Burngreave asks “Any Questions?”

Story: Sophie Mei Photos: Schani Cave

On Friday 22nd May, BBC Radio 4 broadcast their long-standing topical politics show ‘Any Questions?’ from Longley Park Sixth Form College.

The national debate was attended by over 200 people, many from Burngreave, with an eclectic panel of MPs, which included Rt Hon Ken Clarke MP (Conservative), Ed Balls MP (Labour), Caroline Lucas MEP (Green) and Simon Hughes MP (Liberal Democrat), who were all tamed by the lively Chair – Eddie Mair.

The event was organised by Dave Darwent, the Deputy Director of Longley Park Sixth Form College, who said “this is extremely important for the local area – and it’s great that so many people from the area have come.”

Attendees were invited to submit their questions to the panel. 10 questions were selected and the key audience members were invited to the front to ask their question live on BBC Radio 4.

Vice Principal of Longley Park Sixth Form College, Don McLean asked, “Should the BNP be allowed to attend official state functions?” referring to news of Nick Griffin, leader of the BNP, being invited to the Queen’s garden party.

The panel opposed the BNP, but their responses were somewhat different. Caroline Lucas, leader of the Green Party, felt it would be used as a political stunt for the BNP and felt angered that Nick Griffin, “who incites racial hatred,” would

be attending such an event. She stressed the importance of voting for other parties to “keep the BNP out”. Simon Hughes, Lib-Dem spokesperson for Energy and Climate Change, remained diplomatic as he said, “BNP are a racist party but a legal party. Consequently, if they weren’t invited, the worry is it would be even more of a political stunt.” Ed Balls, Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families, replied, “the thought of the leader of the BNP with the Queen makes me sick to the stomach.”

The debate focused on the current row over the MP’s expenses scandal, to which the panellists agreed that the government needs to ‘rebuild trust.’ Kenneth Clarke, shadow business secretary, went as far as suggesting “bring back the Major government,” which the audience and panellists alike, strongly opposed.

Ed Balls, close ally to Gordon Brown and recently criticised for his second home expenses, called for an independent investigation over the expenses row and agreed that the “massively important” issue needs to be solved before the government can “get back to the big decisions.”

Such a reform of Parliament is clearly needed with, as Caroline Lucas suggested, “a government with more women and ethnic minorities” and a need to “get rid of the House of Lords – people choosing the people,” added Simon Hughes.

The debate was lightened up by Burngreave’s Rose Almond, who asked, “what would you do if four million pounds was deposited into your bank account?” Simon Hughes said he would “give it to other parts of the world that need it more.”

The panel was challenged live on radio by the public forum-style event. Ed Balls admitted afterwards, “it was livelier than normal.” Paul Scriven, the Liberal Democrat leader of Sheffield City Council, who also attended the event added: “Sheffield has shouted up and made it clear we have views.”

You can listen back to the discussion on the BBC radio 4 website: http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b00kfvgv