Robert Kilroy-Silk on Question Time

Britannist · 17-11-2006, 12:30 AM

Robert Kilroy-Silk MEP (elected as a UK Independence Party MEP but who now sits as an Independent) was a guest on Question Time (from Cheltenham) on BBC 1 Television on 16.11.2006 (broadcast from 10.35 pm to 11.35 pm). The other panellists were ‘Tony’ McNulty MP, a Blairite and Labour Government Minister, Baroness Bonham-Carter (Liberal Dim party), Boris Johnson MP (Conservative) and a woman of Pakistani origin who was introduced as “a comedian”.

On the recent trial of the leader of the British National Party (BNP), Nick Griffin, (on race hate charges on remarks made about Islam in a speech and which resulted in Mr. Griffin being found not guilty), Robert Kilroy-Silk MEP, said at 10.56 pm “I had a six month investigation (following an article I wrote about Arabs). I faced the same charges as Nick Griffin. I was put on trial by the BBC just like the documentary by the BBC put on trial Nick Griffin. We must defend free speech. I abhor the BNP – but the trial was politically motivated and I am glad it failed (to prosecute him). Our democracy is built on the freedom to offend people. Religion is a set of views. Christians incite. All regions incite. All religions are fairy tales. Religion is just a set of beliefs. We should be allowed to criticise religion – but must draw the line at an actual incitement to violence.”

Asked about compensation claims by prisoners in jail coming off illegal drugs (‘cold Turkey’ treatment) Mr. Kilroy-Silk commented at 11.10 pm “Prisoners should have received the same treatment as anyone else. This is immoral and negligent. If we are to help these prisoners why can’t we help breast cancer and lung cancer sufferers in England denied treatment by the National Institute of Clinical Excellence which is available to people in Scotland. Do the English and Welsh not count?”

In reply to the question “Is (the contents of) The Queen’s Speech the politics of fear?” Robert Kilroy-Silk MEP replied at 11.20 pm “I suppose we have to trust the Government. They paraded the head of police warning of danger (from terrorism) and they pulled out the M15 chief to say that the threat (from terrorists) may be nuclear. But we wonder. We were told about weapons off mass destruction. We don’t trust them (the Government). Are we being softened up for 90 days’ detention – rather than 28 days’. It (any extension of detention) has to be based on evidence and a judicial review every 7 days of those 90 days. All official enquiries (Kelly etc.) have produced the result the Government wanted. We can’t trust the Government Our servicemen and servicewomen died in Iraq for a pack of lies. If they (the Government) can lie for that – they can lie for this.”

Tony McNulty MP replied “I don’t mind a bit of criticism but that (what Kilroy said) was irresponsible and cynical.”

Presenter David Dimbleby pointed out “We have had 5 criminal justice bills since Labour got back in 1997 and 3000 new offences have been created. Is that legislation not enough?”

A man in the audience said “We are the most watched nation in the world (CCTV etc.). Why do we need more?”

Mr. Kilroy-Silk answered (at .11.29 pm) the question “Did David Cameron’s lightweight performance in The Queen’s Speech debate (on 15.11.2006 in the Commons) signal the end of his (political) honeymoon?” as follows: “It is the end of his (political) honeymoon. David Cameron will not win a General Election and become Prime Minister. I do think that he (Cameron) is a lightweight. He hasn’t produced anything of substance.”

Labour Minister Tony McNulty stated “It (David Cameron’s contribution to The Queen’s Speech debate on 15.11.2006) was the worst speech I’ve heard in 9 years in the Commons.”

mkpdavies · 17-11-2006, 07:39 AM

Such a shame what happened with Kilroy.

Bluemerle · 17-11-2006, 09:04 AM

Kilroy was very good. Couldn't disagree with much he said. It is a pity his ego was too big to exercise a little patience over the Leadership question. He is well liked by "the people". He speaks their language.

mkpdavies · 17-11-2006, 09:07 AM

I wonder if he would have won the leadership, if he had waited, done a good job and only run when the election was called?

I think so. A good example of how patience is sometimes a key virtue.

Bluemerle · 17-11-2006, 09:08 AM

I think so too. He certainly woke the public up in the short time he was with UKIP.

mkpdavies · 17-11-2006, 09:12 AM

Still, would you want a leader with no patience and lack of political nouce?

I wouldn't. He blew it by being too hasty. Probably best for UKIP in the long run.

Bluemerle · 17-11-2006, 09:15 AM

Quote:

Still, would you want a leader with no patience and lack of political nouce?

I wouldn't. He blew it by being too hasty. Probably best for UKIP in the long run.

If he had shown patience, he wouldn't have been too hasty. Look what UKIP got instead!!! :roll:

mkpdavies · 17-11-2006, 09:17 AM

Well that's the thing isn't it. If he had shown the patience, then he wouldn't be the man he is!

He blew it. In fact, he probably helped Nigel in the end. He managed to drag all the people who would have voted for someone else out and left a clear run for him really.

Nigel should send him a letter of thanks.

Hartlepool · 17-11-2006, 09:32 AM

Yes look what UKIP got indeed.

New Leader,Nigel Farage,doing great for UKIP and streets ahead of the previous Leaders,he also has the Political nouce and patience that others didn't.

Time to bury the old Ski hatchet,forget who you voted for and support your new Leader Nigel Farage because he will be leading us for a long time to come.

I voted for DCB,wish I hadn't though,I was wrong about him.

Christina · 17-11-2006, 09:49 AM

You can see the prog here

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/programmes/question_time/

17-11-2006, 12:30 AM	#1 (permalink)
Britannist Uber Member Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: London Posts: 22,896	Robert Kilroy-Silk on Question Time - report on what he said Robert Kilroy-Silk MEP (elected as a UK Independence Party MEP but who now sits as an Independent) was a guest on Question Time (from Cheltenham) on BBC 1 Television on 16.11.2006 (broadcast from 10.35 pm to 11.35 pm). The other panellists were ‘Tony’ McNulty MP, a Blairite and Labour Government Minister, Baroness Bonham-Carter (Liberal Dim party), Boris Johnson MP (Conservative) and a woman of Pakistani origin who was introduced as “a comedian”. On the recent trial of the leader of the British National Party (BNP), Nick Griffin, (on race hate charges on remarks made about Islam in a speech and which resulted in Mr. Griffin being found not guilty), Robert Kilroy-Silk MEP, said at 10.56 pm “I had a six month investigation (following an article I wrote about Arabs). I faced the same charges as Nick Griffin. I was put on trial by the BBC just like the documentary by the BBC put on trial Nick Griffin. We must defend free speech. I abhor the BNP – but the trial was politically motivated and I am glad it failed (to prosecute him). Our democracy is built on the freedom to offend people. Religion is a set of views. Christians incite. All regions incite. All religions are fairy tales. Religion is just a set of beliefs. We should be allowed to criticise religion – but must draw the line at an actual incitement to violence.” Asked about compensation claims by prisoners in jail coming off illegal drugs (‘cold Turkey’ treatment) Mr. Kilroy-Silk commented at 11.10 pm “Prisoners should have received the same treatment as anyone else. This is immoral and negligent. If we are to help these prisoners why can’t we help breast cancer and lung cancer sufferers in England denied treatment by the National Institute of Clinical Excellence which is available to people in Scotland. Do the English and Welsh not count?” In reply to the question “Is (the contents of) The Queen’s Speech the politics of fear?” Robert Kilroy-Silk MEP replied at 11.20 pm “I suppose we have to trust the Government. They paraded the head of police warning of danger (from terrorism) and they pulled out the M15 chief to say that the threat (from terrorists) may be nuclear. But we wonder. We were told about weapons off mass destruction. We don’t trust them (the Government). Are we being softened up for 90 days’ detention – rather than 28 days’. It (any extension of detention) has to be based on evidence and a judicial review every 7 days of those 90 days. All official enquiries (Kelly etc.) have produced the result the Government wanted. We can’t trust the Government Our servicemen and servicewomen died in Iraq for a pack of lies. If they (the Government) can lie for that – they can lie for this.” Tony McNulty MP replied “I don’t mind a bit of criticism but that (what Kilroy said) was irresponsible and cynical.” Presenter David Dimbleby pointed out “We have had 5 criminal justice bills since Labour got back in 1997 and 3000 new offences have been created. Is that legislation not enough?” A man in the audience said “We are the most watched nation in the world (CCTV etc.). Why do we need more?” Mr. Kilroy-Silk answered (at .11.29 pm) the question “Did David Cameron’s lightweight performance in The Queen’s Speech debate (on 15.11.2006 in the Commons) signal the end of his (political) honeymoon?” as follows: “It is the end of his (political) honeymoon. David Cameron will not win a General Election and become Prime Minister. I do think that he (Cameron) is a lightweight. He hasn’t produced anything of substance.” Labour Minister Tony McNulty stated “It (David Cameron’s contribution to The Queen’s Speech debate on 15.11.2006) was the worst speech I’ve heard in 9 years in the Commons.”

17-11-2006, 07:39 AM	#2 (permalink)
mkpdavies Uber Member Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Woking Posts: 30,820	Such a shame what happened with Kilroy. __________________ http://brits4ronpaul.blogspot.com/ http://wokinglibertarians.blogspot.com/ http://lpuk.org My ignore list Labour, Blue Labour, Lib Dems

17-11-2006, 09:07 AM	#4 (permalink)
mkpdavies Uber Member Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Woking Posts: 30,820	I wonder if he would have won the leadership, if he had waited, done a good job and only run when the election was called? I think so. A good example of how patience is sometimes a key virtue. __________________ http://brits4ronpaul.blogspot.com/ http://wokinglibertarians.blogspot.com/ http://lpuk.org My ignore list Labour, Blue Labour, Lib Dems

17-11-2006, 09:12 AM	#6 (permalink)
mkpdavies Uber Member Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Woking Posts: 30,820	Still, would you want a leader with no patience and lack of political nouce? I wouldn't. He blew it by being too hasty. Probably best for UKIP in the long run. __________________ http://brits4ronpaul.blogspot.com/ http://wokinglibertarians.blogspot.com/ http://lpuk.org My ignore list Labour, Blue Labour, Lib Dems

17-11-2006, 09:17 AM	#8 (permalink)
mkpdavies Uber Member Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Woking Posts: 30,820	Well that's the thing isn't it. If he had shown the patience, then he wouldn't be the man he is! He blew it. In fact, he probably helped Nigel in the end. He managed to drag all the people who would have voted for someone else out and left a clear run for him really. Nigel should send him a letter of thanks. __________________ http://brits4ronpaul.blogspot.com/ http://wokinglibertarians.blogspot.com/ http://lpuk.org My ignore list Labour, Blue Labour, Lib Dems

17-11-2006, 09:04 AM	#3 (permalink)
Bluemerle Uber Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Dorset. Posts: 3,252	Kilroy was very good. Couldn't disagree with much he said. It is a pity his ego was too big to exercise a little patience over the Leadership question. He is well liked by "the people". He speaks their language.

17-11-2006, 09:08 AM	#5 (permalink)
Bluemerle Uber Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Dorset. Posts: 3,252	I think so too. He certainly woke the public up in the short time he was with UKIP.

17-11-2006, 09:32 AM	#9 (permalink)
Hartlepool Uber Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: North East England Posts: 6,785 Party: Free England Party	Yes look what UKIP got indeed. New Leader,Nigel Farage,doing great for UKIP and streets ahead of the previous Leaders,he also has the Political nouce and patience that others didn't. Time to bury the old Ski hatchet,forget who you voted for and support your new Leader Nigel Farage because he will be leading us for a long time to come. I voted for DCB,wish I hadn't though,I was wrong about him.

17-11-2006, 09:49 AM	#10 (permalink)
Christina Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Eccleston, St Helens Posts: 1,529	You can see the prog here http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/programmes/question_time/

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