Radio 4’s Any Questions? programme broadcast on campus

Over 250 people made up the live audience

BBC Radio 4’s flagship current affairs debate programme Any Questions? was broadcast live from the Oastler Building at the University on 18 January 2019.  The programme brought together a panel of influential political and public figures to discuss topical issues in a lively debate chaired by the distinguished author, historian, and broadcast presenter, Jonathan Dimbleby.

The panel were Layla Moran, Liberal Democrat MP for Oxford West and Abingdon and party spokesperson for Education, Science and Young People; Graham Brady, Conservative MP for Altrincham and Sale West and chair of the party’s influential 1922 Committee; Anne McElvoy, journalist for The Economist and the London Evening Standard; and Richard Burgon, Labour MP for Leeds East and Shadow Secretary of State for Justice and Shadow Lord Chancellor.

An audience of over 250 people attended the broadcast, including the University’s Vice-Chancellor Professor Bob Cryan, Deputy Vice-Chancellor Professor Tim Thornton, members of the University Council, and staff and students from across the campus.  Joining them were a host leading civic figures, including the Kirklees Council Leader, Shabir Pandor and representatives from the main political parties, Chief Executive Jacqui Gedman, and Kim Leadbeater Ambassador for The Jo Cox Foundation, and a diverse range of local citizens.

Jonathan Dimbleby began the broadcast by drawing attention to two famous Huddersfield, ‘top box office attractions’, actors James Mason and the ‘star of Star Trek’ and University of Huddersfield’s Emeritus Chancellor Sir Patrick Stewart.  Mr Dimbleby continued that many listeners would know that the University is proud that Huddersfield is the home town of former Prime Minister and Labour Party Leader Harold Wilson, who with cross-party support comfortably won the 1975 referendum to confirm the United Kingdom’s membership of the European Economic Community in 1975.  He commented that Harold Wilson had famously once said that ‘a week is a long time in politics’, pausing a little before noting the ongoing disputes in Westminster about Brexit, perhaps week should be replaced by hour, he said.

Ten questions were selected from audience, including a number submitted by staff from the University, including Professor Jim McAuley and Director of Student Services, Matt Mills.  Dr Pete Woodcock was selected to ask a pre-broadcast question to the panel.  Dr Woodcock noted that the BBC One had recently chosen to continue screening the match between Southampton and Derby County rather than a live statement from the Prime Minster on Brexit.  To the delight of the audience, he asked the panel what they would rather watch on television instead of Brexit.

The evening stimulated lively but cordial debate, with the audience engaged and supporting each of the panellists when points were made on which they agreed.  After a dramatic week in Westminster, it was not surprising that the first question was also about Brexit. Unsurprisingly, the panellists disagreed on how – or indeed if – the UK should leave the European Union.  Other questions focused on the potential crisis of UK energy policy in the wake of the collapse of two nuclear power projects in recent months, the future of town centres after the closure of some major stores, and whether drivers aged 85 or over should be permitted to drive after the accident involving Prince Phillip.  The final question sought the views of the panel concerning a recent report which suggested that people should eat meat once a week and instead adopt a diet of nuts, vegetables, and pulses. The question came from environmental researcher Dr Julia Meaton, who is a Reader in the University’s Centre for Sustainability, Responsibility, Governance and Ethics.

The broadcast further underlined the University’s civic commitment to facilitating political debate on campus and the local community.  Dr Andy Mycock, who invited the BBC to the campus, said ‘the evening was a great success, bringing a diverse audience of engaged local citizens together to listen to leading public figures’.  He went on to note ‘the University has world-class facilities to host large civic events, such as the recent annual Harold Wilson Lecture delivered by Rt Hon Gordon Brown, and a superb Events management team.  We look forward to welcoming the BBC back soon!’ 

·       The broadcast from the University of Huddersfield of Any Questions? Can now heard online.