In-depth investigation and analysis of
the stories behind the day's headlines
with Jeremy Paxman.
Broadcast on:
BBC Two, 10:30pm Wednesday 23rd
June 2010
Duration:
50 minutes
_______________________
Obama sacks Afghan Commander. Why?
Sierra Leone.
Loose talk costs careers.
Obama sacks Stanley McKhrystle for
undermining civilian control of the war
effort.
Mark Urban reporting.
Grim faced and silent, after leaving
meeting with Obama. Dismissed over a
principle.
A pentagon spokesman during the war in
Iraq.
Sebastian Gorko speaking.
Petraeus has a closer knit group of
workers.
A strong political message, personnel
change.
General: Public lobbying of personal
strategy. Also of the fact that Obama's
indecision reviewing the military
strategy in Iraq was costly.
Bruce Reidel.
Rolling Stone says that it was those
closest to McKhrystle who made
disparaging remarks about
administration. Particularly on the
Ambassador. His lack of presence
accompanying Obama was noticed by
enemies rather than the media. Sent a
strong signal to enemies.
Two main views:
1. Punishment doesn't fit the crime.
It's deeper than this.
2. It is.
1862/3 to look back at Generals being
fired.
Guests on show:
Elise Jordan
Peter Galbraith
General felt that he wasn't supported
in the way he wanted and needed.
Particularly with his rapport with
President Karzai.
Obama: 'a change in personnel, not in
policy'
General Petreaus.
______________
£11 billion planned cuts out of
welfare, though if more possible they
said they would.
Stockton on Tees
North East jobs lost with decline in
Steel industries.
Richard Watson reporting...
A family entirely dependent on
benefits.
£680 benefits a week they're entitled
to...
Government targeting people on
Disability Living Allowance.
Ed Balls on show.
No one from government available to
come on show, despite invitation.
Ed Balls: rpi to cpi being changed can
result in £500 worth of benefits being
taken away... Sleight of hand.
Paxman asking whether government plan
(exports to compensate) is
unobtainable.
Paul Mason: can be summarised in a
sentance - a huge chunk out of the
economy replaced by exports.
export-led growth
A huge task...
Following the past 10 years, a lot of
expenditure has gone into consumption,
government spending. The budget today
has announced that they propose to
replace that with significantly
increased expenditure in the private
sector, and government spending
replaced by exports. Following the
model of Canada, which bounced back,
though it was already a relatively big
exporter. Britain is not. Therefore,
strategy is questionable, and a high
risk to achieve in 3 years.
Richard Koo, from Tokyo Japan
Says budget is poor timing.
Following experience of Japan in 1997.
Given the claim that this was
unavoidable, what is his reaction/take?
Waffling on a bit...
Private Sector deleveraging
Paxman suggesting that fiscal policy
failed...
Using a lot of narrative from the
context of Tokyo...
Don't think Paxman was following, less
engaged.
______________
Looking at Sierra Leone.
British intervention.
Post-Imperialism...
10 years haven't done much to change
the entrenched poverty.
Allan Little - reporting again from
years ago.
No discerning economic development.
People are hungry for what they thought
the benefits of peace would bring.
British intervention
stopped civil war.
People speaking of bonds between
Britain and Sierra Leone. Want British
to help out again.
1961 - embraced independence from
British Colonialism.
Fourah Bay University.
A solitary university....
Academic excellence and intellectual
endeavour.
British aid comes with strings
attached.
Shaping it to be more Europeanized.
Valnora Jones
Campaign for Good Governance
British still running the country.
Suggesting a neo-colonialism.
Founded by enlightened British
progressives, for freed slaves.
The idea that Europe could and should
save Africa from itself. Tony Blair a
folk hero there - a bringer of peace.
Their veneration is undiminished.
Blame of Imperialism gone. Seeking a
new progressive.
Paxman: the amazing fact that England
managed to score a single goal against
Slovenia, managed to scrape through.
Last piece referred to the Isner vs
Mahut Wimbledon match on Court 18,
resuming tomorrow!
Wednesday, 30 June 2010
Tuesday, 29 June 2010
Newsnight 22/06/10
Jeremy Paxman examines the budget in detail, looking at what it means for our economy, politics and society.
Broadcast on:
BBC Two, 10:30pm Tuesday 22nd June 2010
Duration:
50 minutes
A dramatic reduction in the scale of state support? How will we cope?
A wholesale redefinition.
Crick: A skillful performance.
Paul Mason: Top economists think ideal for double-dip recession. Heroic predictions about growth.
Value Added Tax – Jan, up 20%
State 15% smaller.
Big cuts to welfare.
25% cuts in departmental expenditure.
3 year freeze in Child Benefits.
Income Tax Free Allowance – a concession to the Lib Dems.
Osbourne (ending): Tough but fair, painful but necessary.
Sums so huge, and details so complicated…
Paul Mason breaking it down…
City’s reaction: a positive reaction. Markets happy for now.
OBR Forecast Growth?...
Optimistic.
Doug Mc Williams speaking: a tough three years.
Imran Hussein – Child Poverty
Unlikelt to see eradicating Child Poverty, Child Benefit freeze, and VAT rise.
Big question: will it work?...
Hit and hope strategy…
Either a miracle (like China), or failure.
Michael Crick:
Ecomomic, financial and political pressures on Osbourne. Osbourne did well, established a good reputation today.
Lib Dems – face problems with impending details of cuts in Autumn budget.
Labour reaction: not a sense of crusade in ranks like there might have been.
Liam Byrne and Danny Alexander on the show. Latter Chief Secretary to the Tresury.
Paxman grilling Alexander: What would have been in a purely Conservative budget?
Paxman saying that a whole raft of promises have been broken by Lib Dems.
Alexander avoiding answering the question directly of whether he knew Conservatives ALWAYS planned to raise VAT.
Paxman: There is a direct relation between Public Sector investment and employment. How many jobs would be cut?
Alexander says he has to wait to find out.
Byrne says that 100,000 a year will be cut.
Tactics depend on a key strategic assumption: Private Sector compensating for Public.
Jackie Long, reporting from Middlseborough:
Teeside…
Business leaders listening to the budget welcomed it.
One says he can’t see Private Sector compensating in time…
Alastair Thompson speaking…
Area in particular so dependent on government spending.
Guests on the show:
Lord Lawson, Chancellor…
Geoffrey Robinson
Baronness Williams: says she hates some things, but recognizes the right thing to do. Protecting the poorest…
How is this going to change Britain?
Robinson: ideaological, reducing the state… Seeking a permanent reduction in the state.
Williams: believes it will be a good thing, forcing people to face the reality of their situation. Especially if up to their neck in debt.
Paxman: the language of politics has changed. Quoting Osbourne’s ‘progressive’ politics.
Robinson: disagrees with Williams.
Paxman amused by the old codgers arguing amongst themselves!
Paxman recapping with additional news:
Alexander saying that VAT increase was inevitable.
General McKhrystle recalled to White House over comments made about the administration. Rolling Stone article: doesn’t have any direct comments on Obama. But unnamed personel have pretty rough stuff to say. Mark Urban reporting.
South Africa out of World Cup – first time that a host nation failed to make it through to last 16.
Tam White died today… First singer on Top of the Pops allegedly…
Broadcast on:
BBC Two, 10:30pm Tuesday 22nd June 2010
Duration:
50 minutes
A dramatic reduction in the scale of state support? How will we cope?
A wholesale redefinition.
Crick: A skillful performance.
Paul Mason: Top economists think ideal for double-dip recession. Heroic predictions about growth.
Value Added Tax – Jan, up 20%
State 15% smaller.
Big cuts to welfare.
25% cuts in departmental expenditure.
3 year freeze in Child Benefits.
Income Tax Free Allowance – a concession to the Lib Dems.
Osbourne (ending): Tough but fair, painful but necessary.
Sums so huge, and details so complicated…
Paul Mason breaking it down…
City’s reaction: a positive reaction. Markets happy for now.
OBR Forecast Growth?...
Optimistic.
Doug Mc Williams speaking: a tough three years.
Imran Hussein – Child Poverty
Unlikelt to see eradicating Child Poverty, Child Benefit freeze, and VAT rise.
Big question: will it work?...
Hit and hope strategy…
Either a miracle (like China), or failure.
Michael Crick:
Ecomomic, financial and political pressures on Osbourne. Osbourne did well, established a good reputation today.
Lib Dems – face problems with impending details of cuts in Autumn budget.
Labour reaction: not a sense of crusade in ranks like there might have been.
Liam Byrne and Danny Alexander on the show. Latter Chief Secretary to the Tresury.
Paxman grilling Alexander: What would have been in a purely Conservative budget?
Paxman saying that a whole raft of promises have been broken by Lib Dems.
Alexander avoiding answering the question directly of whether he knew Conservatives ALWAYS planned to raise VAT.
Paxman: There is a direct relation between Public Sector investment and employment. How many jobs would be cut?
Alexander says he has to wait to find out.
Byrne says that 100,000 a year will be cut.
Tactics depend on a key strategic assumption: Private Sector compensating for Public.
Jackie Long, reporting from Middlseborough:
Teeside…
Business leaders listening to the budget welcomed it.
One says he can’t see Private Sector compensating in time…
Alastair Thompson speaking…
Area in particular so dependent on government spending.
Guests on the show:
Lord Lawson, Chancellor…
Geoffrey Robinson
Baronness Williams: says she hates some things, but recognizes the right thing to do. Protecting the poorest…
How is this going to change Britain?
Robinson: ideaological, reducing the state… Seeking a permanent reduction in the state.
Williams: believes it will be a good thing, forcing people to face the reality of their situation. Especially if up to their neck in debt.
Paxman: the language of politics has changed. Quoting Osbourne’s ‘progressive’ politics.
Robinson: disagrees with Williams.
Paxman amused by the old codgers arguing amongst themselves!
Paxman recapping with additional news:
Alexander saying that VAT increase was inevitable.
General McKhrystle recalled to White House over comments made about the administration. Rolling Stone article: doesn’t have any direct comments on Obama. But unnamed personel have pretty rough stuff to say. Mark Urban reporting.
South Africa out of World Cup – first time that a host nation failed to make it through to last 16.
Tam White died today… First singer on Top of the Pops allegedly…
Monday, 28 June 2010
Newsnight 21/6/10
The number of UK service personnel killed as a result of the Afghanistan conflict since 2001 has hit 300, after a wounded marine died in hospital. The prime minister said it was a moment for the whole country to reflect on the sacrifices the armed forces make.
Diplomatic editor Mark Urban will be considering what we have achieved over nine years in Afghanistan and what our future strategy should be.
Presented by Jeremy Paxman.
Broadcast on:
BBC Two, 10:30pm Monday 21st June 2010
Duration:
50 minutes
Available until:
11:19pm Monday 28th June 2010
Newsnight 21st June 2010
The number of UK service personnel killed as a result of the Afghanistan conflict since 2001 has hit 300, after a wounded marine died in hospital. The prime minister said it was a moment for the whole country to reflect on the sacrifices the armed forces make.
Diplomatic editor Mark Urban will be considering what we have achieved over nine years in Afghanistan and what our future strategy should be.
Presented by Jeremy Paxman.
Broadcast on:
BBC Two, 10:30pm Monday 21st June 2010
Duration:
50 minutes
Available until:
11:19pm Monday 28th June 2010
Paxman: What are these lives being lost for?...
Cameron: It’s all under review…
Grizzly milestones, coming with increasing frequency…
Armed Forces Day, outside City Hall, London
First 5 years, 5 people killed.
The decision to go to Helmand Province in 2006 stirred the hornet’s nest.
10,000 UK troops in Helmand
Nato has 30,000, mostly US.
Security by increased force – the new strategy.
Sangin.
BBC visited earlier in the year.
Afghans critical of their presence.
Say they’ve increased security and stability.
But an increase in IEDs…
Liam Fox – Defence Secretary
The decision NOT to give Sangin to US, ratified by the new government – a matter of pride.
British Government still committed, with Obama.
Nick Harvey – Armed Forces Minister
Questioned by Paxman: Why do we have to ask ourselves everyday why we’re there (Cameron), when PM said seemingly otherwise?
Rory Stewart, Conservative MP
How long are we going to be there for?
6 months into an 18 month programme – so at least a year.
Paxman pointing out that the decision to stay is not in British hands, rather as dictated by Obama.
Paxman trying to galvanise acknowledgement of achievements so far in Afghanistan: education, a new government more free from corruption
Stewart proposes a ‘like for like’, solution opposed to clear cut increase in troops or decrease….
On the Emergency Budget tomorrow:
Unprecedented…
Youngest Chancellor for over a century…
Has to fill in the gap made by the biggest hole in history…
Has to please markets, whilst making it fair.
Quite a circle to square!
Paul Mason
Governments are defined by economic gambits.
A risk of a double-dip recession…
Both parties of the coalitions favoured tax cuts.
Osbourne signalled cancelling the Benefits Bill…
Welfare Reform…
Osbourne wants to make his mark with micro-measures.
Every choice is guided by a theory: Private investment speeds up Public. A theory untested.
Guests on the show…
Rev Dr Malcolm Brown ‘ people with the broadest shoulders should bear the most burden’
Phillip Blond, ResPublica think tank
John Mann, Labour MP ‘against the removal of universal benefits’
A philosophical debate bout the role of the state.
Blond disagress with Mann: saying people at the top should get less, people at the bottom get more…
Social unrest, a result of tinkering with the system?...
Mann is being dismissed for his accusations that the poor will be profoundly affected for the worse, a prelude to the NHS’s dismantling by the Right.
Summer Solstice?...
Don’t put the clocks back…
Say it’s saving the environment…
Result in fewer car crashes…
1968-71 – it was tried…
Celebrated by druids and warlocks?...
Tim Yeo, Conservative MP…
Alyn Smith MEP, SNP – saying the SNP are agnostic…
Darker mornings are more dangerous, particularly children going to school.
There is a pressing argument for KEEPING the clocks, opposed to changing them…
Paxman says that you need to experiment…
Smith saying that is has been done before.
Tim Yeo’s arguments are more convincing…
Smith is ‘taking issue’with a lot of things, and is far more cautious.
Jon Venables – Jamie Bulger
Dr Daniel, killed someone in Cambridgeshire, still allowed to practice in Germany.
Times Square (would-be) bomber convicted, admitted to possessing weapons of mass destruction.
French Manager’s beleaguered football team. French players going on strike – embarrassing the country. Acting like spoiled brats (according to guest).
Papers:
Amusing, Paxman’s lack of interest in Wimbledon
Michael Crick anticipating budget tomorrow:
There’s a keenness for ‘fairness’ to be portrayed.
So many statements are going to be inoperative.
Likely to be unpalatable cuts.
Dissent surprisingly on the Right.
Lord Forsyth critical on bank levies.
Reference to the Four Horses of the Apocalypse.
Diplomatic editor Mark Urban will be considering what we have achieved over nine years in Afghanistan and what our future strategy should be.
Presented by Jeremy Paxman.
Broadcast on:
BBC Two, 10:30pm Monday 21st June 2010
Duration:
50 minutes
Available until:
11:19pm Monday 28th June 2010
Newsnight 21st June 2010
The number of UK service personnel killed as a result of the Afghanistan conflict since 2001 has hit 300, after a wounded marine died in hospital. The prime minister said it was a moment for the whole country to reflect on the sacrifices the armed forces make.
Diplomatic editor Mark Urban will be considering what we have achieved over nine years in Afghanistan and what our future strategy should be.
Presented by Jeremy Paxman.
Broadcast on:
BBC Two, 10:30pm Monday 21st June 2010
Duration:
50 minutes
Available until:
11:19pm Monday 28th June 2010
Paxman: What are these lives being lost for?...
Cameron: It’s all under review…
Grizzly milestones, coming with increasing frequency…
Armed Forces Day, outside City Hall, London
First 5 years, 5 people killed.
The decision to go to Helmand Province in 2006 stirred the hornet’s nest.
10,000 UK troops in Helmand
Nato has 30,000, mostly US.
Security by increased force – the new strategy.
Sangin.
BBC visited earlier in the year.
Afghans critical of their presence.
Say they’ve increased security and stability.
But an increase in IEDs…
Liam Fox – Defence Secretary
The decision NOT to give Sangin to US, ratified by the new government – a matter of pride.
British Government still committed, with Obama.
Nick Harvey – Armed Forces Minister
Questioned by Paxman: Why do we have to ask ourselves everyday why we’re there (Cameron), when PM said seemingly otherwise?
Rory Stewart, Conservative MP
How long are we going to be there for?
6 months into an 18 month programme – so at least a year.
Paxman pointing out that the decision to stay is not in British hands, rather as dictated by Obama.
Paxman trying to galvanise acknowledgement of achievements so far in Afghanistan: education, a new government more free from corruption
Stewart proposes a ‘like for like’, solution opposed to clear cut increase in troops or decrease….
On the Emergency Budget tomorrow:
Unprecedented…
Youngest Chancellor for over a century…
Has to fill in the gap made by the biggest hole in history…
Has to please markets, whilst making it fair.
Quite a circle to square!
Paul Mason
Governments are defined by economic gambits.
A risk of a double-dip recession…
Both parties of the coalitions favoured tax cuts.
Osbourne signalled cancelling the Benefits Bill…
Welfare Reform…
Osbourne wants to make his mark with micro-measures.
Every choice is guided by a theory: Private investment speeds up Public. A theory untested.
Guests on the show…
Rev Dr Malcolm Brown ‘ people with the broadest shoulders should bear the most burden’
Phillip Blond, ResPublica think tank
John Mann, Labour MP ‘against the removal of universal benefits’
A philosophical debate bout the role of the state.
Blond disagress with Mann: saying people at the top should get less, people at the bottom get more…
Social unrest, a result of tinkering with the system?...
Mann is being dismissed for his accusations that the poor will be profoundly affected for the worse, a prelude to the NHS’s dismantling by the Right.
Summer Solstice?...
Don’t put the clocks back…
Say it’s saving the environment…
Result in fewer car crashes…
1968-71 – it was tried…
Celebrated by druids and warlocks?...
Tim Yeo, Conservative MP…
Alyn Smith MEP, SNP – saying the SNP are agnostic…
Darker mornings are more dangerous, particularly children going to school.
There is a pressing argument for KEEPING the clocks, opposed to changing them…
Paxman says that you need to experiment…
Smith saying that is has been done before.
Tim Yeo’s arguments are more convincing…
Smith is ‘taking issue’with a lot of things, and is far more cautious.
Jon Venables – Jamie Bulger
Dr Daniel, killed someone in Cambridgeshire, still allowed to practice in Germany.
Times Square (would-be) bomber convicted, admitted to possessing weapons of mass destruction.
French Manager’s beleaguered football team. French players going on strike – embarrassing the country. Acting like spoiled brats (according to guest).
Papers:
Amusing, Paxman’s lack of interest in Wimbledon
Michael Crick anticipating budget tomorrow:
There’s a keenness for ‘fairness’ to be portrayed.
So many statements are going to be inoperative.
Likely to be unpalatable cuts.
Dissent surprisingly on the Right.
Lord Forsyth critical on bank levies.
Reference to the Four Horses of the Apocalypse.
Friday, 25 June 2010
Newsnight 18/6/10
Newsnight – Friday, 18th June 2010
In-depth investigation and analysis of the stories behind the day's headlines with Gavin Esler. The coalition government has cancelled 12 projects, totalling two billion pounds, agreed to by the previous Labour government since the start of 2010. How are the cuts, announced by Liberal Democrat Danny Alexander, going down with Lib Dem grassroots supporters?
Broadcast on:
BBC Two, 10:30pm Friday 18th June 2010
Duration:
30 minutes
Available until:
10:59pm Friday 25th June 2010
Here’s Danny!
A la Here’s Lenny, with the axe…
Danny Alexander
His party have always fought against cuts.
Feedback from grassroot supporters.
Michael Crick investigating.
Southwark, London – a Liberal Democrat flagship.
Julian Astle – Think tank, going to be political advisor for David Lawes prior to resignation.
Lib Dems, in government have much to answer for.
Have an identity crisis.
Have always campaigned against cuts.
Not responsible for implementing them.
Lib Dems and government declined to go on the programme.
Susan Kramer representing Lib Dems on the show.
Ed Miliband for the Labour Party on the show.
Yey! Ed Miliband mentioned Newham!
Comparing with Susan’s Borough of Richmond.
Amusing, a technique of having your point across, talk louder and more obstinantly! The Milibands do it with more decorum than say Ken Clarke.
Smiling with daggers.
President of IMF meeting President of Spain.
Spain’s defecit…
Civil and Social unrest over 5% pay cut.
Clegg speaking Spanish – impressive!
Carles Casajuana
Spanish Ambassador to the UK re-affirming that the visit by IMF President with Spanish president was NOT to discuss a bailout for the Spanish economy.
Argument: Spanish model has failed because no one wants to invest…
No one wants to invest in Spanish Banks, a lack of confidence.
Charles de Gaulle
One of the greatest speeches of the 20th Century.
Newsnight assessing the power of words today, compared to today’s 24hr news.
Still a mobilizing force?
Obama referenced: Yes We Can.
Cameron on Bloody Sunday referenced: It was wrong.
Amusing: Charles de Gaulle having a Facebook page, updating his status, probably wouldn’t have as much of an impact.
Anne McElvoy – guest on the show
Lincoln’s Gettysberg address?...
Cometh the hour, cometh the man…
De Gaulle – a master of the French language.
Blame media, soundbites, twitter…
Obama, Democratic Convention, Denver…
A great moment…
Author of Freakonomics on the show…
Hoping to play highlights of the England vs Algeria match.
But there weren’t any!
Statistically, kicking in towards the centre of goal for penalties is best.
FDR’s intervention on the Great Depression?…
FA complaining to Fifa that someone breached the England camp.
In-depth investigation and analysis of the stories behind the day's headlines with Gavin Esler. The coalition government has cancelled 12 projects, totalling two billion pounds, agreed to by the previous Labour government since the start of 2010. How are the cuts, announced by Liberal Democrat Danny Alexander, going down with Lib Dem grassroots supporters?
Broadcast on:
BBC Two, 10:30pm Friday 18th June 2010
Duration:
30 minutes
Available until:
10:59pm Friday 25th June 2010
Here’s Danny!
A la Here’s Lenny, with the axe…
Danny Alexander
His party have always fought against cuts.
Feedback from grassroot supporters.
Michael Crick investigating.
Southwark, London – a Liberal Democrat flagship.
Julian Astle – Think tank, going to be political advisor for David Lawes prior to resignation.
Lib Dems, in government have much to answer for.
Have an identity crisis.
Have always campaigned against cuts.
Not responsible for implementing them.
Lib Dems and government declined to go on the programme.
Susan Kramer representing Lib Dems on the show.
Ed Miliband for the Labour Party on the show.
Yey! Ed Miliband mentioned Newham!
Comparing with Susan’s Borough of Richmond.
Amusing, a technique of having your point across, talk louder and more obstinantly! The Milibands do it with more decorum than say Ken Clarke.
Smiling with daggers.
President of IMF meeting President of Spain.
Spain’s defecit…
Civil and Social unrest over 5% pay cut.
Clegg speaking Spanish – impressive!
Carles Casajuana
Spanish Ambassador to the UK re-affirming that the visit by IMF President with Spanish president was NOT to discuss a bailout for the Spanish economy.
Argument: Spanish model has failed because no one wants to invest…
No one wants to invest in Spanish Banks, a lack of confidence.
Charles de Gaulle
One of the greatest speeches of the 20th Century.
Newsnight assessing the power of words today, compared to today’s 24hr news.
Still a mobilizing force?
Obama referenced: Yes We Can.
Cameron on Bloody Sunday referenced: It was wrong.
Amusing: Charles de Gaulle having a Facebook page, updating his status, probably wouldn’t have as much of an impact.
Anne McElvoy – guest on the show
Lincoln’s Gettysberg address?...
Cometh the hour, cometh the man…
De Gaulle – a master of the French language.
Blame media, soundbites, twitter…
Obama, Democratic Convention, Denver…
A great moment…
Author of Freakonomics on the show…
Hoping to play highlights of the England vs Algeria match.
But there weren’t any!
Statistically, kicking in towards the centre of goal for penalties is best.
FDR’s intervention on the Great Depression?…
FA complaining to Fifa that someone breached the England camp.
Newsnigh 16/6/10
Newsnight – Wednesday, 16th June 2010
Chancellor George Osborne has confirmed that he will give the Bank of England the key role in regulating the UK financial sector. Mr Osborne is due to give more details of his plans in a speech at Mansion House - one of the set piece occasions in the chancellor's calendar, and an opportunity to update the City on the state of the economy. Economics editor Paul Mason has the latest.
Presented by Gavin Esler.
Broadcast on:
BBC Two, 10:30pm Wednesday 16th June 2010
Duration:
50 minutes
Available until:
11:19pm Wednesday 23rd June 2010
Inside the mind of an alleged terrorist under house arrest in Britain.
Business Secretary – Vince Cable.
Gemma Atkinson – Independent Filmmaker
Richard Watson on the background
Hussain Alsamamara – Jordanian
Electronically tagged.
Waived right to anonymity.
Broken his bail terms.
House arrest.
Can’t see the evidence against him.
Says that he hasn’t done anything.
Wife mentally ill because of the situation.
- CDs in his house.
- Some inflammatory writings
The only evidence.
2001 – the Prevention of Terrorism Act.
Set backs to that introduction.
Dec 2004 – House of Lords, voted a breach of Human Rights
Control Order
Immigration Bail Orders – left untouched by new legislation.
Lib Dems, Chris Hune – an affront to British justice.
Debate on the issue:
Tony McNulty – Security Minister in last government (Home Office Minister)
Sir Brian Barder
Dr Usama Husan
Imam, Leyton Mosque
Husan having the most interesting things to say.
Speaking more about morality than politics.
RECANTED
REPUDIATE
On deportation…
Pakistan and Jordan…
Libya
Algeria
McNulty: ‘not interment by the back-door’
Radicalisation.
Husan suggests a look at the wider issues surrounding terrorism, with regards to advice for the government.
Section 44
Control Orders.
Syak?
Mentioned a lot in the piece.
Osbourne in Mansion House
Paul Mason reporting.
Labour’s tripartite banking legislation?...
Osbourne attacking last government’s policy.
Mervyn King
Will have more power.
Osborne didn’t answer questions.
Set about a commission.that will take a year to complete.
FSA founded in 1997.
Criticised by Blair.
Macro-prudential regulation.
- Raising interest rates.
- Leaning against market forces.
Tremors from Greece and Spain.
Speaking to Vince Cable – Business Secretary
Asked to explain what Osborne meant by FSA no longer existing in it’s current form.
Means Bank of England will be in charge.
Esler says: Tripartid system to many headed system…
Cable says that’s unfair.
New commission following Cable’s previous one in oppositioin previously.
Esler: Sounds like new commission wants to come up with a different conclusion.
Lloyds and RBS have representatives of the government.
Michael Hayward at the White House
David Willis reporting.
Obama got:
Waiving of dividends this year to shareholders
Moratorium?
$100 million compensation fund.
Dramatic change in Obama’s rhetoric.
To go to a congressional sub-committee the following day.
Expecting more of a bruising encounter.
Hey baby – a computer game…
Kick-Ass also referenced.
As well as Girl with the Dragon Tatoo.
Female retribution.
The maker of the game on the show
Suyin Looui
Civitas – Anastasia de Waal
Says it’s doing the opposite of Feminism.
Argument that it’s not really feminism.
Encouraging acting out at home, rather than responding there and then in a positive way.
Creator on the backfoot…
Saying she wanted to draw attention to the experience of what it was like to be a woman in that situation.
Feel a bit bad for her.
She wasn’t even thanked for her presence.
Think Esler had better chemistry with Anastasia, and took a slight miniscule bias her way…
Ended on the ‘happy note’: we should be working with men, not against them.
Have to say I think I sided with her too…
I think the game was given unnecessary attention, and shouldn’t really have been on Newsnight. Obviously a filler to kill time.
Chancellor George Osborne has confirmed that he will give the Bank of England the key role in regulating the UK financial sector. Mr Osborne is due to give more details of his plans in a speech at Mansion House - one of the set piece occasions in the chancellor's calendar, and an opportunity to update the City on the state of the economy. Economics editor Paul Mason has the latest.
Presented by Gavin Esler.
Broadcast on:
BBC Two, 10:30pm Wednesday 16th June 2010
Duration:
50 minutes
Available until:
11:19pm Wednesday 23rd June 2010
Inside the mind of an alleged terrorist under house arrest in Britain.
Business Secretary – Vince Cable.
Gemma Atkinson – Independent Filmmaker
Richard Watson on the background
Hussain Alsamamara – Jordanian
Electronically tagged.
Waived right to anonymity.
Broken his bail terms.
House arrest.
Can’t see the evidence against him.
Says that he hasn’t done anything.
Wife mentally ill because of the situation.
- CDs in his house.
- Some inflammatory writings
The only evidence.
2001 – the Prevention of Terrorism Act.
Set backs to that introduction.
Dec 2004 – House of Lords, voted a breach of Human Rights
Control Order
Immigration Bail Orders – left untouched by new legislation.
Lib Dems, Chris Hune – an affront to British justice.
Debate on the issue:
Tony McNulty – Security Minister in last government (Home Office Minister)
Sir Brian Barder
Dr Usama Husan
Imam, Leyton Mosque
Husan having the most interesting things to say.
Speaking more about morality than politics.
RECANTED
REPUDIATE
On deportation…
Pakistan and Jordan…
Libya
Algeria
McNulty: ‘not interment by the back-door’
Radicalisation.
Husan suggests a look at the wider issues surrounding terrorism, with regards to advice for the government.
Section 44
Control Orders.
Syak?
Mentioned a lot in the piece.
Osbourne in Mansion House
Paul Mason reporting.
Labour’s tripartite banking legislation?...
Osbourne attacking last government’s policy.
Mervyn King
Will have more power.
Osborne didn’t answer questions.
Set about a commission.that will take a year to complete.
FSA founded in 1997.
Criticised by Blair.
Macro-prudential regulation.
- Raising interest rates.
- Leaning against market forces.
Tremors from Greece and Spain.
Speaking to Vince Cable – Business Secretary
Asked to explain what Osborne meant by FSA no longer existing in it’s current form.
Means Bank of England will be in charge.
Esler says: Tripartid system to many headed system…
Cable says that’s unfair.
New commission following Cable’s previous one in oppositioin previously.
Esler: Sounds like new commission wants to come up with a different conclusion.
Lloyds and RBS have representatives of the government.
Michael Hayward at the White House
David Willis reporting.
Obama got:
Waiving of dividends this year to shareholders
Moratorium?
$100 million compensation fund.
Dramatic change in Obama’s rhetoric.
To go to a congressional sub-committee the following day.
Expecting more of a bruising encounter.
Hey baby – a computer game…
Kick-Ass also referenced.
As well as Girl with the Dragon Tatoo.
Female retribution.
The maker of the game on the show
Suyin Looui
Civitas – Anastasia de Waal
Says it’s doing the opposite of Feminism.
Argument that it’s not really feminism.
Encouraging acting out at home, rather than responding there and then in a positive way.
Creator on the backfoot…
Saying she wanted to draw attention to the experience of what it was like to be a woman in that situation.
Feel a bit bad for her.
She wasn’t even thanked for her presence.
Think Esler had better chemistry with Anastasia, and took a slight miniscule bias her way…
Ended on the ‘happy note’: we should be working with men, not against them.
Have to say I think I sided with her too…
I think the game was given unnecessary attention, and shouldn’t really have been on Newsnight. Obviously a filler to kill time.
Newsnight 15/6/10
Newsnight – Tuesday, 15th June 2010
The race is on to succeed Gordon Brown after he stood down as Labour Party leader. Jeremy Paxman cross-examines the five candidates who have put themselves forward - and crucially have won enough backing from fellow MPs - to stand in the leadership contest.
Diane Abbott, Ed Balls, Andy Burnham, David Miliband and Ed Miliband will all take part in the first televised hustings of the contest.
Broadcast on:
BBC Two, 10:30pm Tuesday 15th June 2010
Duration:
65 minutes
Available until:
11:34pm Tuesday 22nd June 2010
Michael Crick blogging live during the event of the hustings.
258 seats in the House of Commons.
Opening speeches:
Andy Burnham
Inspires a lack of confidence
Ed Miliband
More convincing
David Miliband
Most convincing so far
‘real’
Diane Abbott
Anecdotal, too much, not catchy enough
Ed Balls
Using ‘erm’ a lot
Questions:
Abbott looking clumsy.
Both brothers answering first, convincing.
Ed Balls evading the question posed by Paxman as to whether Brown was right leader into the election.
Burnham, seeming the weakest.
Reminds me of that Liberal Democrat candidate for Mayor of London.
Brian Paddick.
Abbott sounding like a nagging Mum…
A little arrogant: I know how it all works.
Ed Miliband on immigration, sounding comprehensively knowledgeable.
Burnham sounding like an MP more than PM.
Ed Miliband sounding good: saying in addressing Immigration, the focus should be on the underlying issues rather than immigration itself.
David Miliband – appearing mute on the topic.
Coming into light now, shining, on the accusation that the governmet previously was the party of spend spend spend. Very convincing.
Ed Miliband, a little Clegg-esque, using the asker’s name!...
Aesthetically, David Miliband looks the most PM.
Just spoke about government spending in a very convincing Labout uniting way.
Ed Balls – evading answering questions directly.
Ed Milliband, being denied a little from interrupting Ed Balls.
Spoke about the need to talk about the future not the quibbles of the past.
A little cheesy. A cheap shot in my view.
On Iraq:
Ed Miliband – acknowledging that war was hugely damaging to Labour Party.
[Hans Blix]
David – the most convincing statement so far on Iraq. Made you pause for a moment, and engage you with his brief, clear, and direct statements.
Ed Balls – a weak, silly statement on the war. Looked like a rabbit in the headlines after his own statement!!
Abbott – a slow, almost care-free matter-of-fact indifference.
David Miliband, charming Ed Balls on the fact he wasn’t a one man show for the decision NOT to join the Euro.
Andy Burnham – like a side show, warm-up act. Not asserting ANY influence on the debate.
Abbott, Brown-esque in terms of providing details of minutiae.
Is State too big?...
Ed Balls: No.
Burnham: Basically dismissed the question and spurted off some shit about America.
David Miliband: an awesome answer! The state too big in some areas, but weaker in others. Eg. 90 day detention.
Ed Milliband, almost echoing in response to his brother!...
Particularly on expenditure on unemployed.
Is state too centralized?
Abbott – the only one that says ‘not necessarily’.
David Miliband – commanding!
Commands the silence of the other candidates.
Paxman almost coaxing Ed Milliband into the debate against his brother: don’t be scared!...
Abbott – find her quite annoying.
Definitely a competition between the Millibands!!!
Wow. Abbott loves quoting vacuous statistics!...
Debate heating up between Abbott and Burnham.
Ed – echoing his brother’s mention of the 90 Day detention.
Best leader you most admire??
David Miliband – best answer! Anthony Crossmond
Not the most obvious (Tony Blair, Clement Atlee)
Would you change the England goalkeeper?
Great finishing questions!
David Miliband answered best.
Brief and to the point.
Results of enquiry devastating.
Jackie Long in Londenderry.
Cameron and Head of Army apologized.
Unjustified, wrong.
Vindicated the long journey.
Tore apart the Widgery Report.
38 years, 4 months, 15 days.
Exonerations.
Profound.
The apology from the government.
Bernard McGuigan also shot by Soldier F.
Prosecutions? Especially of Soldier F…
Sir General Jackson accused of being a part of cover-up.
Martin McGuinness
Gerry Adams, Sinn Fein
Dr Daly, now Bishop, famous for that image: white handkerchief.
Fierce criticism for the Paratroopers.
Owen Patterson – Northern Ireland secretary.
5000 pages, 10 volumes.
Local DPP?
Declined answering whether prosecutions should be warranted.
A very safe answer in my view.
Members of other communities…
£192 million – Criticised by Ken Clarke.
Exceeded projections.
Cost and years.
Bertie Ahern?
Michael Crick blogging!
Difficult to say who won.
Burnham weakest.
Audience impressed by Abbott.
David spent too much time defending the previous government.
Changed tact tonight criticizing Blair.
Ed Miliband failed to put forward visionary ideas.
Brothers closer in debate, worked to David’s benefit.
The race is on to succeed Gordon Brown after he stood down as Labour Party leader. Jeremy Paxman cross-examines the five candidates who have put themselves forward - and crucially have won enough backing from fellow MPs - to stand in the leadership contest.
Diane Abbott, Ed Balls, Andy Burnham, David Miliband and Ed Miliband will all take part in the first televised hustings of the contest.
Broadcast on:
BBC Two, 10:30pm Tuesday 15th June 2010
Duration:
65 minutes
Available until:
11:34pm Tuesday 22nd June 2010
Michael Crick blogging live during the event of the hustings.
258 seats in the House of Commons.
Opening speeches:
Andy Burnham
Inspires a lack of confidence
Ed Miliband
More convincing
David Miliband
Most convincing so far
‘real’
Diane Abbott
Anecdotal, too much, not catchy enough
Ed Balls
Using ‘erm’ a lot
Questions:
Abbott looking clumsy.
Both brothers answering first, convincing.
Ed Balls evading the question posed by Paxman as to whether Brown was right leader into the election.
Burnham, seeming the weakest.
Reminds me of that Liberal Democrat candidate for Mayor of London.
Brian Paddick.
Abbott sounding like a nagging Mum…
A little arrogant: I know how it all works.
Ed Miliband on immigration, sounding comprehensively knowledgeable.
Burnham sounding like an MP more than PM.
Ed Miliband sounding good: saying in addressing Immigration, the focus should be on the underlying issues rather than immigration itself.
David Miliband – appearing mute on the topic.
Coming into light now, shining, on the accusation that the governmet previously was the party of spend spend spend. Very convincing.
Ed Miliband, a little Clegg-esque, using the asker’s name!...
Aesthetically, David Miliband looks the most PM.
Just spoke about government spending in a very convincing Labout uniting way.
Ed Balls – evading answering questions directly.
Ed Milliband, being denied a little from interrupting Ed Balls.
Spoke about the need to talk about the future not the quibbles of the past.
A little cheesy. A cheap shot in my view.
On Iraq:
Ed Miliband – acknowledging that war was hugely damaging to Labour Party.
[Hans Blix]
David – the most convincing statement so far on Iraq. Made you pause for a moment, and engage you with his brief, clear, and direct statements.
Ed Balls – a weak, silly statement on the war. Looked like a rabbit in the headlines after his own statement!!
Abbott – a slow, almost care-free matter-of-fact indifference.
David Miliband, charming Ed Balls on the fact he wasn’t a one man show for the decision NOT to join the Euro.
Andy Burnham – like a side show, warm-up act. Not asserting ANY influence on the debate.
Abbott, Brown-esque in terms of providing details of minutiae.
Is State too big?...
Ed Balls: No.
Burnham: Basically dismissed the question and spurted off some shit about America.
David Miliband: an awesome answer! The state too big in some areas, but weaker in others. Eg. 90 day detention.
Ed Milliband, almost echoing in response to his brother!...
Particularly on expenditure on unemployed.
Is state too centralized?
Abbott – the only one that says ‘not necessarily’.
David Miliband – commanding!
Commands the silence of the other candidates.
Paxman almost coaxing Ed Milliband into the debate against his brother: don’t be scared!...
Abbott – find her quite annoying.
Definitely a competition between the Millibands!!!
Wow. Abbott loves quoting vacuous statistics!...
Debate heating up between Abbott and Burnham.
Ed – echoing his brother’s mention of the 90 Day detention.
Best leader you most admire??
David Miliband – best answer! Anthony Crossmond
Not the most obvious (Tony Blair, Clement Atlee)
Would you change the England goalkeeper?
Great finishing questions!
David Miliband answered best.
Brief and to the point.
Results of enquiry devastating.
Jackie Long in Londenderry.
Cameron and Head of Army apologized.
Unjustified, wrong.
Vindicated the long journey.
Tore apart the Widgery Report.
38 years, 4 months, 15 days.
Exonerations.
Profound.
The apology from the government.
Bernard McGuigan also shot by Soldier F.
Prosecutions? Especially of Soldier F…
Sir General Jackson accused of being a part of cover-up.
Martin McGuinness
Gerry Adams, Sinn Fein
Dr Daly, now Bishop, famous for that image: white handkerchief.
Fierce criticism for the Paratroopers.
Owen Patterson – Northern Ireland secretary.
5000 pages, 10 volumes.
Local DPP?
Declined answering whether prosecutions should be warranted.
A very safe answer in my view.
Members of other communities…
£192 million – Criticised by Ken Clarke.
Exceeded projections.
Cost and years.
Bertie Ahern?
Michael Crick blogging!
Difficult to say who won.
Burnham weakest.
Audience impressed by Abbott.
David spent too much time defending the previous government.
Changed tact tonight criticizing Blair.
Ed Miliband failed to put forward visionary ideas.
Brothers closer in debate, worked to David’s benefit.
Newsnight 14/6/10
Newsnight - Monday, 14th June 2010
In-depth investigation and analysis of the stories behind the day's headlines with Jeremy Paxman.
Broadcast on:
BBC Two, 10:30pm Monday 14th June 2010
Duration:
50 minutes
Available until:
11:19pm Monday 21st June 2010
___________________
Enquiry into Bloody Sunday.
Part of the price of peace.
1972.
38 years after the event in Londonderry.
12 years, £200 million.
Jackie Long reporting from ‘Derry’.
13 people shot dead.
Coronary: murder.
Whittory: blamed the Republican leadership.
Soldier F: killed Patrick Doherty, Michael Kelly.
Former (relative of) doesn’t want prosecution, latter does.
Guests:
Martina Anderson, MLA (Sinn Fein)
Parick Mercer, MP (Conservetive)
Should soldiers be prosecuted?
Mercer: absolutely
Immensely contentious
RUC?...
New Office of Budget Responsibility
Enemy of easy headlines: Nuance.
Paul Mason
Cuts.
Not as clear as the government thought.
Alan Budd
Refused to endorse Conservative view that Labour’s projection/economic forecast was a work of fiction. Alistair Darling was roughly right, puts Osborne in a tricky situation.
Oil spill.
Costing Obama popularity and credibility.
Made the comparison with 9/11, saying it’s on a par.
American press: muted response to the statement.
Wesley Warren (US Politician)
Energy advisor to Clinton 1994-2001
Hope to define the disaster, rather than disaster define him.
Obama lifted embargo…
Policy reflected that…
An opportunity to rethink energy policy.
Brutal
Liam Fox on Armed Forces cuts
(Defence Secretary)
“Ruthlessly, and without sentiment”
Mark Urban reporting.
Says they can’t really do much different than Labour Government.
Not gonna be done by ‘efficiency savings’.
- Strategy Policy
- The Armed Forces
- Procurement and Estates
Horsetrading.
Clear signal that budget cuts are going to be government dictated, as opposed to bureaucratically dictated.
Director of RUSI.
Merkel and Sarkozy renewed calls for reform.
MPs expenses
MPs complaining about new system.
Michael Crick reporting.
IPSA setup to referee MPs conduct and expenditure.
David Winnick, Labour MP
Numerous complaints:
Top heavy beaurocracy.
Offering advances up to £4000.
Nigel Gooding – resigned for the sake for his health and sanity.
Liberal Democrat, Guest on show (Bob Russell, MP)
Martin Bell, Independent MP => ‘reaping what they’ve sown’
The worry is that only the rich would be able to become MPs.
Amusing that Paxman finds it funny!
Both praised for speaking outright of the problem, given a lot of other MPs are scared.
Vusevelas of the World Cup.
Designed to make a Neapolitan traffic jam sound like Mozart!
Some dude called Byron!
That was pretty cool!
In-depth investigation and analysis of the stories behind the day's headlines with Jeremy Paxman.
Broadcast on:
BBC Two, 10:30pm Monday 14th June 2010
Duration:
50 minutes
Available until:
11:19pm Monday 21st June 2010
___________________
Enquiry into Bloody Sunday.
Part of the price of peace.
1972.
38 years after the event in Londonderry.
12 years, £200 million.
Jackie Long reporting from ‘Derry’.
13 people shot dead.
Coronary: murder.
Whittory: blamed the Republican leadership.
Soldier F: killed Patrick Doherty, Michael Kelly.
Former (relative of) doesn’t want prosecution, latter does.
Guests:
Martina Anderson, MLA (Sinn Fein)
Parick Mercer, MP (Conservetive)
Should soldiers be prosecuted?
Mercer: absolutely
Immensely contentious
RUC?...
New Office of Budget Responsibility
Enemy of easy headlines: Nuance.
Paul Mason
Cuts.
Not as clear as the government thought.
Alan Budd
Refused to endorse Conservative view that Labour’s projection/economic forecast was a work of fiction. Alistair Darling was roughly right, puts Osborne in a tricky situation.
Oil spill.
Costing Obama popularity and credibility.
Made the comparison with 9/11, saying it’s on a par.
American press: muted response to the statement.
Wesley Warren (US Politician)
Energy advisor to Clinton 1994-2001
Hope to define the disaster, rather than disaster define him.
Obama lifted embargo…
Policy reflected that…
An opportunity to rethink energy policy.
Brutal
Liam Fox on Armed Forces cuts
(Defence Secretary)
“Ruthlessly, and without sentiment”
Mark Urban reporting.
Says they can’t really do much different than Labour Government.
Not gonna be done by ‘efficiency savings’.
- Strategy Policy
- The Armed Forces
- Procurement and Estates
Horsetrading.
Clear signal that budget cuts are going to be government dictated, as opposed to bureaucratically dictated.
Director of RUSI.
Merkel and Sarkozy renewed calls for reform.
MPs expenses
MPs complaining about new system.
Michael Crick reporting.
IPSA setup to referee MPs conduct and expenditure.
David Winnick, Labour MP
Numerous complaints:
Top heavy beaurocracy.
Offering advances up to £4000.
Nigel Gooding – resigned for the sake for his health and sanity.
Liberal Democrat, Guest on show (Bob Russell, MP)
Martin Bell, Independent MP => ‘reaping what they’ve sown’
The worry is that only the rich would be able to become MPs.
Amusing that Paxman finds it funny!
Both praised for speaking outright of the problem, given a lot of other MPs are scared.
Vusevelas of the World Cup.
Designed to make a Neapolitan traffic jam sound like Mozart!
Some dude called Byron!
That was pretty cool!
Newsnight 11/6/10
Newsnight – Friday, 11th June 2010
In-depth investigation and analysis of the stories behind the day's headlines. It can't have escaped your notice that the 2010 World Cup in South Africa is now underway. Gavin Esler is joined by the former French international David Ginola and advertising executive Martin Sorrell to ask whether marketing and money are now overshadowing the simplicity of the beautiful game.
Broadcast on:
BBC Two, 10:30pm Friday 11th June 2010
Duration:
30 minutes
Available until:
10:59pm Friday 18th June 2010
40000 barrels of oil a day into the Gulf of Mexico.
Epson Valdez disaster?
Beleagured Petroleum.
Obama summoned Head of BP to White House.
Globilisation is not Americanisation.
Susan Watts
Play on Reflection – can’t tell what’s real.
John Hoffmeister – former Head of Shell
Too much use of dispersants…
Still not a catastrophe.
Thatcher Center for Freedom
Washington – a lot of anti-British rhetoric, deeply anti-British in rhetoric.
A lynch-mob mentality…
Suggests Cameron tell Obama to calm down.
Labour Environment Minister (1998-2003)
A multinational company.
Says leaders are acting because they’re under pressure.
Denouncing the anti-British rhetoric, doesn’t acknowledge it’s intentional.
Obama, supposedly anti-business, interfering with private affairs.
1990s Sky transformed World Cup.
Brands noticeably absent from ceremony.
More money necessarily good?
Sir Martin Sorrell…
CEO, WPP Group
Gadaffi reversed position in North Africa.
Economies have prospered.
David Ginola
You’re right.
You’re not wrong!
Linda Green
‘Bred a generation of fans who are out of touch with working class’
Can’t afford to go and see games.
Says that the people of South Africa are not going to the people.
David Bond – BBC Sports Correspondent
Just before England’s game with USA.
July – BP suspending decision to pay dividends.
Iran accusing Obama of being immature and hoppocritical with sanctions imposed.
In-depth investigation and analysis of the stories behind the day's headlines. It can't have escaped your notice that the 2010 World Cup in South Africa is now underway. Gavin Esler is joined by the former French international David Ginola and advertising executive Martin Sorrell to ask whether marketing and money are now overshadowing the simplicity of the beautiful game.
Broadcast on:
BBC Two, 10:30pm Friday 11th June 2010
Duration:
30 minutes
Available until:
10:59pm Friday 18th June 2010
40000 barrels of oil a day into the Gulf of Mexico.
Epson Valdez disaster?
Beleagured Petroleum.
Obama summoned Head of BP to White House.
Globilisation is not Americanisation.
Susan Watts
Play on Reflection – can’t tell what’s real.
John Hoffmeister – former Head of Shell
Too much use of dispersants…
Still not a catastrophe.
Thatcher Center for Freedom
Washington – a lot of anti-British rhetoric, deeply anti-British in rhetoric.
A lynch-mob mentality…
Suggests Cameron tell Obama to calm down.
Labour Environment Minister (1998-2003)
A multinational company.
Says leaders are acting because they’re under pressure.
Denouncing the anti-British rhetoric, doesn’t acknowledge it’s intentional.
Obama, supposedly anti-business, interfering with private affairs.
1990s Sky transformed World Cup.
Brands noticeably absent from ceremony.
More money necessarily good?
Sir Martin Sorrell…
CEO, WPP Group
Gadaffi reversed position in North Africa.
Economies have prospered.
David Ginola
You’re right.
You’re not wrong!
Linda Green
‘Bred a generation of fans who are out of touch with working class’
Can’t afford to go and see games.
Says that the people of South Africa are not going to the people.
David Bond – BBC Sports Correspondent
Just before England’s game with USA.
July – BP suspending decision to pay dividends.
Iran accusing Obama of being immature and hoppocritical with sanctions imposed.
Newsnight 10/6/10
Newsnight – Thursday June 2010
Ahead of the opening of the 2010 World Cup in South Africa, Lyse Doucet asks four of the Elders what the games can really deliver for the continent. Lyse meets Desmond Tutu, Graca Machel, Kofi Annan and Ladkhar Brahimi. Presented by Gavin Esler.
Broadcast on:
BBC Two, 10:30pm Thursday 10th June 2010
Duration:
50 minutes
Available until:
11:19pm Thursday 17th June 2010
Welcome to the new austerity!
Angela Merkel seeking changes to how European economy’s run.
Fiscal stimulus turned to thriftiness.
Clegg and Hague in Germany today.
Can austerity in so many countries simultaneous survive?
Austerity does not bring Prosperity.
Booming Asian economy.
Western lacking.
Britain dependent on European markets.
Needs Germany to be more consumerist.
Not to be cutting on public spending.
Perennial crystal ball: FTSE 100
German Foreign Office Minister:
Hoyer
Whilst German economy is recover, cutting public expenditure?
Germans to return to growth, either increase public expenditure, or increase education, research, productivity.
Germans fearful of debt, dangerous, morally wrong…
Increasing public expenditure can lead to inflation.
Belief in the Eurozone.
Needs to be competitiveness in Global market.
Arguments offering alternatives to German strategy.
Germany has to increase domestic expenditure, the last resort of Europe.
Two panelists disagree with Germany’s direction.
Irwin Stelzer
European Central Bank not fully acting it’s role.
5% of GDP.
Asked whether UK’s got it right?
Don’t know yet.
Know what they’re saying.
Don’t know what they’re going to do.
There’s often a gap.
Education to be cut?...
Secretary of
Michael Gove
Civitas?
A time for re-thinking the focus.
Bums on seats, for the sake of it.
David Willetts MP
Universities Minister
Prid pro quo?
Exclusivity of Higher Education once a symbol of the elite.
Dr. Wendy Piatt, Russel Group (advisor to Labour government)
Keeping funding for universities
Michael Morpurgo – Children’s writer
Early development are absolutely critical to life.
Being setup as either or…
They could both be cut.
Personally side with the kid’s dude.
Mandela’s Elders in South Africa
Chair - Desmond Tutu
Kofi Annan
Algerian
Former UN Envoy
Graca Machel
Biggest divide between rich and poor
Arpatheid
1995 Springboks, with Nelson Mandela represented Afrikana Nationalism.
Presidents for life..
African disease.
An evolutionary process.
Keeping the pressure.
Questioning the relationship between UK+US.
Obama seeking for an ‘ass to kick’.
Interesting narrative.
Obama’s father mistreated by the British.
‘Dreams of my Father’ – should really check it out.
Boris Johnson inciting rift, Obama on ‘British’ Petroleum.
Broadcaster critical of Obama, thinking he thinks he can make peacemakers of the world. Hasn’t really reached out to the French or British.
Like the World Cup light touch to the discussion!
Amusing!
Credence to that possibility.
Ahead of the opening of the 2010 World Cup in South Africa, Lyse Doucet asks four of the Elders what the games can really deliver for the continent. Lyse meets Desmond Tutu, Graca Machel, Kofi Annan and Ladkhar Brahimi. Presented by Gavin Esler.
Broadcast on:
BBC Two, 10:30pm Thursday 10th June 2010
Duration:
50 minutes
Available until:
11:19pm Thursday 17th June 2010
Welcome to the new austerity!
Angela Merkel seeking changes to how European economy’s run.
Fiscal stimulus turned to thriftiness.
Clegg and Hague in Germany today.
Can austerity in so many countries simultaneous survive?
Austerity does not bring Prosperity.
Booming Asian economy.
Western lacking.
Britain dependent on European markets.
Needs Germany to be more consumerist.
Not to be cutting on public spending.
Perennial crystal ball: FTSE 100
German Foreign Office Minister:
Hoyer
Whilst German economy is recover, cutting public expenditure?
Germans to return to growth, either increase public expenditure, or increase education, research, productivity.
Germans fearful of debt, dangerous, morally wrong…
Increasing public expenditure can lead to inflation.
Belief in the Eurozone.
Needs to be competitiveness in Global market.
Arguments offering alternatives to German strategy.
Germany has to increase domestic expenditure, the last resort of Europe.
Two panelists disagree with Germany’s direction.
Irwin Stelzer
European Central Bank not fully acting it’s role.
5% of GDP.
Asked whether UK’s got it right?
Don’t know yet.
Know what they’re saying.
Don’t know what they’re going to do.
There’s often a gap.
Education to be cut?...
Secretary of
Michael Gove
Civitas?
A time for re-thinking the focus.
Bums on seats, for the sake of it.
David Willetts MP
Universities Minister
Prid pro quo?
Exclusivity of Higher Education once a symbol of the elite.
Dr. Wendy Piatt, Russel Group (advisor to Labour government)
Keeping funding for universities
Michael Morpurgo – Children’s writer
Early development are absolutely critical to life.
Being setup as either or…
They could both be cut.
Personally side with the kid’s dude.
Mandela’s Elders in South Africa
Chair - Desmond Tutu
Kofi Annan
Algerian
Former UN Envoy
Graca Machel
Biggest divide between rich and poor
Arpatheid
1995 Springboks, with Nelson Mandela represented Afrikana Nationalism.
Presidents for life..
African disease.
An evolutionary process.
Keeping the pressure.
Questioning the relationship between UK+US.
Obama seeking for an ‘ass to kick’.
Interesting narrative.
Obama’s father mistreated by the British.
‘Dreams of my Father’ – should really check it out.
Boris Johnson inciting rift, Obama on ‘British’ Petroleum.
Broadcaster critical of Obama, thinking he thinks he can make peacemakers of the world. Hasn’t really reached out to the French or British.
Like the World Cup light touch to the discussion!
Amusing!
Credence to that possibility.
Newsnight 9/6/10
In-depth investigation and analysis of the stories behind the day's headlines with Jeremy Paxman.
With energy experts warning that peak oil - the point at which the growth of demand for exceeds the growth in supply - is approaching, and the Gulf of Mexico oil leak highlighting the risks of drilling in inaccessible areas, is the world about to face an oil crunch?
Broadcast on:
BBC Two, 10:30pm Wednesday 9th June 2010
Duration:
50 minutes
Available until:
11:19pm Wednesday 16th June 2010
How close are our supplies of oil running out?
Paxman
More bad news for BP.
MARATORIUM imposed by Obama.
Louisiana, Gulf of Mexico.
Dallas! – played the theme.
1980s glamour.
Southampton – expertise in Oceanography.
North Sea Oil – about 15% of UK’s oil needs.
BP says we got 46 years left of oil.
Report by Susan Watts – BBCs Science Correspondent.
“Proved Oil Reserves”
Eurasia
Asia Pacific
Graphed against Oil worriers, a gap between supply and demand.
Solar Century spokesman…
Jeremy Leggett.
A vested interest in alternative energy sources.
VS
Det Norske, a Norweigen CEO.
Erik Haugaune
Like stone age didn’t end because of no stones…
Same with oil – will be used after its found.
Worry is that we’re increasingly drilling for oil in harder places.
Argument is that technology is improving.
China
India
Middle East
High demand.
Argument is that Oil companies are saying that they can meet the increasing exponential demands of the future, against is that they won’t.
Michael Crick
Labour Party leadership.
Diane Abbott, definitely running for leadership.
Paxman speaking to her.
Quite convincing.
UN sanctions
On Iran, Tehran
Iranian President
Diplomatic Editor: Mark Urban
Obama speaking of it.
Shift in Obama’s position.
Started with an open hand of friendship.
China and Iran might still be working together.
A worry about Russia.
Iranian President rude about Russia.
Gaza under control of Hamas.
West Palestine, seized by Israel before…
Palestinian authority on West Bank…
Increasing productivity…
Embodiment of a shiny new assertiveness…
Salam Fayad (Canadian educated)
Prime Minister of the Palestinian Authority
Nablus – Northern West Bank
Blair (Middle East Envoy): Palestinian assertiveness has contributed to positive change. A by-product: Israeli withdrawal.
Qassem
Gaza – obstacle between Palestine and Hamas.
Palestine has to have Gaza and West Palestine.
To fully prosper, they need access to world markets.
Difficult in politically precarious times.
Anabtawi
Two main issues:
1. 1. Palestinian continuity
2. 2. Israel
Obama encouraged to continue pressurizing Israel, as is Tony Blair as Middle East Envoy.
The 80s
The Mummy Returns
Thatcher back in the public eye.
Nick Clegg: talking of them as a folk memory.
Extipate?
It wasn’t all that bad…
Personally, I agree…
Folk memory right?
Depends on what folk, and who’s memory!
An incredible explosion of creativity.
Harry Enfield’s ‘Loadsamoney’
British reticence towards money…
Lynne Franks
PR Consultant
Thatcher: “There is no society”.
Writer of The Damned United:
A fractured country that’s going to be fractured again, contrary to Miners in the 80s where despite losing, were well supported.
Glaswegian friend, Gavin Esler.
Broadcast on:
BBC Two, 10:30pm Wednesday 9th June 2010
Duration:
50 minutes
Available until:
11:19pm Wednesday 16th June 2010
How close are our supplies of oil running out?
Paxman
More bad news for BP.
MARATORIUM imposed by Obama.
Louisiana, Gulf of Mexico.
Dallas! – played the theme.
1980s glamour.
Southampton – expertise in Oceanography.
North Sea Oil – about 15% of UK’s oil needs.
BP says we got 46 years left of oil.
Report by Susan Watts – BBCs Science Correspondent.
“Proved Oil Reserves”
Eurasia
Asia Pacific
Graphed against Oil worriers, a gap between supply and demand.
Solar Century spokesman…
Jeremy Leggett.
A vested interest in alternative energy sources.
VS
Det Norske, a Norweigen CEO.
Erik Haugaune
Like stone age didn’t end because of no stones…
Same with oil – will be used after its found.
Worry is that we’re increasingly drilling for oil in harder places.
Argument is that technology is improving.
China
India
Middle East
High demand.
Argument is that Oil companies are saying that they can meet the increasing exponential demands of the future, against is that they won’t.
Michael Crick
Labour Party leadership.
Diane Abbott, definitely running for leadership.
Paxman speaking to her.
Quite convincing.
UN sanctions
On Iran, Tehran
Iranian President
Diplomatic Editor: Mark Urban
Obama speaking of it.
Shift in Obama’s position.
Started with an open hand of friendship.
China and Iran might still be working together.
A worry about Russia.
Iranian President rude about Russia.
Gaza under control of Hamas.
West Palestine, seized by Israel before…
Palestinian authority on West Bank…
Increasing productivity…
Embodiment of a shiny new assertiveness…
Salam Fayad (Canadian educated)
Prime Minister of the Palestinian Authority
Nablus – Northern West Bank
Blair (Middle East Envoy): Palestinian assertiveness has contributed to positive change. A by-product: Israeli withdrawal.
Qassem
Gaza – obstacle between Palestine and Hamas.
Palestine has to have Gaza and West Palestine.
To fully prosper, they need access to world markets.
Difficult in politically precarious times.
Anabtawi
Two main issues:
1. 1. Palestinian continuity
2. 2. Israel
Obama encouraged to continue pressurizing Israel, as is Tony Blair as Middle East Envoy.
The 80s
The Mummy Returns
Thatcher back in the public eye.
Nick Clegg: talking of them as a folk memory.
Extipate?
It wasn’t all that bad…
Personally, I agree…
Folk memory right?
Depends on what folk, and who’s memory!
An incredible explosion of creativity.
Harry Enfield’s ‘Loadsamoney’
British reticence towards money…
Lynne Franks
PR Consultant
Thatcher: “There is no society”.
Writer of The Damned United:
A fractured country that’s going to be fractured again, contrary to Miners in the 80s where despite losing, were well supported.
Glaswegian friend, Gavin Esler.
Newsnight 8/6/10
In-depth investigation and analysis of the stories behind the day's headlines with Jeremy Paxman.
Ahead of the World Cup celebrations in South Africa, Tim Whewell travels to the 'rainbow nation' and finds deep race divisions. He meets two men with very differing views: Julius Malema, ANC Youth League leader, and Ernst Roets, chairman of white pressure group AfriForum.
Broadcast on:
BBC Two, 10:30pm Tuesday 8th June 2010
Duration:
50 minutes
Available until:
11:19pm Tuesday 15th June 2010
Our future is in the hands of a Star Chamber…
(Paxman)
Original Star Chamber had no witnesses…
BENIGN
Osborne saying he wanted to aspire to Canada’s example.
Lord Myners (in House of Lords) City Minister 2008-10 undermining Gordon Brown’s work. Dents Labour’s case.
Star Chamber:
Osborne
Danny Alexander
William Hague
Francis Haude
Suggestion that MPs should have a say, rather than Ministers.
Didn’t know there was a distinction.
£661 billion – Public Spending
Ring-fenced (NHS and Education)
Social unrest
Double-dip recession
Paul Mason a little off-key in his presentation…
Danny Alexander interrogated by Paxman.
Despite Clegg and Alexander’s rhetoric for doing things differently with regards to fiscal expenditure, cuts are being imposed compared to increasing year on year public spending of the ‘80s.
Alexander – not convincing in his answers.
Pithily marginal changes!
Working Tax Credits.
_____________
Chief Economist
Think tank DEMOS…
Star Chamber
• - Politician saying that 5% reduction in Public Sector pay would make a dent in black hole of defecit.
Argument against: example of a Teaching Assistant, on £10,000 a year.
• - Freezing benefits for 5 years.
Advocate of Oxfam, making the case against.
Benefits already barely pay unfair crippling charges.
Mark Littlewood – Institute of Economic Affairs
A bit of an unsympathetic douche.
Implicitly proposing Working Tax Credits abolishing.
• - Cutting libraries….
National government shouldn’t subsidy/mandate, they should be for local boroughs and communities to sort out.
John Redgrave – Conservative present on Star Chamber.
Suggesting perhaps amalgamating university with public libraries.
Littlewood’s acid test:
Is it vital, can we afford it?
Counter: Vital for what?
Feel sorry for that library dude.
Brutally cut off by Paxman.
Rainbow nation of South Africa
6 years on from Mandela’s vision…
Julius Malema…
Race talk…
1994 – it was said people would be better off.
1/3 blacks unemployed.
SA – most unequal society on Earth.
Malema wants Mines Nationalised.
Say that it would be disasterous.
3000 whites supposedly be killed.
Malema inciting hate songs…
ANC Youth League.
Jacques Nell – white activist, pro ANC
Free market policies have kept South African market afloat.
Cassale Mathale – Premier
Paxman – ‘back same time, why not tell your friends?’
A bit cringe-worthy…
Broadcast on:
BBC Two, 10:30pm Tuesday 8th June 2010
Duration:
50 minutes
Available until:
11:19pm Tuesday 15th June 2010
Our future is in the hands of a Star Chamber…
(Paxman)
Original Star Chamber had no witnesses…
BENIGN
Osborne saying he wanted to aspire to Canada’s example.
Lord Myners (in House of Lords) City Minister 2008-10 undermining Gordon Brown’s work. Dents Labour’s case.
Star Chamber:
Osborne
Danny Alexander
William Hague
Francis Haude
Suggestion that MPs should have a say, rather than Ministers.
Didn’t know there was a distinction.
£661 billion – Public Spending
Ring-fenced (NHS and Education)
Social unrest
Double-dip recession
Paul Mason a little off-key in his presentation…
Danny Alexander interrogated by Paxman.
Despite Clegg and Alexander’s rhetoric for doing things differently with regards to fiscal expenditure, cuts are being imposed compared to increasing year on year public spending of the ‘80s.
Alexander – not convincing in his answers.
Pithily marginal changes!
Working Tax Credits.
_____________
Chief Economist
Think tank DEMOS…
Star Chamber
• - Politician saying that 5% reduction in Public Sector pay would make a dent in black hole of defecit.
Argument against: example of a Teaching Assistant, on £10,000 a year.
• - Freezing benefits for 5 years.
Advocate of Oxfam, making the case against.
Benefits already barely pay unfair crippling charges.
Mark Littlewood – Institute of Economic Affairs
A bit of an unsympathetic douche.
Implicitly proposing Working Tax Credits abolishing.
• - Cutting libraries….
National government shouldn’t subsidy/mandate, they should be for local boroughs and communities to sort out.
John Redgrave – Conservative present on Star Chamber.
Suggesting perhaps amalgamating university with public libraries.
Littlewood’s acid test:
Is it vital, can we afford it?
Counter: Vital for what?
Feel sorry for that library dude.
Brutally cut off by Paxman.
Rainbow nation of South Africa
6 years on from Mandela’s vision…
Julius Malema…
Race talk…
1994 – it was said people would be better off.
1/3 blacks unemployed.
SA – most unequal society on Earth.
Malema wants Mines Nationalised.
Say that it would be disasterous.
3000 whites supposedly be killed.
Malema inciting hate songs…
ANC Youth League.
Jacques Nell – white activist, pro ANC
Free market policies have kept South African market afloat.
Cassale Mathale – Premier
Paxman – ‘back same time, why not tell your friends?’
A bit cringe-worthy…
Newsnight 7/6/10
Broadcast on:
BBC Two, 10:30pm Monday 7th June 2010
In-depth investigation and analysis of the stories behind the day's headlines with Jeremy Paxman. For almost a year Newsnight followed the progress of A Company, 2nd Battalion The Yorkshire Regiment (Green Howards), as they prepared for and carried out a six month tour in Sangin, in Afghanistan's Helmand Province. Newsnight rejoins them as the soldiers and their families are reunited in the UK.
Duration:
50 minutes
Available until:
11:19pm Monday 14th June 2010
Like instruments of torture…
Axing finances…
Fiscal Stimulus…
Conservatives expected to make bigger cuts than announced…
"Public Service boom, and Private Sector bust" - Cameron
Sovereign Debt Crisis.
Ring-fenced?…
NHS would have to be cut…
Canadian example to be followed…
De-partisanize the issue…
Cameron needs to establish this as a National Crisis.
I like the way they set up the structure of the debate…
Former Canadian Government Advisor and Conservative MP vs Other end of Political Spectrum…
The physical positioning.
Removing ideology from the process..
Lisa Harker - Institute
Defence Editor: Mark Urban
Soldiers from Sangin.
Green Howards.
IED.
Labour Party Conference.
Hustings?
GMB Unions?…
Wigan, Lancashire.
Paul Kenny - General Secretary
Ed Balls absent on Commons' Business.
Andy Burnham
Dianne Abbott
Two brothers
Ed Balls
John Mc Donnell
2nd Hustings
with Labour Party members…
35.10/48.17mins of Newsnight...
@Church House, Westminster
‘most passionate advocate for change’
(on Ed Milliband)
Chi OnWuRah – Labour MP for Newcastle Upon Tyne
Commenting on the situation.
Gillian Slavo – Playwright and Activist
Parliamentary Party has changed enormously (Paxman).
Tokenism…
Conservatives have a black woman, and an asian woman.
Some old-skool American journalist retired today saying “the Israelis should get the hell out of Palestine”.
BBC Two, 10:30pm Monday 7th June 2010
In-depth investigation and analysis of the stories behind the day's headlines with Jeremy Paxman. For almost a year Newsnight followed the progress of A Company, 2nd Battalion The Yorkshire Regiment (Green Howards), as they prepared for and carried out a six month tour in Sangin, in Afghanistan's Helmand Province. Newsnight rejoins them as the soldiers and their families are reunited in the UK.
Duration:
50 minutes
Available until:
11:19pm Monday 14th June 2010
Like instruments of torture…
Axing finances…
Fiscal Stimulus…
Conservatives expected to make bigger cuts than announced…
"Public Service boom, and Private Sector bust" - Cameron
Sovereign Debt Crisis.
Ring-fenced?…
NHS would have to be cut…
Canadian example to be followed…
De-partisanize the issue…
Cameron needs to establish this as a National Crisis.
I like the way they set up the structure of the debate…
Former Canadian Government Advisor and Conservative MP vs Other end of Political Spectrum…
The physical positioning.
Removing ideology from the process..
Lisa Harker - Institute
Defence Editor: Mark Urban
Soldiers from Sangin.
Green Howards.
IED.
Labour Party Conference.
Hustings?
GMB Unions?…
Wigan, Lancashire.
Paul Kenny - General Secretary
Ed Balls absent on Commons' Business.
Andy Burnham
Dianne Abbott
Two brothers
Ed Balls
John Mc Donnell
2nd Hustings
with Labour Party members…
35.10/48.17mins of Newsnight...
@Church House, Westminster
‘most passionate advocate for change’
(on Ed Milliband)
Chi OnWuRah – Labour MP for Newcastle Upon Tyne
Commenting on the situation.
Gillian Slavo – Playwright and Activist
Parliamentary Party has changed enormously (Paxman).
Tokenism…
Conservatives have a black woman, and an asian woman.
Some old-skool American journalist retired today saying “the Israelis should get the hell out of Palestine”.
Friday, 11 June 2010
Newsnight on Friday, 4th June 2010
From the BBC iPlayer:
How do communities come together to cope with terrible events like those which took place in Cumbria, and do such events leave an indelible mark? Newsnight reports. Presented by Gavin Esler.
Broadcast on:
BBC Two, 10:30pm Friday 4th June 2010
Duration:
30 minutes
Available until:
10:59pm Friday 11th June 2010
_____________________________________
How do communities come together to cope with terrible events like those which took place in Cumbria, and do such events leave an indelible mark? Newsnight reports. Presented by Gavin Esler.
Broadcast on:
BBC Two, 10:30pm Friday 4th June 2010
Duration:
30 minutes
Available until:
10:59pm Friday 11th June 2010
_____________________________________
Thursday, 10 June 2010
Newsnight on Thursday, 3rd June 2010
From Newsnight Website on iPlayer:
Exclusive insight into what Derrick Bird, the taxi driver who killed 12 people and injured 11 in a gun rampage, was like from a man who knew him well. Presented by Kirsty Wark.
Broadcast on:
BBC Two, 10:30pm Thursday 3rd June 2010
Duration:
50 minutes
Available until:
11:19pm Thursday 10th June 2010
______________________________________
Exclusive insight into what Derrick Bird, the taxi driver who killed 12 people and injured 11 in a gun rampage, was like from a man who knew him well. Presented by Kirsty Wark.
Broadcast on:
BBC Two, 10:30pm Thursday 3rd June 2010
Duration:
50 minutes
Available until:
11:19pm Thursday 10th June 2010
______________________________________
Friday, 4 June 2010
Newsnight on Tuesday, 1st June 2010
iPlayer Information:
With Kirsty Wark.
Includes rare access to the world's most secretive country, North Korea, on a trip which coincided with celebrations to mark the birthday of the country's Great Leader, Kim Il-Sung.
Broadcast on:
BBC Two, 10:30pm Tuesday 1st June 2010
Duration:
50 minutes
Available until:
11:19pm Tuesday 8th June 2010
_______________________________________________________________
The programme largely focused on the situation in the Middle East; and an insight into North Korea.
News correspondent reporting from Jerusalem. Israel had attacked a flotilla carrying aid to the Gaza Strip, killing four Turkish activists/civilians. This effectively causes much discontent with Israel's closest Muslim ally.
Flotilla's primary purpose was to carry basic supplies to the region. A secondary purpose, was to campaign and raise awareness to the Israeli government to end the blockade of Gaza.
Blockade of Gaza, in it's third year, maintained by the Israelis for it's protection, to prevent supplies going to Hamas (perceived to be a terrorist harbour by the West). The intention is also to weaken terrorists' political hold on Gaza. These intentions, and their positive ramifications (if any) is subject to closer inspection and question.
Mark Urban (BBC's Diplomatic Editor) gave a rather detailed, impressive analysis of the situation and events using close footage taken during the raid. Pointing out the tactics and weaponry used, as distinct from say how UK and US forces would approach the same situation. Points towards the potential use of an Uzi, at odds with the non-lethal intention to subdue the boat. Widespread criticism of tactics employed, saying it should not have been military, provoking retaliation from those on board and evoking an near-inevitable response(video evidence of).
Turkey and Israel used to be strong allies in terms of Intelligence and Politics. But this 'crisis' has the Turkish leading more towards Iran (enemies of Israel). Syria also deemed a threat.
Israeli Government Spokesman is keen to emphasise that the intention of the operation was to escort/take the flotilla to a port and have their supplies distributed there. They were successful in doing this peacefully for five of the six boats of the the flotilla. On only one of them did violence ensue. Relatively implacable on maintaining what it deems a necessary blockade for the sake of security. This is supported by the US.
An advisor to the Palestinian Government condemned Israel's actions. Calls for a lifting of the blockade, that it should have the right to self-determine (which Egypt have apparently done). Violence is surely brimming, with frustration that they can't be free to do what they want with such constraints. The blockade is a contributing factor to escalating violence, opposed to being wholly preventative, in his estimation.
A previous US Ambassador to Israel, supposedly the neutral voice spoke of a 'squaring of the circle' (like that phrase) whereby a situation would be in place to 'ease the passage of goods' whilst maintaining the blockade. This partially mirrors William Hague's (The Foreign Secretary) statement.
Other notes:
Barack Obama has spoken to the Turkish Prime Minister.
Fiasco
With Kirsty Wark.
Includes rare access to the world's most secretive country, North Korea, on a trip which coincided with celebrations to mark the birthday of the country's Great Leader, Kim Il-Sung.
Broadcast on:
BBC Two, 10:30pm Tuesday 1st June 2010
Duration:
50 minutes
Available until:
11:19pm Tuesday 8th June 2010
_______________________________________________________________
The programme largely focused on the situation in the Middle East; and an insight into North Korea.
News correspondent reporting from Jerusalem. Israel had attacked a flotilla carrying aid to the Gaza Strip, killing four Turkish activists/civilians. This effectively causes much discontent with Israel's closest Muslim ally.
Flotilla's primary purpose was to carry basic supplies to the region. A secondary purpose, was to campaign and raise awareness to the Israeli government to end the blockade of Gaza.
Blockade of Gaza, in it's third year, maintained by the Israelis for it's protection, to prevent supplies going to Hamas (perceived to be a terrorist harbour by the West). The intention is also to weaken terrorists' political hold on Gaza. These intentions, and their positive ramifications (if any) is subject to closer inspection and question.
Mark Urban (BBC's Diplomatic Editor) gave a rather detailed, impressive analysis of the situation and events using close footage taken during the raid. Pointing out the tactics and weaponry used, as distinct from say how UK and US forces would approach the same situation. Points towards the potential use of an Uzi, at odds with the non-lethal intention to subdue the boat. Widespread criticism of tactics employed, saying it should not have been military, provoking retaliation from those on board and evoking an near-inevitable response(video evidence of).
Turkey and Israel used to be strong allies in terms of Intelligence and Politics. But this 'crisis' has the Turkish leading more towards Iran (enemies of Israel). Syria also deemed a threat.
Israeli Government Spokesman is keen to emphasise that the intention of the operation was to escort/take the flotilla to a port and have their supplies distributed there. They were successful in doing this peacefully for five of the six boats of the the flotilla. On only one of them did violence ensue. Relatively implacable on maintaining what it deems a necessary blockade for the sake of security. This is supported by the US.
An advisor to the Palestinian Government condemned Israel's actions. Calls for a lifting of the blockade, that it should have the right to self-determine (which Egypt have apparently done). Violence is surely brimming, with frustration that they can't be free to do what they want with such constraints. The blockade is a contributing factor to escalating violence, opposed to being wholly preventative, in his estimation.
A previous US Ambassador to Israel, supposedly the neutral voice spoke of a 'squaring of the circle' (like that phrase) whereby a situation would be in place to 'ease the passage of goods' whilst maintaining the blockade. This partially mirrors William Hague's (The Foreign Secretary) statement.
Other notes:
Barack Obama has spoken to the Turkish Prime Minister.
Fiasco
Overview and Objective
I've always been interested in Current affairs. And with the recent coverage, analysis, and criticisms of the UK's General Election (May 2010), I've become hooked!
A Current Affairs (wannabe) junkie, if you will!
It's quite a challenge to keep up to date with everything, and I've been trying to...
My staple diet of News intake therefore consists of:
NEWSNIGHT (Monday to Friday)
QUESTION TIME (Thursday nights)
THE ANDREW MARR SHOW (Sunday)
THE DAILY POLITICS
A Current Affairs (wannabe) junkie, if you will!
It's quite a challenge to keep up to date with everything, and I've been trying to...
My staple diet of News intake therefore consists of:
NEWSNIGHT (Monday to Friday)
QUESTION TIME (Thursday nights)
THE ANDREW MARR SHOW (Sunday)
THE DAILY POLITICS
Thursday, 3 June 2010
Newsnight on Friday, 28th May 2010
Just half an hour long...
Again, an American Corporate Economics Analyst vs some British Dude. The former was very anecdotal, employing a touch too many metaphors without any concept of time-keeping on the programme. Looked set to lecture. He was very passionate about 'socialisation', that private debt is turning to public liability/sovereign debt. Said that it's a good thing that we're talking about debt, instead of insolvency. Moral and ethical questions were raised, that the mistakes of our bankers are like putting mortgages on our childrens' future. The people responsible are not being held accountable, and the consequences of that will be suffered upon future generations, and not on the ones who started it. Also Paul Mason's piece preceded this (talking about GDP, about the contagion extending to Greece, Portugal and Spain). Parallels with 1929 suggest a double-dip recession. Its seems a very precarious financial situation.
Also discussed the British ballet performer Margot Fontaine, who was involved in a revolt against the government in Panama some years ago. Can't remember why that was Newsnight worthy... But fascinating nonetheless! For love, did she act. An interesting idea of artists being apolitical, they're supposedly ideologically removed from politics, so as to be in a position to have it's critique resonate more with the masses.
Random words:
Solvency
Fiscal defecit
Sub-letting
FTSE
Dow
Euro
Dollar
Again, an American Corporate Economics Analyst vs some British Dude. The former was very anecdotal, employing a touch too many metaphors without any concept of time-keeping on the programme. Looked set to lecture. He was very passionate about 'socialisation', that private debt is turning to public liability/sovereign debt. Said that it's a good thing that we're talking about debt, instead of insolvency. Moral and ethical questions were raised, that the mistakes of our bankers are like putting mortgages on our childrens' future. The people responsible are not being held accountable, and the consequences of that will be suffered upon future generations, and not on the ones who started it. Also Paul Mason's piece preceded this (talking about GDP, about the contagion extending to Greece, Portugal and Spain). Parallels with 1929 suggest a double-dip recession. Its seems a very precarious financial situation.
Also discussed the British ballet performer Margot Fontaine, who was involved in a revolt against the government in Panama some years ago. Can't remember why that was Newsnight worthy... But fascinating nonetheless! For love, did she act. An interesting idea of artists being apolitical, they're supposedly ideologically removed from politics, so as to be in a position to have it's critique resonate more with the masses.
Random words:
Solvency
Fiscal defecit
Sub-letting
FTSE
Dow
Euro
Dollar
Newsnight on Thursday, 27th May 2010
Recall:
On the Economic Front, a rather entertaining debate between an economics Professor from the States, against a British Hedge Fund manager. The latter was vehemently condemning, and warning (I can't remember what about though), almost belittling the other persons prestige as someone whose only worry is tenure at his present university. Thought that rather ungracious, as he was losing respectability throughout the debate. No one's denying his passion, though he could have kept the accusations, and the little self-righteousness he had about him to a minimum. The Yank maintained respectability, and decorum warning him to 'Watch your rhetoric'.
A particularly pertinent episode. Concerning Ian Duncan Smith's task of attempting Welfare Reform. Images of him in South London at a Help Centre for the unemployed saw a politician removed from the activity taking place (a plastic cup exercise with a seemingly 'uneducated' youth). A politician looking down, who was more concerned about a fiscal defecit than the welfare of the people being subject to reform.
From personal experience of A4e:
I think a highly sophisticated volunteering scheme should take power (more like charities, than businesses) to help the unemployed. There needs to be more effective leadership structures who command respect, dignity, and integrity rather than business executives with a fear of revenue removed for not getting the statistics required. Common sense should take precedence, and there needs to be a greater attempt to UNDERSTAND. All too often people are dismissed as a statistic in the beuraoucratic desperation to 'get on with the job'. Jobs should be done properly, or not at all, as Centre Workers at large mirror politicians in approach.
Steve Webb (Minister for the Department for Work and Pensions) was the government's representative on the programme. He was put up against three representatives of the so-called long-term unemployed. The first was surprisingly eloquent and intelligent, and funny - he was a sufferer of BiPolar Disorder. The second was a woman with several young children who had been on benefits for 10 years. She was difficult to watch, unable to express herself, and coming across as completely lazy. She asked: 'Would you make me do a job I don't want to do?'. She was also concerned that recent legislation (something about lowering the age of kids for Mum's to go back to work) would adversely affect her benefits. Not very convincing. The last guy was supposedly an experienced and qualified worker who had been made redundant. His story about how he 'really wants to work, and sends over 10 applications a day' also wasn't very convincing. There was a great lack of energy about him, in my view, and the really desperate always seem to say the same thing to look credible. After trying so hard the first few times, it's hard to maintain that enthusiasm with that sustained effort.
Steve Webb wasn't any better. A Liberal Democrat that was talking the talk, and echoing the nice-sounding optimism of his superiors. To me, he just sounded like just another politician/bureaucrat, and failed to convince me that he had a real grasp and understanding of some of the electorate's genuine, more psychological concerns with regards to welfare, and real, practical, creative or innovative ways to tackle reform.
Random words:
Coercive
De facto
FTSE
DOW
On the Economic Front, a rather entertaining debate between an economics Professor from the States, against a British Hedge Fund manager. The latter was vehemently condemning, and warning (I can't remember what about though), almost belittling the other persons prestige as someone whose only worry is tenure at his present university. Thought that rather ungracious, as he was losing respectability throughout the debate. No one's denying his passion, though he could have kept the accusations, and the little self-righteousness he had about him to a minimum. The Yank maintained respectability, and decorum warning him to 'Watch your rhetoric'.
A particularly pertinent episode. Concerning Ian Duncan Smith's task of attempting Welfare Reform. Images of him in South London at a Help Centre for the unemployed saw a politician removed from the activity taking place (a plastic cup exercise with a seemingly 'uneducated' youth). A politician looking down, who was more concerned about a fiscal defecit than the welfare of the people being subject to reform.
From personal experience of A4e:
I think a highly sophisticated volunteering scheme should take power (more like charities, than businesses) to help the unemployed. There needs to be more effective leadership structures who command respect, dignity, and integrity rather than business executives with a fear of revenue removed for not getting the statistics required. Common sense should take precedence, and there needs to be a greater attempt to UNDERSTAND. All too often people are dismissed as a statistic in the beuraoucratic desperation to 'get on with the job'. Jobs should be done properly, or not at all, as Centre Workers at large mirror politicians in approach.
Steve Webb (Minister for the Department for Work and Pensions) was the government's representative on the programme. He was put up against three representatives of the so-called long-term unemployed. The first was surprisingly eloquent and intelligent, and funny - he was a sufferer of BiPolar Disorder. The second was a woman with several young children who had been on benefits for 10 years. She was difficult to watch, unable to express herself, and coming across as completely lazy. She asked: 'Would you make me do a job I don't want to do?'. She was also concerned that recent legislation (something about lowering the age of kids for Mum's to go back to work) would adversely affect her benefits. Not very convincing. The last guy was supposedly an experienced and qualified worker who had been made redundant. His story about how he 'really wants to work, and sends over 10 applications a day' also wasn't very convincing. There was a great lack of energy about him, in my view, and the really desperate always seem to say the same thing to look credible. After trying so hard the first few times, it's hard to maintain that enthusiasm with that sustained effort.
Steve Webb wasn't any better. A Liberal Democrat that was talking the talk, and echoing the nice-sounding optimism of his superiors. To me, he just sounded like just another politician/bureaucrat, and failed to convince me that he had a real grasp and understanding of some of the electorate's genuine, more psychological concerns with regards to welfare, and real, practical, creative or innovative ways to tackle reform.
Random words:
Coercive
De facto
FTSE
DOW
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