It does strike me as a lazy and antagonistic way to get more money into government coffers by going after motorists. My view is that until we see people who drive without insurance, or in cars that are not roadworthy or indeed driving dangerously dealt with effectively, then further fines and increases are not acceptable. I find it extraordinary how tables are turned… Peter Mandelson might be making a mint from his memoirs, but he has shown his true colours. Although the salacious revelations are fascinating – his rush to publish is rather grubby and I think a return to front line politics won’t be tolerated. Particularly because he has taken advantage of his positions of power and influence in Europe and the House of Lords as an unelected individual wielding a huge amount of power.
We also discussed the burka and whether or not you think it’s right that an MP can refuse to speak to someone if they are wearing a veil. / I find it difficult to reconcile my desire for freedom of choice with the wearing of the burka that seems to stand for oppression of women in society. Yet the freedom to wear as you wish and to express yourself based on choice has to take precedence.
I also asked you what Jeremy Hunt the Culture Secretary should be asking of the BBC – many of you like the fact they exist but think the move to Manchester, expenditure on dumbed down programmes and an agenda driven by very expensive management. The rows will only escalate as battle lines are drawn between management and government for an agreement on what the Licence Fee should be for the post 2012 settlement.
I mentioned Angry Birds. 5 million downloads of this app for the iPhone in six months. Gosh. Well if you have the chance – have a play! It’s one of my favourite wastes of time!
Best email came from Stevie who said “Has anyone ever told you that you look a like slightly overweight and older Tim Henman?” No they haven’t!
Anyway, I’m back tomorrow from 4pm