was in bad taste. The politician featured was the late Ian Gow who was blown up by the IRA in 1990. Your producers need to research their material more carefully. Paul Davis, London
"Bell and Mitchell clash on expenses" Watched the video that appears under this headline. Still waiting to see the video where there was a "clash"? Did you post the one on the website by accident? Or do you just think people are stupid enough to swallow this tripe about a "clash"? Alex Brodie, London, UK
Now we have a President of the EU Council and a real foriegn type secretary. Will the EU and the UK start to act as a single entity? After all we are several hundred million strong, bigger in population that the US. Will we now really face up to reality and act as a grown up political and economic grouping? And will the Tories at last stop carping? (No pun intended!) They want to be a big fish in a small pond, were the real situation is we are a middle sized fish in a big pond. Alex Kenny
Dear Andrew,Anita,Jo: On BBC's 5 live this am Neil Kinnock finally showed his true undemocratic colours and said that the new EU president and the baroness (still can't recall her name !)did not need to be elected as it would have been 'too difficult and cuased chaos' would your guests today(particularly Mr Hattersley) reject democracy as easily as Mr Kinnock ? best wishes and many thanks for your programme Nick nick blanch, stroud, glos
Thank goodness Tony Blair was not selected for this post. I'd sooner have Mickey Mouse than him !!. Perhaps that is who we have now !. Stuart Leather.
yesterdays daily mail showed oil tankers controlled by bankers anchored in the channel for months to force up price of oil. this is similar to the somali pirates holding an oil tanker to ransom. so now we have pirate bankers as well as casino bankers. peter peter conway, sutton coldfield england
We should welcome the fact that the content of the Lisbon Treaty has become part of EU law. Europe will now be tougher and more cohesive in negotiations others, better able to speak for our interests with one voice. Cumbersome decision-making processes streamlined with a permanent President in Belgium's Herman Van Rompuy and the UK's Baroness Catherine Ashton as a powerful foreign policy chief providing influence in world affairs. Another plus is the fact that it will now be difficult for countries in the rest of the world to by-pass Brussels and try to curry favour with individual member states. A huge positive for the EU when developing economic ties, building consensus and brokering deals. Collis Gretton, Nottingham
It is clear that the EU is now way beyond parody. Whilst I believe that its importance is preposterously overstated in press and media, you couldn't DARE make up what has transpired as a fictional plot. And televised House of Commons proceedings merely show us how pitiably small attendances are and the utterly wretched level of debate. The "moat man"'s father once said that we have an elective dictatorship. Any rational analysis of voting (Labour with an immense majority from 36% of the votes cast or 21% of the electorate) shows that any direct cause-effect between voting and result is long gone. Everyone has a vote so no one has a say. george McIlwaine
When the topic of van Rumpuy/Ashton is discussed, could someone please let me know the length of tenure of these posts, will their successors be chosen by the same stitch-up, and who can remove them from their posts should they prove incompetent or corrupt (just like real, albeit elected, politicians). John Mellin, Salterforth
Here is an intriguing prospect. With Trade Commissioner (Baroness) Cathy Ashton appointed EU High representative for Foreign Affairs, it will send an interesting new signal to the US and Russia about the role the EU plans to play in the nuclear non proliferation and disarmament negotiations in Washington DC in March and New York in May next year. Why so? She probably becomes the first former staff member of CND - she was an administrator at CND in the late 1970s, and rose to become an elected vice -President there - to hold such a high diplomatic position. I regard this as a very positive development. Now wouldn't that help put some flesh on the aspiration in the Queen's speech on Wednesday to take steps towards nuclear disarmament? Ask your guests about this aspect of Baroness Ashton's past. Dr David Lowry
Re: The Labour Party's policy on All Womens Shortlists and the forced imposition of them on seats like Makerfield and Wigan, the people both women and men are going beserk and it could cost Labour some safe seats in the general election. You might be able to force policies but you cant force people to vote your way Paul Worthington, Makerfield UK
Morning All, so let me see if I've got this right. Gordon Brown, never elected P.M. by the British people, elects a Franco-German puppet to a position the Brirtish People were denied a referendum about. He then elects a complete non-entity to EU Foreign Minister and, yes you guessed it, no-one has ever elected her to anything anywhere at any time. If Brown knew what shame was he would hang his head in it. Please don't hold your breath waiting. Keith, Fetcham, Surrey
I BET MANDY IS KICKING HIMSELF NOW,IF ONLY HE`D HAVE STAYED IN EUROPE....WHAT A JOB HE WOULD HAVE ENDED UP WITH.......GREAT I BET HE`S SOOOOO GREEN WITH ENVY HE`S GLOWING LIKE THE HULK!. don moakes, mansfield nottingham
THURSDAY NOVEMBER 19
SO good to have you back. TONY BLAIR FOR PRESIDENT OF EUROPE. Why does nobody bring up his dreadful record of not even being here during the British European Presidency? He was mainly in America. It was such disrespectful behaviour from a Prime Minister. I am sure the Europeans remember! He did not get the name Bliar for nothing -He lied about the WMD's, gave Bush legitimacy pretending false;falsely that the war would be legitimate and declared war on Iraq against the wishes of millions here and even more worldwide. He was living a lie when he did nor declare being Catholic, only coming out of the closet once he had stepped down. Do people have such short memories. When I see the oh so young men dying for no reason, I shall hate him forever with his false, irritating smirk. Britain was just in a ten year hiatus of no terrorism in 30 years. Marina Grut (Mrs.)
Sadly more troops are being sent to die in Afghanistan and again the question of a lack of equipment is being raised. What is not making the headlines is the huge number of casualties, for each fatality you can multiply that number by up to 10 wounded. The helicopters being sent by the MOD turn out to be refurbished Lynx and Merlins lacking proper armour and equipment and once again not up to the job expected of them, unlike their pilots and crew. Stand by for more deaths, more casualties and more denials that equipment is to blame. Nigel C. Powis, Thorpe - le - Soken, Essex, Great Britain
I am 83 years and receive Attendance Allowance of £40 a week which enables me to stay at home which I feel is the cheapest way to help me. I have macular disease and chronic arthritis coupled with a heart valve problem but feel at the moment I can cope with the allowance. I hope I will not lose this allowance in thee future. Dorothy Mitchelmore, Plymouth Devon
It seems like Labour are just continuing their policy of holding it all over till after the election... When of course none of us will have any way to contest their agenda (like the economy) Rob Burnham, Greenleys, Milton Keynes
Is there any possibility of Andrew Neil allowing the guests to answer the questions put to them. It is so frustrating!!! Brian Murphy, Lubersac, France
In Belgium we always thought that BBC was an example of objectivity for what news was concerned. We are astonished the way our prime minister is treated in the British press. We usually expected that from tabloids such as the sun and so on ,but not from quality press such as the Times and even the BBC. Perhaps Herman Van Rompuy is not known very well in the UK ,but I can assure you if you can cope with the institutional problems we know in our country the way he does ,you are certainly ready for bigger challenges. I can say aswell that in Belgian press Tony Blair isn't treated the same way . Perhaps we should be a little bit more chauvenistic and less objective as you do. Lode De Weerdt , Belgium
Dear team of Daily Politics, It was a Belgian politician who called Jan-Peter Balkenende 'Harry Potter'. And right he as. In my worst dreams I wish J-P to go to Belgium. He caused enough harm here in Holland. But that is not really a European thought. He would turn Europe into a disaster. We keep him here and find a nice job for him. Thank you for your great program every day. I enjoy it. Best wishes, Ria Meijvogel, Meeden, Netherlands
Well a programme dominated by old men who are a few years from old age talking about us as if we were a different breed! Disgusting. Elderly are you and me a few years on who are worn out from wars and work with a few precious years left. BBC is so ageist VALERIE SWEET
Isn't the problem that because Labour deliberatley and secretly opened the immigration floodgates and allowed in many undesirables in, who are now home grown terrorist. This forces us to fight a war and pour billions of pounds into Afghanistan due to Labour ideology. Paul Steiger
If there are all these efficiency savings to be made why haven't they been made before? Has the Government been wasting our money? Robert Kibblewhite, Witney, Oxfordshire
When will we know the result of the deliberations on EU president? Will a white plume of smoke appear over the skies of Brussels?? John Donaghy, Portrush N Ireland
Interesting and typical of the Gov't to seek to legislate about city bonuses but not about MPs' bonuses, sorry, expenses Cameron Crombie
I am sick of being told that we live in a democracy, how can this lie keep on being repeated when we do NOT have a democracy!! We have a monarch who says repeatedly that "HER GOVERNMENT" has said this or that, the government is NOT her Government any more than it is my government, she does not even vote. Whenever there is a vote on any proposal in parliament, instead of a secret ballot, MPs have to pass through doors marked yes or no, in full view of any and all as to how they have voted, this after being bullied and cajoled by "whips", this obviously is exceedingly democratic, I don't think. We have newspapers owned by foreigners, circumventing any semblance of democracy by pushing their right wing views and politicians so frightened they fear to upset the owner and shy away from causing offence to that owner, the remedy is simple take the media from them and send them back to whence they came, MURDOCH has even decried his own birth nation to bolster his greed. B. Threlfall.
Why doesn't Gordon Brown stand for EU President? Labour under David Milliband might win the next election. Brown would get one over on Tony Blair. And Europe would have a world-class advocate. Oops, two out of three ain't bad. David Morgans, Staffordshire
America enters Afghanistan going after Al-Qaeda and end up fighting the Taliban! We as ever follow misguided American foreign policy. Britain needs to stand on it's own two feet and stand up to America. This idea of a 'special relationship' is rhubarb, the ONLY country America has a special relationship with is Israel. I'm tired of seeing British political leaders damaging this country by following the Americans like little puppy dogs....! David Taylor, Swindon
I wish Mr.Neil would stop even mentioning Blair as a serious contender to be president of Europe. He is a war criminal - how on earth could he be considered for anything - other than putting him behind bars and throwing away the key? Brian, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A lot has been said over the last few weeks about how lacking in credibility Karzai is because of the electoral fraud in Afghanistan. How can any President of the EC (or its Foreign Minister for that matter) have any credibility if they don,t even face an electoral process of any sort? Tom Mitchell
I fail to see how Blair could be considered as the European Council president as he was Prime Minister of a country which has not embraced the euro. Paul Logan, Christchurch, Dorset, UK
Gordon Brown is a Scot unelected in England making decisions only affecting England. We want an English Parliament now. Stephen Gash Carlisle
It really concerns me that Labour keeping promoting Tony Blair for President of the EU claiming it will be the best for Britain. Surely this role should be in the interest of the of all the nations of the EU. If we do get a Belgian president does that means all Britons should be suspicious of his motives and favouritism to his own country. This is a really useless position and something that the British never consented to. Ed Welsh, Manchester
What colour will the smoke be when the president of the EU is elected? Kim from South Wales
Tony Blair as EU President ?, I dont think so. Mr Blair left office after continuing Thatcher's policies since 1997, which Gordon Brown has continued. New Labour, old Tory, Mr Blair has a very big head, we dont want it any bigger. Michael Thompson, Brixham, Devon
Why should anyone be surprised that the "Great Architect' of the biggest waste of taxpayers money in our history should not be unduly worried about the waste of our taxpayers money in Afghan. David Haworth, Blackburn
It would be just typical of the corrupt and anti democratic EU to chose a corrupt and anti democratic leader. But then again since when has the EU ever been about the views of the voter, to the EU the voter is merely a cash cow to milked for the benefit of its MEPs and other parasites. Gary Appletree
The EU attempt at Democracy is going in exactly the same direction has the well intentioned but utterly futile attempt in the Austro Hungarian Empire of the late 19th and early 20th Century. A wonderful description of its Parliament in action is given by Mark Twain. The same comical effect is now taking place over a EU President. This time it is not at all funny because The UK has become entangled in very petty European politics. Serves us right. Peter Bolt, Redditch, Worcs
Come BBC, tell the people the truth about the newly installed office of President of the Council. This bogus election, completely ignoring the people of Europe is for one end...a supra-authority which will regionalise each member. Next will come the imposition of the EU flag and anthem and the euro as the EU currency for all members, including Britain. What disgusts me about the BBC is its sense of normality about the EU changes, while the people of Britain are white hot with rage about the EU, with many demanding Britain's withdrawal. Bernard Clark, Poole, Dorset.
Has Andrew considered putting himself forward for the EU Presidency? I think maybe we should start a campaign to get him the job! Gavin, Derbs
The election is only "undemocratic" if it is for a President of Europe. If however it is for a President of the Council of Ministers, the Council of Ministers can surely democratically elect him (of her). David Faulder
If Tony Blair IS elected as President of Europe will Empress Cherie be more powerful than Angela Merkel? William Le Lievre, London, England.
Anticipating a discussion today on the cost of drugs I would like to make this observeation. Supposing a drug cost £1 and taken once would guarantee good health. It would cost about £60 million very cost effective. But supposinge it had to be taken once per day the cost would be about £22 billion and if twice per day about £44 billion. You will see my drift, somewhere along the line a decision would have to be made to limit expenditure. R M Young, Peterlee England
The Queen's Speech, or to give it its true title to date, the Gordon Brown speech, has become a perverted instrument of the democratic process. The Queen lays out her Government's policy but over the years, and none so better illustrated than yesterday's performance, the Speech has been hijacked by Prime Ministers for their own personal gain. Perhaps it is time to relinquish democracy and return to the Queen some power by which she might veto what the PM desires her to say. Yesterday's speech reduced the entire charade to contempt, ridiculing also by default the Monarch who had to speak the words. I did not see her shiver, but inside I am sure she was writhing with embarrassment that dignity should be brought so low. Albert Roy, Bow, E3
Today we have the leaders of the E.U, so many faceless/nameless people, selecting in secret a leader. so much like a communist state. I am not a communist. like 99.99% of the British public, so why do we have to put up with this JAMES COOPER
As much as most of us have many reservations ( including me ) of Tony Blair would it not be better to have him than any of the others who we know nothing about. At least he is British so we may have some sort of a shout in a Europe that has been forced upon us.God help the UK in the future for no one else seems able to and that in itself is a forlorn hope !!!! Mike Russell Bridgwater Somerset.
Can someone please explain the difference between Labours willingness to lose our Soldiers to keep a corrupt President in Afghanistan, and forgetting the sacrifices in two world wars and allowing the dishonest and secret appointment of a President of Europe. There isn't, they are both an affront to democracy! Roy Farnden, Chessington, Surrey.
Dear Andrew, Tony Blair denied the people of the UK an opportunity to have any say in the Lisbon Treaty which created the position of President of the EU (whatever thet will mean), He is not therefore entitled to expect support in gaining this well paid job. Patriotism dosn't even come into it!! Colin Peacocke, Oxford.
What on earth do the processing politicians talk at each other about during the procession ? Why is it so vital to be seen talking in such a situation, rather like sea front photo ops at party conferences, almost obsessive chat with the wife. You see Brown and Cameron chatting like old friends meeting again after years apart, and yet neither is listening to the other. Are they reciting nursery rhymes ? I've noticed that when GB feels uncomfortable under attack in the Commons, he will deliberately strike up some conversation with his neighbour. Is it in the genes to be able to talk totally at random with nothing to say ? Robert Leivers, Church Stretton, Shrops.
Peter Oborne's chilling programme explains why we do not hear enough from the press or how Britain is stage-managed! Everyone talks of !"Losing sovereignty" to Europe, but with a lobby like that plus NATO run by America for it's own purposes ........I rest my case Here's watching you again! Was that programme aired at precisely that moment for a purpose? Marina Grut, London, SW19
WEDNESDAY NOVEMBER 18
I think it was an insult to HM the Queen that the present Government clearly used today's Queen's speech as an election broadcast for the Labour party. God save the Queen and our country; I am afraid that this Labour government won't. Mrs Jill Whitehouse, Kidderminster - England
Can't we have Andrew for the State Opening of Parliament? He's loads better than that other bloke!! Greg Chambers, Truro
The government has made it a legal right for children to have a decent education. This is meaningless drivel. A good education is mainly a function of an individuals WISH to learn. All the major parties have ignored this fact, and as such their education policies are doomed to failure, since policies rooted in wishful thinking and "politically correct" dogma are avoiding the root cause of the problem: Large numbers of the British people are indifferent to learning, if not openly hostile to it. You only have to watch some of the quizz programs on TV to see how ignorant they are. David Dilliway, Ramsgate
12/11/09 programme. another case of labour politicians, constantly mumbling and interupting the conservative politician. the culprit this time being PHIL WOOLAS, when DAMIAN GREEN was speaking. ken, birmingham
I have always thought that children in the UK had the right to a good education. Bill Boyd, London. SW16
An early lunch is mandatory for me as I enjoy 'Daily Politics' so much followed almost as earnestly as 'Working Lunch'. The disappointment is that neither last long enough. This particularly applies to the Daily Politics with such expert presenters as Anita Anand, Jo Coburn and of course the tried and tested Andrew Neil. The quality of guests demonstrates that the political parties agree. Can I suggest to extend the programme to at least 3/4 hour - it will be well received by all. I believe that Working Lunch is better presented by Naga OR ...Curry and not together. They both seem to be better individually espescially Naga. Hope it helps Alan M Edwards, Cardiff
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