Tonight Radio 4's Any Questions came from St Giles Church Wrexham and I was there. The panel was Helen Mary Jones (deputy leader of Plaid Cymru in the Assembly), James Delingpole (right wing author), Peter Hain (Shadow Secretary of State for Wales), and Jesse Norman (Tory MP for Hereford).
It was a fascinating programme. Any Questions, as opposed to Question Time on TV, tends to promote freer discussion. James Delingpole was the most provocative, especially when he advocated the ending of the CRB checks on anyone applying to work with children. Helen Mary Jones spoke with passion and I imagine won the popular vote with the audience. Jesse Norman was a thoughtful Tory who had written extensively on the Big Society concept. However, Peter Hain appeared tired and said little beyond the predictable party mantra.
I was also interested to observe the skill of the programme makers to create a genuine 'live' event. The producer, Victoria Wakely, was totally in command. The presenter as ever was Jonathan Dimbleby; he was brilliant and made it look so easy, which it certainly is not. I have listened to Any Questions for decades and can see why the formula has worked for over 60 years.
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