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David Cameron is on the programme this morning

Comments

1. At 08:43 AM on 15 Apr 2008, Ben Bagley wrote:

   Question for David Cameron
   What would he do about the "soul" of the country? Most people I talk to, irrespective of politics, agree that this country has been allowed, under the labour government, to lose its soul. We are no longer GREAT Britain (and I don't mean in the imperial sense) or the UNITED Kingdom. Let's take immigration - this has been allowed to spiral uncontrollably making huge demands on the benefits, health and education systems of this country. For example, local state primary schools which are totally Asian in composition are far better resourced than white schools in more affluent areas because they attract more funding. Some of these large extended families make huge demands on the benefits sytem, have significant rights whilst making little contribution to the economy of the country. If I were to live in a foreign country I would expect to adopt the language and culture of that country. There is no similar expectation here.
   Taking the argument beyond immigration - why has the power in this country been shifted to the disaffected sub-culture that is increasing: those that choose not to work but to live on benefits, have few morals that guide their lives, and disrespect the laws of the land. This group access, and use, the "rights" open to them often at the expense of the majority of law abiding citizens who go out to work every day, and try to live their lives by a decent code of morals.
   The answer is that the government have allowed this to happen. Under the banners of "human rights", "equal opportunities" and "inclusion" positive discrimination has ensured the growth of this sub-culture.
   My home town used to be, and maybe still is, a ghetto on a Friday and Saturday night. Roads were barricaded off whilst bingeing youths swaggered round the town. It was a no go area for anyone else. The police, meanwhile, looked on, took little action and generally indulged the behaviour. This is typical of many town centres. Why do the government allow this to happen? Easily rectified but little action taken. Why has the justice system failed to deal with lawlessness with lax punitive measures so that incidents like the Gary Newlove case beccome common place? Finally I was a headteacher for fourteen years. Over that time I saw a rise in poor behaviour of students matched only by a similar rise in in poor parenting skills. Parents who give little morals and the wrong values to their children preferring to be their friend not their parent, leaving teachers to be challenged and abused at every turn. I am in the majority when I state these concerns but many would not feel feel confident about stating them for fear of castigation" by do-gooders. What would Mr Cameron do about the "soul" of the country?

2. At 09:22 AM on 15 Apr 2008, Richard Bulmer wrote:

   I am a tory voter, but i despair at Mr Cameron. It is like listening to Blair before he got into power. No policies, no real commitments, just nice smile and image.
   Please can he at least show some real passion and commitment giving a real alternative to the failures of this labour government. Give us a real policies to vote for, not just hope.
   There must be thousands of thinking, intelligent voters praying for a real alternative exciting party to endorse.

   My rant could go on and on!!!!

3. At 09:34 AM on 15 Apr 2008, Munro Ross wrote:

   Why are your Scottish colleagues so against localincome tax? do you thenusing the same arguments being used against local income taxation then also favour property taxation for national taxation because that is the logic of your position herein Scotland

4. At 09:34 AM on 15 Apr 2008, Ryan wrote:

   Cameron's comments are shocking! How can he cite case law from the UK courts at us and state that the government/home Sec. is bound by this when the UK works under the notion of Parliamentary soverignty and any act of Parliament can repeal or amend a decision in the courts.

   I understand there are arguments that we live in an intermediate constitution, however in reality all the Judge can do is flag up an area of the law which may need legislating on.

5. At 09:45 AM on 15 Apr 2008, Daniel Collins wrote:

   Dear Mr. Cameron,

   I was interested to hear that one of your points on 'so called Green Taxes' centred around the idea of using the revenue generated to help reduce the tax burden for people on low incomes. My concern lies in the fact that as a nation we have become very materialistic. We all drive fancy cars and although we like to preach our concern for the environment collectively we do little about it. I am no angel as I drive a car, enjoy flying etc. If we start using the green tax revenues to increase the money in our pockets do you not feel that we may only stimulate the damage we are doing to the environment by facilitating the ability for people to drive more, put more petrol in their cars and fly on more holidays. Would it not be more prudent to use these tax revenues to actually do something to help our blighted planet. It's about time we all took responsibility for what we are doing and as a potential leader of our nation I can't help feeling that it's up to you to make the decisions and educate us on what we really need to do if we want our race to exist. There is no point on having a leader who just wants to please everyone, the UK is turning into a spoilt child who throws a tantrum everytime something doesn't go it's way. As it stands, until either of the parties can show some form of GENUINE commitment to undoing the damage we have created I see very little point in changing goverments. Please understand that I am not ignorant to the needs of the UK in terms of healthcare, social care, education etc but the reality is unless as a race we do something the fact of the matter is that all off the spin, faux promises (read commitments) and popular policies fade into a meaningless void. It's about time that politicians demonstrated their real thoughts and purpose by LEADING the UK instead singing the song that is most popular. It's a shame that Mr. Blair could only be an honest human being at the end of his tenure!Thankyou.

6. At 09:50 AM on 15 Apr 2008, Rita Davis wrote:

   Could you ask Mr Cameron why the Conservative Counsilors in Stoke-on-trent voteed for the school closures?

7. At 09:54 AM on 15 Apr 2008, Tim Kerridge wrote:

   The EU.

   Issue:
   The failure to achied the audit signoff of the accounts.

   Action:
   Withhold 50% of our contribution UNTIL the accounts are signed off by the auditors.

   Just do it (as the French would if it suited them)

8. At 10:00 AM on 15 Apr 2008, Michael Lloyd wrote:

   A question for Mr cameron
   I work and my wife works i have a 3 year old son can you why i am better off not working and taken from the qoverment ( I have worked all my life and never want to be unemployed but the goverment make it to easy to not work?)

9. At 10:13 AM on 15 Apr 2008, Fred Searle wrote:

   Generally a good balance of questions asked by the public and in the main well chaired despite a hint of political biase.

10. At 10:21 AM on 15 Apr 2008, Dr Andrew Dore wrote:

    Question for David Cameron.
    In a country where the NHS is in so-called "crisis", and with soaring costs of living and increased taxes; how does David Cameron feel about the prime ministers pledge of 100,000,000 GBP for mosquito nets in a spin ridden, unashamedly publicity oriented appearance on American Idol two weeks ago? Don't get me wrong, I think it's a worthy cause, but surely government has a more pressing primary concern, and that is to look after it's own populous before trying to save the world.

11. At 10:57 AM on 15 Apr 2008, Rod wrote:

    I would like to ask David Cameron his thoughts on rising household bills, gas in particular having become excessively overpriced even for the higher income family.

    
    

12. At 11:17 AM on 15 Apr 2008, Matthew wrote:

    Forget the 10% tax issue.

    Increase the tax threshold.

    For example those who earn £10,000 or less will pay no tax.
    Approximately the first £192 of taxable pay each week is FREE from tax.
    To pay for this remove the top end of the working tax credits from it's current amount to £25,000 or less.
    Working Tax Credits - Why Bother Tax Credits.

    Tax is the most efficient way.
    

13. At 03:14 PM on 15 Apr 2008, R Grant wrote:

    Obviously you are anti-Cameron,anti-Tory and anti-priviledge. So you will be anti-Brown and anti-Clegg because they have had very privileged lives also. Ask them how they can empathise with people struggling with mortgages and bills and be fair please.

14. At 03:34 PM on 15 Apr 2008, chris wrote:

    Enjoyed the interview, even with the slight ( grins) political bias of the interviewer, sometimes Victoria its good to let people speak other than inteurpting all the time, but hey what do I know.
    What I did pick up though was the point made by MANY MANY people on the Blog and obviousley NOT mentioned on the show, that these people are there to REPRESENT us and again no one picks them up on this, why? I look forward to these points of issue and it is wrapped up in many many different issues, immigaration, hanging, europe and the list goes on and on being brought up perhaps when Brown is in the chair, or will the ´óÏó´«Ã½ be too busy kissing a.........
    I heard lots of Telephone calls, mainly about single issues, " my son" " my tax" etc which is a;ways going to be batted away with " well I cant comment on individual cases" etc but not one mention of the many many comments left on the blog, does no one read it, or didnt the questions and thoughts match the criteria Victoria?

15. At 03:50 PM on 15 Apr 2008, Joe Jones wrote:

    So, "post your questions," you said - "send in questions by your texts and email".

    Why, then, did you not ask a single question from an email, text or blog post? You only had phone callers put listeners' questions to Mr Cameron but made sure you put LOTS of your OWN questions!

    What makes you think it's acceptable to broadcast a so-called listeners' phone-in programme, when all you really wanted to do - as was clear for the hour you spent with him - was ask your OWN questions and push your own views on Mr Cameron? I imagine Mr Brown won't go anywhere near you in two weeks' time, unless you promise to ask him easy questions and tell him he's wonderful.

16. At 03:58 PM on 15 Apr 2008, Ann Woodward wrote:

    I heard your programme this morning with David Cameron and I could have bet my house (precious though it is at the moment) that you would ask him the usual questions about his 'toff' upbringing etc. People say politicians are out of touch well I suggest that people like you in the media are out of touch as well. I did not listen so I could hear you ask your 'silly' questions about his upbringing as this wasted valuable time. He could have taken at least anohter three/four questions by the time you wasted on this. It is people's ability to do the job that are important , not where they came from.

    I thought he came across as fairly honest, particularly about tax. I don't understand why opposition parties are always asked two years away from a general election what they would do - their job is to call the government of the day to account and this is what he was doing.

    With regards to the 10p tax rate (which I am affected by) it is up to this government to do something about it as they brought it in.

    I hope you ask Nick Clegg about his background as he went to a pretty 'posh' school as well. Let's have some even-handedness from the ´óÏó´«Ã½ for a change.

17. At 03:59 PM on 15 Apr 2008, Ann Woodward wrote:

    I heard your programme this morning with David Cameron and I could have bet my house (precious though it is at the moment) that you would ask him the usual questions about his 'toff' upbringing etc. People say politicians are out of touch well I suggest that people like you in the media are out of touch as well. I did not listen so I could hear you ask your 'silly' questions about his upbringing as this wasted valuable time. He could have taken at least anohter three/four questions by the time you wasted on this. It is people's ability to do the job that are important , not where they came from.

    I thought he came across as fairly honest, particularly about tax. I don't understand why opposition parties are always asked two years away from a general election what they would do - their job is to call the government of the day to account and this is what he was doing.

    With regards to the 10p tax rate (which I am affected by) it is up to this government to do something about it as they brought it in.

    I hope you ask Nick Clegg about his background as he went to a pretty 'posh' school as well. Let's have some even-handedness from the ´óÏó´«Ã½ for a change.

18. At 06:52 PM on 15 Apr 2008, victoria wrote:

    Hi all..thanks for you all the comments posted here. Joe - absolutely not true! Do listen back to hear qtns via blog AND email. Callers will always get priority because it's a phone-in programme.
    Thks
    Victoria