'BBC's Laura K was tainted by extreme attitudes' | Ian Hislop interview

[@PoliticsJOE]

The latest from parliament: Keir Starmer attacks 'corrupt' Johnson (who couldn't be bothered to attend the debate): kzbin.info/www/bejne/gXTdpqKbZrugnck

[@AllThingsCubey]

@@LouDeeCruz Wtf you talking about? Tory stooge? Christ almighty

[@gijgij4541]

You did not challenge Mr H over Paul Foot's and his own dangerous errors of judgement in covering Andrew Wakefield's falsified research on MMR / autism, promoting anti vaccine sentiments. The anti-vax movement has damaged and killed many thousands and continues to do so.

[@drbrit67]

@@gijgij4541 What errors of judgement? Please give examples/sources if you're going to make a statement like this - happy to be illuminated if you're right.

[@gijgij4541]

@@drbrit67 TEST

[@gijgij4541]

@@drbrit67 For some unfathomable reason my replies to you are being taken down: I can only suggest you go to Google.

[@maximushaughton2404]

Hislop as BBC political editor, I think this government would cut the BBC funding before the ink was dry on the contract, but I'd still love to see it.

[@richbrock9876]

The BBC is a public service broadcaster established by Royal Charter. It's funded by the licence fee paid by UK households.

[@jwadaow]

@@richbrock9876 it's a levy that can be lowered or hopefully removed entirely.

[@maximushaughton2404]

@@richbrock9876 And every few years the government, tells the BBC how much they can charge for the licence. They started talking in Nov 2020 about how much it will be in 2022. So if the BBC were to really upset the government they may say that the fee will be £0.

[@maximushaughton2404]

@Connor McCleod ⚔️ Correct not funded by the government, but set.

[@Rogue_Leader]

He’s a gatekeeper.

[@derekcomer4858]

What a treat to have an interviewer who asks interesting questions and then listens to the answer without butting in , excellent work young sir 🙏

[@bobsanders8282]

I clicked a thumbs up on this comment and then thought that isn't enough... well said Derek.

[@tridentmusic5570]

No job for HIM on the Beeb then !

[@sanddancer1951]

@@tridentmusic5570 GB News? All their interviewers behave like that.

[@FFVoyager]

@@sanddancer1951 🤣 good one! 😂

[@jackmiller7944]

Sure but he's not a politician. Watch how politicians deliberately avoid the question asked and answer a new one. They deliberately run the clock down because they know they only have a set time. Repeat the same answer, insist on finishing their point which is exactly the same as the one they just made. Good journalists cut in and put pressure on them to answer the question and not waste time. Emily Maitlis is one of the best at this. Different to an interview with someone not involved in government

[@PaulMcCaffreyfmac]

I am old enough to remember the fuss and upset caused by Ingrams naming Hislop as his editorial successor at Private Eye. As it has turned out it might be the greatest decision Richard Ingrams ever made as editor. It was certainly the right decision. Long live Ian Hislop.

[@nothankyou]

Props to the camera person for getting Ian's background so nicely in focus.

[@EmmaVB82]

😄 I’m enjoying being able to read all the little details from the Private Eyes on the wall!

[@sihy]

And the video editor for painstakingly keying and tracking a circle around Ian Hislop's head to try to sharpen it. The image of head that is, not his actual head. He's not a pencil. Allegedly.

[@user-vh6ts9uf6c]

It's awful camera work. The interviewee looks so sharp but the most important shot is disgraceful. I'm glad I am not the only nerd who found it irritating.

[@fuzzy7644]

@@sihy I knew something was messed up. I kept looking at him thinking it was some AI image.

[@TPegg1]

I came here to say exactly this 😂

[@kimbirch1202]

The Eye is an Institution hated by the corrupt, the sleazy, and the hypocrites. Which is why it is so needed.

[@Sartorialpirate]

A subscription is money well spent.

[@brianferguson7840]

Private Eye, regardless of wether you like it or have ever even read a copy, is so important for the balance of journalistic integrity in the UK. It is literally a lone voice, if it was to disappear there is no other publication wich fullfils the Eye's place on the newsagent's shelves.

[@thomasbroleen4241]

Spiked-online, obviously without the humour but a politically balanced journal just the same.

[@citizensnid3490]

Perhaps Spectator?

[@thomasbroleen4241]

@@citizensnid3490 👍

[@Edge81]

@@citizensnid3490 Are you serious?

[@ashleyarmstrong9492]

Private Eye lost its integrity when it became an unashamed pro-lockdown rag

[@angiehaddington6462]

I really truly like him. We need more people like him, people who are actually honest and have principles. Someone who gives a balanced view. Who talks in language we all understand. Thank goodness for Ian and people like him.

[@shazmeister2005]

He holds everyone to account. He must have personal political views but he doesn’t let that affect his ability to get torn into anyone.

[@ab-jx4qs]

Pity he hates the result of a democratic vote. I do hope Hislop is sued into bankruptcy!

[@PGFardell]

@@ab-jx4qs Whatever's wrong with hating the result of a democratic vote? Why on earth do you think people should have to be happy about any result they didn't want or vote for? Were you happy with Tony Blair's democratic landslide for instance? Or Jon Bercow being democratically elected as Speaker by his peers?

[@FairySweetness]

Well said. A free press which holds those in power to account is the cornerstone of democracy. Ian Hislop truely does this. Private Eye exposes hypocrisy brilliantly and gives a voice to the people. It helps with the many "have to laugh or you'll cry" moments in current politics.

[@jonharrison9222]

@@PGFardell Yes and yes. Hate the result by all means. Doesn’t change it, however. Else change your name by deed poll to Donald Trump.

[@NigelRudyard]

Love Hislop's passion and genuine spiky analysis of politics. I watched him in the select committee this week demolishing the pompous Alberto Costa, and speaking with such articulate anger about the institutional corruption of politicians taking cash for favours. I wasn't going to write the over-used NT word, but as others here have said Ian really is a national treasure, and an important journalist in holding those in power to account.

[@interrupttheroutine5491]

Doesn't Costa ramble! He waffles on, enjoying the sound of his own voice, and then good old Chris Bryant has to steer him back to keeping it relevant. Costa is a galloping ego.

[@NigelRudyard]

@@interrupttheroutine5491 He really is. Pompous with it. Hislop pulled him up several times, to great effect.

[@redkop510]

Yeah ..they all talk the talk but never walk the walk...this is why England is now a sh#thole.

[@kierandoran8196]

And he's Welsh. Of course he hates having that pointed out. Why?

[@Gareth.W]

Ian Hislop is a real national treasure. Immensely funny, intelligent and - unlike so many of his contemporaries - has a set of morals of how people should act.

[@solidoperative]

Best thing about HIGNFY.

[@redemrys5342]

Gareth Williams. What about Guto Harry instead? Lol

[@cjmastablasta]

He's a c#nt Sorry. Horrible man! Little establishment Joker

[@seanedwardfitz]

Strange then he never blew the whistle on Jimmy Saville despite both being at the BBC for decades. Either he is very bad at his job as an investigative journalist and Editor of Private Eye having this go on under his nose for years, or he was actively covering up for that big 'Have I Got News For You' taxpayer/BBC money

[@Gareth.W]

@@seanedwardfitz Very valid question which I can't answer. Has he ever been asked to explain why it wasn't covered in Private Eye?

[@marcmaddock9980]

"I don't think that it's dangerous, it's from Coventry" 🤣🤣🤣🤣 Absolute gold!

[@jantyszka1036]

He still has the same energy and enthusiasm as ever, which is quite a feat after 35 years in post.

[@PVflying]

Much like a 2nd class letter…

[@gaiagreen2690]

Came for 5 minutes, stayed for the entire interview. Respect for the interviewer who asks genuine questions, and then actually listens and lets his guest finish what he has to say. One doesn't realize just how deep in shallow sensationalism we all are until one comes across a genuine interview like this one.

[@monkeytennis8861]

Why would you only come for five minutes, knowing it was a longer video? That doesn't make sense?

[@markmasterson4811]

Monkey tennis - it's a form of words meaning I didn't think I would like it but I did, or something like that. A colloquial phrase.

[@perry8181]

Here in the US. First saw Ian Hislop watching Have I got new for you reruns. Found him quite level headed, intelligent, and amusing. Starting digging into videos of interviews and testimony he's given. Found myself even more impressed by the man. He may not be alone but seems to be part of a very small group that wants to get the real facts to the people despite the consequences.

[@ZER0--]

Private Eye is the antithesis of fake news. Hislop is a great fella who is interested in the truth in politics.

[@skash61]

Check out Timothy Snyder

[@wendygerrish4964]

Tim Snyder the historian?

[@mikeplantagenet2983]

It is a great pity, the USA cannot find a single Republican politician who believes in the constitution.

[@rbrtsmith]

We must protect Ian Hislop at all costs - bloody legend

[@pdcomedy]

Ian Hislop is an absolute legend. Pulitzer Prize for his life's work? Anything of that calibre would be fine with me.

[@ashleyarmstrong9492]

He probably will, the Putlizer is for agreeing with the panel, not journalistic integrity

[@setbellic6916]

Ian Hislop often comes across as a mischievous troll but he is an extremely intelligent person - you may not agree with him but he is always worth listening to.

[@probablynovideoshere]

The Pullitzer is only for US journalism, I’m afraid

[@sanddancer1951]

@@setbellic6916 Definitely!

[@saeedhossain6099]

Pulitzer today is to have gone to the right school, work at the right publication and be able to turn a blind eye to the "correct" people's malfeasance. the closest thing Americans have is the Izzy (IF Stone) award.

[@Sam88-l4k]

I love Ian Hislop. I've watched him for years on HIGNFY, and always watch him if he appears on political programs. He predicted a lot of things that happened. He is very knowledgeable about politicians. Very very clever man and always with dignity.

[@seanedwardfitz]

Strange then he never blew the whistle on Jimmy Saville despite both being at the BBC for decades. Either he is very bad at his job as an investigative journalist and Editor of Private Eye having this go on under his nose for years, or he was actively covering up for that big 'Have I Got News For You' taxpayer/BBC money

[@Sam88-l4k]

@@seanedwardfitz same as Jim Davidson, Johnny rotten, Alex Belfield. All those who slate the BBC now, they knew what was going on obviously as well. I'm no fan of the BBC what so ever, but there's a lot of people who make out they're whiter than white that people fall for because they speak there language. Everyone who probably worked at the BBC, ITV, in showbiz, Royal family and the politicians knew at the time. But I bet you'll defend some of these people because of the particular narrative that talk

[@seanedwardfitz]

@@Sam88-l4k firstly Johnny Rotten did speak out about Saville back in the 70s, hence why Sex Pistols were given so much censorship, not so much so because of their profanity. Secondly, not of those people pride themselves on being investigative journalists. Hislop does. On a secret which wasn't so secret in the BBC for decades. So it's either he is incredibly bad at this job, or is a collaborater to keeping it hidden by not reporting it and collecting on regular big HIGNFY money.

[@Sam88-l4k]

@@seanedwardfitz sorry Alex Belfield a former journalist for the The Sun, The Mirror and a number of newspapers. Whether they are journalists or not, using your same theory if they knew, than they are just as guilty. Well if Johnny rotten really wanted to could of got a lot further with it. As far as I'm concerned anyone who knew about it has blood on there hands.

[@Sam88-l4k]

@@seanedwardfitz Think about it, anybody who worked for the BBC, in journalism, showbiz, royal family, the police and politicians that knew about it, protected there own careers over child abuse. That tells you everything you need to know about famous people or people with wealth.

[@SalemikTUBE]

I enjoyed that. Ian Hislop has put his arse on the line again and again to expose BS.

[@TheComputec]

I have always admired Ian Hislop for cutting through the bullshit and telling it how it is with a wry smile.

[@xxPenjoxx]

This man, my god this man. When he speaks, I can't help but listen. "A spoonful of sugar helps the journalism go down" how exquisite.

[@srb7006]

The irony of the Rebecca Brooks case was that she was looking for privacy for her pregnancy whilst being on trial for invading others privacy. Private Eye covered it as brilliantly as they could.

[@hudsonrolfe9633]

Unfortunately Ian cares too much about truth and integrity to be BBC editor

[@ascott6328]

BBC is nothing but a narrative for hire propaganda outfit, a hysterically ridiculous thing.

[@davidelkinsUN3379]

@@ascott6328 slowly over many years news services have been stealthily predated upon. 1980 s. BBC started to fail slowly, our ABC in Oz the SBS service is the same as you described, sadly DW France24 and AJ have all gone the same way, RT being the obvious weapon of choice for the Russians

[@seanedwardfitz]

Strange how he never found out or reported on the Jimmy Saville scandal despite both being at the BBC for decades. 🤔🤔🤔

[@gwh3013]

@@seanedwardfitz Not really though is it. Saville was on one episode of HIGNFY but hardly someone he hung around. This sort of bullshit poisons the well.

[@gwh3013]

@Heretic He is a moderate conservative. He comes across as woke because the overton window has widened to include the current nationalist/populist type government we have. The Home Secretary suggested letting people drown FFS.

[@WoodliceCC]

Clicked on to watch 2 minutes of Ian talking about the BBC but ended up watching the whole thing without really realising. Awesome interview. The first thing I've watched of yours but love your relaxed and informed style was extremely enjoyable and informative. Thanks!!!

[@Fishster]

Same.

[@timglennon6814]

This was a fantastic interview with Ian Hislop.

[@ChangesOneTim]

Highlights how increasingly important the Eye is in upholding the journalist's craft, calling out shitty behaviour in public and corporate life. Its balance of joke and harsh reality is just right. May it live forever!

[@Neil070]

@Heretic You really have no idea, do you? Governments and newspapers have tried to shut down PE, and would have succeeded, after a libel action, had a massive public backlash not produced what is now called "crowdfunding". The paper was saved, and celebrating 60 years of taking the p*ss out of Tories, Labour, Lib Democrats, Royals and every other self important and puffed up individual in the public eye (pun intended). It's the last bastion of real investigative journalism left in the country. And a damn good read.

[@flyagaric23]

Britain has been making bad jokes of harsh reality for hundreds of years, Hisplop typifies this exceptional breed of unfunny toff.

[@greyarea6688]

@Heretic Cope

[@davidpearn2484]

Ian hislop truly brilliant, yes a national treasure.

[@alexhall7584]

Your not a national treasure till boris sits next to you without a mask.

[@hjr2000]

A turd but an essential part of the ecosytem.

[@grahamdean8115]

I see what you did there David, very good.

[@sarahstrupinski6863]

Oh my word! It is so so refreshing to listen to two such sensible, moral, humorous and inciteful people. Thank you Ian Hislop and Politics Joe.

[@ThBraveBraveSirRobin]

Yes to Ian for BBC political editor. I've had to cancel my sub to The Eye due to the small print. My eyesight is just not good enough to read it without eye strain any more. I'd love a digital version for the Kindle or an online version behind a paywall or a large print version. Willing to pay more for these things.

[@quentinnewark2745]

I bought a condensed copy of Oxford Dictionary, the one with first dated appearances of each word … the type is tiny, 5 point? It came with a large oblong magnifying glass, magnificent, works a treat.

[@harrypalmer3481]

I would pay for a digital subscription, partly for the same reason (the small print). I know others who would too. Just because it's digital doesn't mean it is, or has to be, free. I'm not sure why Ian Hislop thinks that. ...? . There must be something I'm not aware of. There are ways of mitigating for unauthorised distribution, ways of the pages not being easily 'dragged & dropped', meta tagging the pages, etc. Why not paper print & digital? Definitely Ian for BBC political editor!

[@laszlokaestner5766]

When you said "small print" I immediately thought of something completely different to the size of the text.

[@robsengahay5614]

@@harrypalmer3481 I emigrated to Australia in 2015 and regretfully cancelled my long running subscription as a result. As an ex pat I would gladly subscribe digitally. Post takes weeks to get here and delivering newsprint half way around the world is not at all environmentally friendly either. Private Eye are missing a trick. Love Ian but he is a bit of an old fuddy duddy in many ways.

[@granthood817]

I'm pretty certain magnifying glasses are still a thing.

[@Leornianæfre]

Ian Hislop should definitely be BBC political editor. Sadly in this climate it won’t happen but I will say he is a national treasure, he cares deeply about trying to make the world a better place. Absolutely fantastic interview as was the one last year.

[@scouserkitajena6406]

wonderful interview. Its great to have someone like him.

[@ike25young]

Seriously what is wrong with you? This guy wouldn't piss on you if you were on fire. With his money him and his leftist school boy chums could stop the wars and feed every child in Liverpool nutritious meals forever. Seriously, what is wrong with you?

[@Greenielid]

@@ike25young yeh he’s a smug partisan Wanker , never could stand him or his opinions

[@Davidshonfield]

Huge respect for Ian Hislop, and it's heartwarming to hear his praise - and affection - for Paul Foot, a great journalist and also a great campaigner.

[@kingdontrump9182]

Huge respect for this bbc leftie 😂😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@finosuilleabhain7781]

Albeit often for the wrong causes. It would be good to see an update of some of the supposed miscarriage of justice cases Paul spent so much time on. I believe it's now accepted that Hanratty was guilty beyond reasonable doubt, for instance.

[@Davidshonfield]

@@finosuilleabhain7781 Hanratty's conviction in retrospect was probably sound because of the DNA evidence, though that too has been questioned. But part of being a great investigative journalist is that you can get some things wrong. Paul was always very aware of that and frequently acknowledged it. A "beacon of integrity" is how one obituary described him. We could do with his integrity and tenacity today.

[@thaumaturgeishere331]

"Laura was tainted...". This has got to be the understatement of the century! And, yes Hislop for BBC Political Editor!

[@hjr2000]

Tainted with arrogance yes.

[@nilssonschmillson5395]

@@LouDeeCruz same industry, totally different attitudes.

[@bugattieb110ss]

She's so left-wing it's painful! Why on earth did he suggest she's right-wing??!?!

[@TranscendentLion]

@@LouDeeCruz Wasn't there a study that showed that the BBC had a left-wing bias? Was that actually a right-wing con?

[@zeddeka]

Did you listen to what he actually said? He said "which i failed to detect". He was being sarcastic and actually confirming that in his view she wasn't tainted at all

[@DorkyThorpy]

"i don't think its serious; its from coventry" - LOL LOL LOL - Also subscribed to private eye for a year off back of this interview. Highly recommended

[@Drinckx2]

Ian Hislop probably wouldn't want to be considered in this way, but he is a British institution. He represents very eloquently the scepticism we should all have in the face of increasing chaos engendered by those that purport to govern us.

[@philbutcher6959]

He's an establishment court jester. About 90 per cent of the issues that have required scepticism in the last 20 years this toady has fallen in line with - what planet are you on? We have absolutely zero opposition in this country to the prevailing liberal/progressive/environmentalist/authoritararian monster. Our politics are dead. Parliament and ministers have fully captured the divine right to rule, which they do in the interests of the corporate oligarchs. Things are really very bad, pal, why the hell are you stroking this man's ego?

[@a3lfeoxld]

Shame he was part of a program that made out that Boris was just a loveable fool who could do no harm. That shit didn't age well

[@MrDaiseymay]

NO-NO ! what you mean is--He SHOULD BE IN, AN INSTITUTION. His ludicrous bias since the referendum, has sunk the once entertaining programme, 'Have I got News for you'. down into the sewer, and then became pathetically predictable, and unwatchable. They just laugh at their own pathetic repetative comments.

[@mikethebloodthirsty]

@@philbutcher6959 indeed, I found it deeply disquieting when I started reading their Corona coverage. I'm sure Fauci or Ferguson ghost wrote all that crap. I stopped reading it 2020 sometime. Even though it has much less of an influence than it did... If it's not against it... then It's 100% part of the biggest erosion of basic human rights and freedoms that we've seen within most people's living memories.

[@philbutcher6959]

@@mikethebloodthirsty Didn't see all that - but it doesn't surprise me to hear it. The whole show has been a monolithic collaboration and sadly, mostly willingly done.

[@ryiin]

I love private eye. It reports more truth than nearly all of the actual papers.

[@jamesdobson7052]

Remove the word ‘nearly’ and that’s spot on

[@matthewmcneany]

The Eye is one of the few bastions of serious journalism left in the UK.

[@mikethebloodthirsty]

Strongly disagree.

[@matthewmcneany]

@@mikethebloodthirsty In the sense that there's lots of high quality investigative journalism in other parts of the British press, no investigative journalism at the eye or something else?

[@OBWanKenobi]

And anyone who thinks otherwise is deluded

[@mikethebloodthirsty]

@@matthewmcneany Their stance on the coronavirus pandemic is what made me stop reading it... I realized they failed to ask any questions about the validity of lockdowns, vax passports etc. As a former lifelong Labour supporter... it pains me to say it was only the right wing press such as The Spectator who stood up against the biggest erosion of freedom the world has seen for some time.. Private Eyes Corona coverage may as well be written by Fauci. It showed me when it comes to the crunch, they are just a part of the establishment they seem to despise so much.

[@leaplingpuff]

@@mikethebloodthirsty following science isn’t the same as being pro govt

[@billywiz1307]

PE journalism is as far as I have experienced personally over the last 40 years is actually accurate and true. Unlike a lot of alleged journalism out there

[@robertshepherd7628]

A man who nailed Blair's character spot on, accurately predicted the downfall of Brown and the accendency of Cameron. Perhaps, not that difficult. But not forgetting the wonderful put down of Lady Archer on Question Time. Watch out Boris Johnson.

[@peteradaniel]

He helped Boris’ career by allowing him to sub so much on Have I got news for you.

[@robertshepherd7628]

@@peteradaniel Didnt we all, Alex. I won't speak for any one but me, but shame on me.

[@oddunb6190]

@@peteradaniel He doesn’t get to pick people. He’s not a producer…

[@yoginid672]

Thank you for spelling out what actually happened to Sir David Amess - and how politicians (and other commentators) used this, unwittingly, to put forward their own agenda. We sure need our Hislops in this world otherwise full of nonsense!

[@ike25young]

You need help. This English Public School boy is part of the problem. Supporting the British Caste System is wrong. Reconsider your position.

[@user-ez9is7lb9p]

What’s unwitting about it?

[@graemecreegan6749]

@@ike25young in what way does a school boy support anything?

[@nevadatan7323]

​@@ike25young With all due respect Bob, choose your battles. 👍

[@angelomicciche3044]

I have subscribed to the eye for nearly 25 years. I don’t always laugh or agree with it, but I trust it’s integrity. Strobes is unfailingly polite when I send him my drivel for submission. Best cover: during the BSE crisis, John Selwyn Glover feeding a sausage to his young daughter. Speech bubble from the attending press pack: The public won’t swallow this. Daughter: Neither Will I!

[@RichWoods23]

John Selwyn Gummer, not Glover, and it was a hamburger not a sausage. And I only remember this because it was in Private Eye!

[@TheRaymooney]

A real gem of a memory of British political life .Ta for that .

[@MorganMadej]

This interview with Ian was so enjoyable that I watched it twice! As an expat since 2002 living in Spain and in Poland since 2004 & I have missed the satire and the astute journalism of Ian & his brilliant team. The Best of British versus the worst excesses of mainly Tory politicians (The Scum) voted in by those who believe lies without using Due Diligence. Thank you all for an excellent video 📹 production!

[@ashleyarmstrong9492]

Private Eye is supposed to skewer all sides, but is 100% propaganda for lockdown and shutting schools

[@luddite561]

@@ashleyarmstrong9492 Yawn!

[@hand587]

I don’t know if he was joking or not, but I genuinely think he would be a great political editor. He certainly has a knack for knowing where to dig.

[@DrewMyersUk]

BBC wouldn't dare

[@kenlewis9557]

Like when he sided with Wakefield over mmr?

[@geoffpoole483]

@@kenlewis9557 I think that was mainly Christopher Booker's doing.

[@rexp5350]

I don't know how someone could watch the interview and not know if he was joking. It wasn't exactly subtle and he goes on to effectively outline why he wouldn't want it or be suited to it. TBH I think Ian's already found a job he's really good at.

[@davidv.8655]

Hislop as bbc political editor would be like putting a rare breeds butcher in charge of a zoo . Funny if you have a sick sense of humour . Light the fuse and stand well well back

[@maryfenton958]

He would find Kuenssberg's fancy shoes very uncomfortable but he would be a far far better political editor than she ever was. She did not do her job properly and her posturing and posing when around Johnson was soooo embarrassing. So glad she's going!

[@catherinechester6080]

So am I, she didn't even try to be impartial, her Tory colours shone out, that is why Johnson, always chose to speak to her.

[@sarahbarton2089]

I agree. Goodbye Kunsberg. What a blessed relief

[@janguvpes7518]

Agreed. And Hislop's remark here that Kuenssberg "apparently harboured extreme right-wing views" (or words to that effect), as a means of mocking the left's criticisms of her, was misguided in my view. Simply a bit of a strawman. Few (except maybe some deluded terminally online Twitter users) would have ever levied that accusation. The point was always simply that she consorted with high-profile Tories, credulously reported their gossip (provably), was happy to do so especially at the expense of the left, and seemed to lack professional standards.

[@Dude0000]

@@catherinechester6080 within an institution that is almost totally leftist, she seams right wing. You can be sure her replacement won’t be a white male as they need not apply to most positions in the BBC.

[@steik6414]

@@janguvpes7518 Well said. We need more dispassionate analysis these days.

[@jackgibson5912]

Having the interviewer perfectly in focus and beautifully shot, while shooting the subject out of focus is an alpha move.

[@goatlps]

What?

[@DieFlabbergast]

@@goatlps Hislop is slightly out of focus: the interviewer (whatever his name is) is perfectly in focus. The above post is what's called "sarcasm," or, possibly in your case, "sarchasm." :)

[@ScrotyMcDickface]

He's clearly nervous (who wouldn't be) and his badly ironed market stall shirt maybe gives him a bad look. But he does okay. I'm sitting here in candle wax stained pajama bottoms and a fleece that is one howl away from a 'Spirit of The Wolf' full club membership, and it's got some stains down the front. I can't tell if it's food or hubris. I'm guessing, in the same vein of sartorial liberalism, that I could walk into, say, your house and my views be taken seriously (before you rang the police). Hislop is The Eye. He believes in free journalism and for governments to be held to account. If Private Eye ceased to exist I'd take it as a signal to stop caring and start looking at my neighbours as food.

[@bonzairob]

With the sharpen filter mask moving around distractingly too. Bold decision

[@hdmk213]

Probably because the camera was set up prior to Ian sitting down - hence why it's focussed on the magazines behind him.

[@AKAtAGG]

I want you to be BBC political editor, prime minister, president, whatever.

[@theunknown1426]

make donation to the conservative party and be biased in favour of the conservative govt in the news. (the current boss of the BBC donated over £400,000)

[@Anon-xd3cf]

In the UK... prime minister, president and political editor are all part of the same job.

[@donaldmackinnon4569]

@@theunknown1426 Can you give us more details re the £400,000 donation to the Tory party given by the then Director /Governor of the BBC?

[@FlyingScud]

A classic interview. Thank you Ian for all that you do to bring a great perspective on life in the UK! And please remember, at 4:30, those Post Office workers who took their own lives because of this dreadful miscarriage of justice.

[@vonteflon]

@@IamGrimalkin Lou is correct. Read up on the case.

[@Interstellar83516]

Royal Mail was privatised but Post Office wasn't- it separated from Royal Mail Group and continued and still continues to be subsided by the UK taxpayer.

[@jonharrison9222]

@@IamGrimalkin Um. Don’t correct people who aren’t wrong.

[@IamGrimalkin]

@@jonharrison9222 Their orginal comment is no longer visible and I can't even remember what it was about. Fine, I'll delete the comment, it makes no difference to me.

[@tom5216]

“What he reported were the facts”. What a novel idea!

[@Dude0000]

Ah, but which facts? You can’t cover everything…lying by omission is the way the BBC have gotten away with their left wing bias, for example.

[@georgebodley8068]

@@Dude0000 left wing bias in this day and age from the BBC you escaped from somewhere boy

[@billywiz1307]

@@georgebodley8068 I agree, BBC's Chris Mason is a massive right winger. He recently was amazed that a caller to any answers described Thatcher's selling of council houses as a bribe - of course it was a effing bribe and he thought not.

[@michaelhart7569]

​@@Dude0000 Indeed, ​ Seneca’s Adoptive Son, that is the knub of it. The BBC are experts at not saying something provably untrue, while not reporting the facts that may turn a story on its head. Once you become aware of it, it becomes impossible to ignore.

[@FirstLast-hg1ez]

@@Dude0000 wrong... 200% wrong, try again.

[@awtistiaeth4699]

Ian! As someone who has virtually no income, benefits or otherwise, I'll continue t buy Eye for my treat when I can. I agree completely that we need to have things in our lives that are not online.

[@myph19]

I would love to be able to buy "private eye" online in pdf.

[@StephenWestrip]

Can’t it be online and a paid digital subscription whilst keeping the printed copy going?

[@stephanieking4444]

Excellent interview, with Hislop keeping on the fine line between serious answers (praise for Paul foot) and satire (his suggesting either Marc Francois -for his intellectual qualities! - or Jeremy Corbyn for BBC political editor). We need more people like him. And we need more indy journalism like Joe Politics.

[@bobisallright]

I haven't read the Eye in years. This has persuaded me to go buy a copy today.

[@celtspeaksgoth7251]

The Eye reported on a paedo VIP ring back in the 80s - when a victim finally went to the police a decade back he ended up in jail himself and the police pilloried for questioning 'the great and the good'. The Eye would relate how Harvey Proctor MP had fun in North Africa with boys but on reflection they meant notorious orphanage in North Wales, just like their code terms 'Ugandan affairs','tired+emotional'

[@archibaldchimpin]

He’s just wonderful isn’t he. Long may private eye prosper.

[@six.footfour]

Hislop's a national treasure and Private Eye is the civilised version of a dirty protest. (Its even printed on loo paper)

[@saltmerchant749]

It'll truly break my heart when Hislop goes. Few men in this country have had the bravery to say the things he has said openly.

[@evolassunglasses4673]

He never talks about demographic replacement or high black crime.

[@saltmerchant749]

@@evolassunglasses4673 Because he's not a culture war grifter like those I suspect you idolise.

[@reggiewilko2125]

@@evolassunglasses4673 so basically you want more racists on tv talking about racist things? Let me guess, the zionists are behind this great "demographic replacement"?

[@reevs2153]

@@evolassunglasses4673 he speaks truth to power he doesn't shout at the marginalised

[@shiftylad9938]

British news cycles need more of this journalism and rage against the machine

[@garethnoble11]

Excellent. You guys are doing a great job.

[@ike25young]

You too, technocratic Marshall law and an aggressive stance toward Russia, China and Iran. Tally fucking pip

[@johnmurnaghan1193]

Mr Hislop is a pleasure to listen too, a decent intelligent man with a fantastic sense of humor

[@stephenwedderburn9307]

What I like he's not biased for right or left and he goes after corrupt politicians whichever party they're from.

[@GladysAlicea]

We could really use Ian in the US.

[@euc131]

A legend in the world of journalism... brave, intelligent and doesn't take himself too seriously.

[@Carlosyabrudy]

I have a massive amount of respect for Ian Hislop. Great guy who I have watched on TV my entire life even when I did not understand what was being spoken about on HAVE I GOT NEWS FOR YOU!

[@timglennon6814]

Ian would make a great BBC Political editor.

[@rexp5350]

I really don't understand this take but it seems to be a popular one here. The job, as I understand it, requires embedding in Westminster and befriending politicians so you can turn the intrigue and rumours they leak into fodder for a rolling news channel. Doesn't really allow for the bigger picture long form journalism that Hislop seems to enjoy, not to mention his propensity to rub people up the wrong way usually by being too honest.

[@tinynijman9077]

Yes I would love that.😉

[@alfching2499]

Don’t the License Payer pay him enough Already.I wouldn’t stop laughing at my own funnies if I was him

[@bon3003]

@@rexp5350 g

[@siobhan.losangeles]

We need more Ian Hislop’s in UK journalism. What a fantastic editor and personality.

[@markjohnstone5919]

In times like this, we need people like Ian Hislop and his team to expose the wrongs in the UK. Ian is a genius and one of the funniest people on TV. I only watch the BBC for three programs, Have I Got News for You, Line of Duty and Brian Cox space epics as their quality programs. I used to include Top Gear in this lineup, but that program has changed for the worse. I think Ian should host that aswell, at least it would be funny.

[@sarkybugger5009]

Ian Hislop is a true national treasure, and Private Eye is the only decent newspaper printed for UK consumption.

[@eddiebourke2667]

The Grunny maybe ?

[@donaldmackinnon4569]

Private Eye is a magazine, SarkyBugger.

[@donaldmackinnon4569]

The ‘Grunny’ is the ‘Guardian’ newspaper, Eddie Bourke? Genuine question.

[@sarkybugger5009]

@@donaldmackinnon4569 Officially, perhaps. However, it carries more news than my local "newspaper" ever did, so I shall stick to my description. I just wish the print wasn't so damned small, and yes, I'm getting old. ;o)

[@eddiebourke2667]

@@donaldmackinnon4569 Yup; it's a diminutive of 'Grauniad' (along with 'Graun) coined (funnily enough by Private Eye) in recognition of the Guardian's celebrated typesetting and non-existent proofreading departments in the old days of hot lead printing. The mistakes appear to have arisen, in part, from the antedeluvian manner in which the typesetters were paid (not to mention the absence of proofreading) resulting in a stream of correction in later editions on an almost-daily frequency (the first edition being the biggest sinner). Private Eye, to the best of my recollection, ran a weekly column of Guardian bloopers and used the misspelling 'Grauniad to highlight them (the Grunny itself once ran with the heading 'Gardian' so couldn't very well complain). Searching online the best one was 1972: “At Oxford C.B. Fry’s party trick was to leap backwards from carpet to mantelpiece from a standing fart” (first edition). “At Oxford C.B. Fry’s party trick was to leap backwards from carpet to mantelpiece from a standing tart” (second edition). “At Oxford C.B. Fry’s party trick was to leap backwards from carpet to mantelpiece from a standing start” (third edition). - Or referring to the Soviet Trade union rag TRUD as 'TURD'.

[@rontocknell5400]

The beauty of Private Eye is its impartiality. The BBC claims to be impartial (and I'm sure it does try to be... or, at least, really wants to be) but the corporation's reliance on a Royal Charter for its funding with the licence fee set by the government of the day does tend to compromise that aspiration. Private Eye runs few ads (usually for something like Famous Grouse Scotch whiskey, which is unlikely to conflict with any of the editorial) and relies mainly on readers buying the magazine. I have no idea who Hislop is likely to vote for in a General Election (he has little praise for any of them)...and that's how a good journalist should be.

[@colinstock325]

Excellent interview. Old school, allowing the interviewee to talk. Asking questions that prompt the interviewee to give long answers.

[@clacton17]

"Hislop for BBC political editor" Yes please, put the British back into Boris Broadcasting Corporation.

[@ellebee783]

Private Eye is so funny, only news that makes me laugh out loud. Ian Hislop and his team are amazing!

[@disct1597]

Public should March to insist Ian becomes bbc political editor. It would be interesting and funny at the same time. I am going to subscribe to public eye, I should have done it a long time ago.

[@ladyshippers]

Came to this after watching Ian et al answering questions regarding lobbying of MPs and them having 2nd jobs etc. I'd actually watched that by accident and this one popped up so thought I'd watch a bit. Ian is admirable and the i is something I must get. I struggle with the print and mostly read digital books etc now because of that. Which is the only reason I wish Private Eye was available in digital format as well as printed. Completely happy to pay for it. I digress. I am thankful for Ian and his colleagues and the work they do. So glad Costa failed to get what he wanted - in the other video I watched. I now subscribe to this channel as, like others, I appreciate a proper interview. Now I must subscribe to Private Eye and get a magnifier. Thank you Joe and much gratitude to Ian and all at PE for all they steadfastly, doggedly and unwaveringly do.

[@TheZubin66]

BBC won’t hire him - Ian doesn’t pull punches and highly likely to be silenced by producers at the Beeb.

[@passenger62]

The more that the BBC pisses off this govt, the more funding they'll lose (via sneak tactics) - one of them actually said something like that after the Nick Robinson episode. I think the beeb are just treading lightly so that they can survive (because for each cut, jobs are lost - it's a solidarity thing) until this untrustworthy mob eventually gets their marching orders.

[@halaldabo7303]

Ian Hislop is way too good for the BBC

[@ljt3084]

@@passenger62 The Director general of the BBC, Tim Davie, is a former Tory MP and so was the man he took over from in September 2020. (Lord Hall) The BBC is a Tory run institution. Say no more.

[@passenger62]

@@ljt3084 Yes, I agree. There's a 'process' but it's really a political appointment. So LK is a reflection of that - but many more centre and left-of-centre journalists who are employed by the beeb are being edited or just keeping their heads down, to preserve an institution which (in my mind) remains valuable if it's allowed to operate without interference. But as you say.. we've had Tory govt since 2010 and Lord Hall was appointed in 2013. No way J Birt or G Dyke were tories tho'.

[@ricmac954]

@@passenger62 The BBC does no good for anyone by keeping its head down. Only Channel 4 News, of the terrestrial channels, dares to challenge and accurately report the egregious behaviour of our 'government', and is threatened because of it. If the BBC -- IF -- it intends to be a worthy source for current affairs, it needs to grow a pair, not cower. But the truth is that it's stuffed with Tory shills.

[@DannyThompson54]

A superb interview Joe. I literally bumped into it by accident. A whole new found respect for Ian H, I've always liked Private Eye even though an extremely rare reader these many years. I'd vote Ian for BBC Political Editor. There cannot possibly be a more fitting applicant in the UK.

[@williamfowles2940]

Literally.....? 🤔

[@karladkins9142]

I find Ian Hislop one of the funniest people on tv. Big fan of HIGNFY and Private Eye. Always worth listening to him

[@marywestwood1637]

Love Ian Hislop - He’s a credit to Private Eye and a national treasure - often wonder why he hasn’t been knighted. X

[@Gunni1972]

Could he still be on HIGNFY as BBC political editor? If not, WHY? I rather like people, who can discern between "Corporate/legal/political Agenda", and personal view.

[@ChangesOneTim]

Mr H. needs to stay where he is - he's doing just fine! A correspondent job at BBC/ITV/Sky etc News is wasted on someone like him.

[@harrygreenaway]

The thought of that judge having a giggle at Rebecca Brookes on the cover of Private Eye during her trial made me laugh.

[@Billywoo12]

Private Eye is brilliant. When similar groups sneer and laugh at the same time, you know they are onto something.

[@stephenholmes1036]

Good to hear the editor of my rag, Ive subscribed for 20 plus years. Its good he's discussing the disgraceful post office scandal. Which the eye like a good terrier wouldn't let go. I dont agree with you alot on here but thanks for getting Ian on and talking about Footy, Wheen and Brookes. Good journalists make papers thats why the eye is the best.

[@colinbaldwin3833]

This is fantastic. In a democracy free speech is the basis from which everything else flows. And a sense of humour is essential in life. What better combination.

[@rhiannonhill]

I've been reading it since its launch, in my teens. True story - when I was a local paper reporter in the late sixties, we were bored one afternoon so someone suggested phoning the Eye and asking if their employees belonged to a Union (we were all NUJ then, of course.) We got through to the editorial dept., and asked our question, and were told to hold on. After a couple of minutes, someone came back on the phone and drily informed us, yes, we belong to the Associated National Union of Satirists. I mean, that was some very quick genius right there! I'm sad it has such a low penetration, I do wonder how much better it would fare online, it's already subs., funded. Would that be so hard? Dunno.

[@alexeric3898]

A legend of TRUE journalism. The rest of them............. well enough said.

[@SuperBartles]

“do a lot of work for free, it’ll be great for your profile, and we’ll pay you nothing ever” Something every musician has heard numerous times. I learnt long ago to politely disengage myself from the conversation when I hear this.

[@iiiaiiin]

I love his take on not making the content free online. The fact that everything is limited does give it a strange allure

[@travcollier]

Funny thing is that he's actually rather conservative in a lot of ways... Mostly the sensible good ones. Actually having people pay for the Eye means they don't have to go after the whole engagement/outrage economy BS

[@certaindeaf8632]

I don't disagree. But it could be published online for subscription, with minor management it could pay for itself without any need for ad revenue - it's not the law. And would ultimately secure a future via younger, digital audiences.

[@albertbatfinder5240]

As for the cartoonists, you only have to look at the fan-art on Reddit to realise there are thousands of really talented and funny creators out there, doing it for nothing. So yeah, pay them and they shall come.

[@jonchamberlain]

Hislop's great as ever. Shame they couldn't focus the camera correctly

[@mhuntuk]

The title is really misleading. When he says “Laura was tainted by her extreme right-wing attitudes,” he’s parodying Kuenssberg’s critics. His full quote is “…her extreme right-wing attitudes, which I failed to detect.”

[@PoliticsJOE]

It’s a joke mate, cheer up

[@mhuntuk]

@@PoliticsJOE Thanks for the reply. Some comments here are along the lines of “Good one, Ian. She’s too extreme.” So they clearly don’t get that it’s a joke. And it doesn’t look like a joke. So that makes it clickbait, if people have to click to realise that it’s a joke. And of course the vast majority of people who see the video title won’t click to watch it, so they’ll misunderstand the title. Really great interview, as usual. IMHO, really misjudged title.

[@PoliticsJOE]

Fair enough

[@apollomemories7399]

@@PoliticsJOE Yes, maybe, but look at the results of that! You've just attracted a load of nutters harbouring ludicrous grievences. At least Kuenssberg wasn't some supercilious, sanctimonious twerp.

[@goodlookinouthomie1757]

I was scratching my head at the beginning. Trouble is it's so hard to tell these days if any statement is ironic. I've become accustomed to hearing the most hysterical gibberish put forward in total earnest. The fact that there are genuinely people who'd consider Laura K's attitude to be extreme far right really tells us everything we need to know.

[@NikolaHoward]

I've never bought Private Eye, I didn't think it was journalism. I think my Grandad told me it was just a comic, so I had no further interest. This interview has disabused me of that opinion, and informs me that it actually covers serious news! So, I think the next time I see it on the newsstand in my local shop, I will pick up a copy Fantastic interview, thank you

[@NikolaHoward]

@@gpw203 Given I've never bought a copy before - based on someone else's opinon... probably time to buy at lease one copy and form my own...

[@NikolaHoward]

@@gpw203 btw - you did notice that I said "pick up" a copy originally. Did I mention actually buying it? It was only our conversation that made the supposition.

[@NikolaHoward]

@@gpw203 I do have to ask... What did Ian Hislop do to you to create such an animosity in you?

[@johnanthonyfingleton2954]

I think this man, is true voice of Britain.......and I am Irish that hate their establishment

[@MrSatnavatron]

Hislop is National fucking treasure , and I will fight anyone who disagrees :D

[@niccymak8243]

Never saw him as a sex God. What do I know?

[@leplessis8179]

Knighthood? As recommended by Johnson?

[@geoffpoole483]

The Eye used to run a column printing articles in which celebrities were described as a "national treasure". I don't think hislop would be too flattered by your comment.

[@leplessis8179]

@@geoffpoole483 Thank you for your repost - nice quick reply, happened to be at my box. I don't think Hislop would give a Monkey's Toss for what I, nor anyone else, thinks about him - that was not my point - which can be the problem with irony, often so greatly misunderstood. Ah well, happy days ahead.

[@alfching2499]

Calm Down

[@jnicolson865]

The big problem with 'Laura K' is that she doesn't seem to know the difference between being an independent journalist and being a PR representative for the Tory government.

[@lilaj2908]

Love the humour!! So good to hear intelligent straight talking on you tube for a change!!

[@depfeffel6455]

Just subscribed to private eye. I grew up listening to my parents laughing hysterically at HIGNFY, my partner and I love it now. £1.31 an issue is unbelievably cheap, I was expecting 4 or 5 quid an issue. Ian, you're an absolute hero

[@GladysAlicea]

Think Ian would let an American expat living in Mexico subscribe?love hignfy and Ian.

[@RuairidhMason]

Ian Hislop - a brilliant man with incredible focus... unlike the cameraperson.

[@SnowOps59]

😂😂😂😂😂 'Oh I don't think it's serious Ian, it's from Coventry.'

[@ike25young]

I'm a revisionist, my father a school master and he has sent me to Coventry.

[@GlennLeinster]

Ian would make a great BBC political editor would never happen but;-)

[@nicholastaylor6455]

Private eye is a very important part of our democracy, thanks Ian for keeping it going

[@andreamolton8226]

Brilliant, love Mr Hislop😊

[@garyhardwick8489]

What a nice guy he is. But.....no politician is safe when he's around!

[@ike25young]

What? Are you talking about that mug in Essex that took 17 dips to the face the other week in Essex? Are you saying Hislop was involved? A cocaine deal gone Saf maybe? Nah just kidding but it would have been a more entertaining PSYOP if Ian Hislop had been the second. Knife man. Proper funny.

[@dambrooks7578]

Well, after Hislop twisted my are and bullied me with his intellectual wisdom, I became a Private Eye subscriber.

[@yehudimcewan5167]

He's great at making himself accessible. Love the guy.

[@ike25young]

In a Godfather Part 3 broken glasses sort of way.

[@yehudimcewan5167]

@@ike25young lol.

[@ZER0--]

Private Eye is the antithesis of fake news. There's a reason it gets sued all the time. If only there were more Hislops as newspaper editors. He is such a genuine honest guy who does his best in regard to journalism. A great fella.

[@markhughes7927]

14:34 ‘I have hired a lot of very good people and then I take the credit for what they do’ - brilliant riposte! Wonderful interview - good men both!❤

[@alecbryant817]

brilliant, the only print media I have trusted for many years

[@IterativeTheoryRocks]

Same here

[@leithjarrett4085]

Um, Er, Ah