Heated Johnny Mercer Argument - Have I Got News For You

[@HatTrickComedy]

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[@heyokaikaggen6288]

Thanks but no thanks; I think I'll stick with Mock The Week.

[@beverleykorte1832]

Soooo kooooooooooool 👍💯

[@johnmartinez7440]

@@heyokaikaggen6288 Are you only allowed to be subscribed to one panel show KZbin channel at a time?

[@dec-hw3lm]

@@heyokaikaggen6288 " Mock The Weak " by stealing £159.50 from them !! Why left wing Comics feel no shame in stealing £160 quid off the poor ! EAT/HEAT Or Pay £159.50 to Lazey eye Howard Boyle O'Briein

[@robpayne2918]

Mercer was sacked by Liz Truss in 2022 but then reappointed to Veterans Affairs by Rishi Sunak a month later. Mercer received £8,000 of tax payers money for the sacking (money which they are entitled to 3 weeks after sacking). Back in the job a week later. Seems pretty dodgy to me.

[@jackstevens2437]

the tory way

[@gw7624]

@@jackstevens2437 Right, because Labour MPs have never receive tax payers' money they're not entitled to.

[@jackstevens2437]

@@gw7624nowhere near bud, mountains of billions of PPE corruption and all the rest of it and you’re losing your hair over keir starmer getting a free pair of spectacles

[@dzonbrodi514]

"Why did I sign up?" Probably something to do with being in the position to get jobs where you get paid £85k for 4 hours work in addition to an £80+k salary and equivalent in expenses.

[@58JMG]

The old MPs second job scam.

[@bulletz9280]

Yeah bit like getting paid £20k to be a regime mouthpiece for 2 hours isn't it you absolute bellend.

[@TheSealOfTheRose]

Not really a scam something they're perfectly entitled to do despite the winging of jealous people.

[@dzonbrodi514]

@@TheSealOfTheRose No but it's money for old rope, isn't it. Doubles his salary for a few hours a week. Doesn't he already have a job to keep him busy? How many sinecures are these guys allowed to take on?

[@jmo8934]

@@TheSealOfTheRose It just shows that they are not in politics to improve peoples lives and that of the public in general. It’s to use the position to cream as much profit as they can for themselves which often leads to dodgy dealings.

[@charliebakedpotato8784]

No mention anywhere Mercer suddenly quit his role. How did the Libel Action go Johnny?

[@paultaylor7082]

It didn't...

[@matlew1960]

He could be the biggest war hero that ever lived and earned the respect of the Nation, that doesn't mean that he's not a conman or crook in his civilian life.

[@peterlpool1387]

The fact he’s a Tory suggests it’s true.

[@TheSealOfTheRose]

Except he isn't

[@rob27dap26]

He is an opportunistic phot op grabbing typical officer, he is a complete tosser.

[@itsdan722]

Well no because honor, honesty and accountability are fundamentals of being in the military. He was an officer, why would he tarnish his career like that

[@lepolhart3242]

@@itsdan722 Considering the military is full of rapists and murderers, I don`t think honour, honesty and accountability feature very much in the military.

[@jhamPlays]

Paul Merton is the king of the 'let the air out' joke

[@qasimmir7117]

‘Is it a dolphin in a bathtub?’

[@gumshake689]

​@@qasimmir7117reference!

[@darrenwilson8042]

I cannot find any record of Johnny Mercer suing the BBC successfully of otherwise. The questions were raised because he remained in his luctrative post whilst still a Junior Minister - he was sacked from the cabinet in early 2021

[@bristolrovers27]

It appears Mercer never sued BBC I wonder why

[@davidrendall7195]

Crucial Academy sued the BBC, the case is sub-justice until the case against LCF the original Ponzi scheme guys is complete. Crucial Academy also folded in 2022.

[@Paul_Harper]

Mercer’s constant use of veterans to excuse his behaviour is rather nauseating.

[@MakeSomeNoisePlaylists]

bad Charakter

[@willcampbell2909]

"why did you" just brutal

[@CanKicker68]

He signed up because he realised there was a grift to be exploited.

[@janinesmith8742]

Minge Mercer pays the wife £45k, probably for writing those awful tweets.

[@Jordan-hf4ch]

@@janinesmith8742 Very common practice in parliament.

[@Boufonamong]

Politicians given second jobs that pay extremely high is sus enough

[@TheSealOfTheRose]

So typically British to believe earnsling money is a crime. One of the few ways in which America has a better attitude than us

[@gavinstuart6704]

@@TheSealOfTheRose being a poltician should be a fulltime busy job, where are they finding the time and means to be able to dedicate themselves to second jobs?

[@TheSealOfTheRose]

@@gavinstuart6704 Your's is a very recent view. Some of the best politicians were greeat lawyers and buisnessmen or scientists

[@gavinstuart6704]

@@TheSealOfTheRose aye, but even if they were great lawyers, they should be dedicating themselves to public service and not working for private sector companies. Again where do they find the time?

[@rossblack9559]

​@gavinstuart6704 I agree. However over 2 million or 3 million ppl in the UK have 3 jobs. Even if someone is full time monday to Friday there might be stringent laws on companies not wanting the individual to have another job. So if u do customer service Mon to Friday and have a second job such as bar work they might think you don't have the energy, but of course these ppl will be directors non executives, consultants. So time is minimal and pay is high and probably going through a ltd company.

[@davidosilverman900]

Moral of the story: don't argue that facts are libellous with the editor of Private Eye

[@thisismyuniquestory]

Cracker David

[@mummyd1990]

Who gets paid £20,000 for 2 hours work 😂😂😂😂

[@sandormccann2546]

@@mummyd1990 Going rate obviously. Lucky him but so what?

[@TheTwosliceToaster]

@@mummyd1990 Why are you repeating the point that Mercer already made, especially considering that it failed the first time?

[@therealjetlag]

@@mummyd1990 So what? What he's paid has FA to do with libel laws. the BBC isn't bankrupt nor has anyone been arrested for corruption at the BBC over Hislop's salary. Which one of them has resigned their position? Oh yes, Mr Mercer. Do keep up.

[@emo_drummer_9398]

I was there in the audience that night. The back and forth actually went on a lot longer than what was aired. Mercer, the whole way through, came across like the child who had had their hand caught in the cookie jar.

[@tomimpala]

@@alexm2358 did u see everything outside the edit

[@Bill-fi8ik]

@@tomimpalaDid the Original Commenter? Don’t believe everything you read online.

[@tomimpala]

@@Bill-fi8ik ok

[@tomimpala]

@@Bill-fi8ik weird thing to lie about lol

[@Bill-fi8ik]

@@tomimpala Bruh that does not even scrape the surface of weird lies on the internet…

[@ezrazonable4992]

All you guys saying, "This isn't a heated argument", seem a little confused. This is one man basically accusing another man on TV of being a knowing accessory to shady practices. It might not be shouting, but their voices are definitely raised, and I would certainly call it heated. Perhaps not an argument, per se, but certainly a confrontation - it's as heated as the show could allow it to be, and the more heated content is likely edited out, as well. So, I don't know what y'all are on about, honestly.

[@my_beer_stories]

Late in the video. "If money had gone from LCF into Crucial, I would have resigned." He went on to resign and Crucial has now been liquidated.

[@arthurmee]

I have Italian parents. This is not a heated argument I assure you. 😉. It' a very civil exchange in the manner in which the English excel. Bravo.

[@jaymercer4692]

@@arthurmee The extent at which your parents act like children whilst being adults and claim it’s just an Italian thing rather than a personality issue is irrelevant to the extent at which other peoples conversations can be considered heated or argumentative given the context.

@@jaymercer4692 Damn Mercer you nailed it. It has become increasingly obvious that a lot more people than you'd think just respond to tone of voice and volume levels rather than content.

@@whyohwhy555 Wrong Mercer.

[@djcol7742]

Hislop and Merton are starting to look/get old.....shit, I've been watching them for decades....that means I am.

[@elizabethtaylor9321]

djcol77 Far to left wing now, never watch it now!

[@ricjones5749]

So if it was right wing you would watch? Fuck off Liz, no wonder Burton left you?

[@davidjames3125]

Been watching these lefty morons for decades? Bet you are truly brainwashed by lefty noncey bbc then

[@Finthefish-vb6xg]

djcol77 me too. Shit I'm bald, old and fat and my kids hate me.

[@millwallholdings]

Merton now looks like a old queen, hislop has always been a ugly toad, Reason his so bitter

[@lindsayrogers6690]

I have a lot of time for Johnny Mercer. I have recently retired from teaching English to delinquent lads in Liverpool. Some time ago I emailed him simply to congratulate him on his well written book (his description of losing his comrade Bing is heart-breaking). He responded by offering to travel up north to meet my lads and talk to them. We certainly need more of his ilk in Westminster.

Did you ask him what his fee would be?

[@lindsayrogers6690]

Seán O'Nilbud cynic

[@lindsayrogers6690]

Ocean Drive LTD have you served in the military? Have you achieved a solo ascent of the Eiger? I don’t know Johnny Mercer but between us we have achieved both those things. I’m naive? Rather that than a no mark keyboard warrior

[@lindsayrogers6690]

Ocean Drive LTD poor grammar, clown. Bye, bye

[@inbredyokel4202]

He's from my old unit 29 Cdo. He's a lying piece of crap. He's voted consistently against anything which would have helped his "beloved" veterans. The man's a charlatan who drones on endlessly about how awesome he was when he was in.

[@j-fit677]

Well attacked and well defended.

[@deputyvanhalen6386]

The Shaggy Defence...🙄

[@mark79619]

Well attacked from everyone, even the supposed impartial panellist.

[@djbethell]

@@mark79619 they're not supposed to be impartial. You've clearly never seen HIGNFY before.

[@MajorTom6]

@@mark79619 The BBC is probably one of the least impartial organisations in the entire media. Even though they strongly purport to be.

[@sevendaughters]

hmmm except the law suit failed and Mercer was lying

[@scuttle77]

Ian hislop gets £400,000 per year. Can’t stand Jeremy vine and he gets £800,000 per year.

[@LOTPOR0402]

Not any more this is years old ,not seen Hislop on TV for a long time

[@stevenpremmel4116]

Ian Hislop income as a TV personality is paid at the value he negotiates with the production company. As an elected MP, Mercer requires more scrutiny when it comes to his income.

[@harrypainter7472]

@@LOTPOR0402 He just finished a series of HIGNFY a couple of months ago

[@TrickyTree84]

Hislop isn't an MP

[@segafrog]

Paul's dressed like a 'head vampire'

[@millwallholdings]

He now look s like some old queen, ageing fast

[@orsonincharge4879]

He looks like an extension of the set

[@ChaseTheHorizons]

01:55 this is how an 'argument' should be made, Ian Histop's questions were potentially answered so he backed off a bit

[@liftwell]

There are a still a few issues at point here. Hislop raised that the story was not just being covered by the BBC. The fact that Mercer only chose to sue the BBC for libel reeks of a personal vendetta. While he raises Hislop's salary. The point isn't an MP and therefore can't use his position to influence legislation to "get himself out of trouble" or to make legislation to their own personal economic advantage seems to be overlooked. Mercer opened himself up to this by taking a second job. Mercer also falsely makes himself philanthropic by claiming he is helping veterans. The fact that he collected more money for 2 hours work than most people earn all year, seems to dispute that.

[@JoeyRhubarb]

@@liftwell £85k was his salary, not payment for 2 hours work.

[@krayon_eater]

@@liftwell Mercer was exonerated in court, so go whistle.

[@nickharrison1604]

@@krayon_eater He resigned from the academy in question though, didn't he?

[@ZPSBestProfileName]

@@liftwell If the story originated from the BBC, then they would be the target of the libel. Other outlets reporting on it are just reporting on what the BBC claims

[@garysmith208]

The Christmas dinner comment is absolutely brilliant.

[@chazcad7319]

Average at best. Maybe tickles the immaturity humoured.

[@willk1756]

Is it really "Brilliant" though? 😐

[@magpiestudent9357]

Not brilliant but definitely well-timed.

[@newforestpixie5297]

That isn’t a heated argument- it’s a grown up discussion over a contentious issue in which they all acted in a decent manner - with the comics doing exactly what should come naturally 😁love from wessexshire

[@wattage2007]

Except there was no comedy here. The only laugh was when it was pointed out that Hislop took £20,000 of public money for two hours work.

[@nickfanthorpe8500]

Comics you say? When was the last time Jo brand had you splitting your sides?

[@liftwell]

@Specs & No Pecs Just another right wing troll you can’t win an argument with evidence and logic so they use capitals to make their argument look more convincing.

[@liftwell]

@Specs & No Pecs its common business practice not to communicate in writing using caps lock because it is associated with shouting. I find it astounding that you haven't recognised that this is generally accepted by the wider community. I suppose that only Boomers are going to boom. You are right in one respect the argument remains the same regardless of the Caps. It is still illogical and irrational. The use of caps lock just heightens the tone in which it is delivered indicating severe tendencies towards confirmation bias and cognitive dissonance.

[@toffeecrisp2146]

@@liftwell it's not about winning an arguement. It's about the truth and I'm sorry to say, the BBC is not interested in the truth, but in it's particular spin of it. The days when the BBC could be relied upon for impartiality, bipartisan reporting, are long gone.

[@daikayll1897]

Great he exposed the underhand , shithouse tactics of his own political party member.

[@raywarman]

Liked the way he got the £20000 and episode out of Hislop.

[@petermizon4344]

Hislop stuffed him. Hes a tory Mercer.another money hider

[@aciddrive1019]

@@petermizon4344 Hislop's a stuck-up, smug, supercilious piece of shite.

[@aciddrive1019]

@Wilbur Wafer People like me? You don't even remotely know what I am like you knee-jerk twerp. I think being a stuck-up, smug, supercilious piece of shite, and I'll go further: a stuck-up, smug, supercilious, sanctimonious, self-satisfied, snide, sarcastic, shitty and patronising flabby little preacher is actually what defines any substance that the little jerk has. He is meant to be there to be funny but he only gets a laugh when he is being snide, sarcastic and cruel. He doesn't make jokes that are intrinsically funny in their own right, as his opposite number Merton occasionally can; he perpetually lampoons even those people in the public eye who are of real substance - on either side of the political divide. His jokes are not even off the cuff, they're rehearsed because if this little snob was asked to do stand-up where the real comedy game is played, he'd die on his feet. The panel, as with all BBC panel-based comedy, get to see the questions beforehand and it's quite sad to think that even with the chance to see the questions and given time to work on his act, all he can do is sneer. Hislop thinks that he's being satirical but he's simply playing to the gallery, an audience of BBC-approved middle-Englanders or selected metropolitan hyper-liberal elite, appreciative only of his sort of virtue-signalling quasi-comedy whose number, I would expect, includes the likes of you, you intellectually Wafer-thin little squirt, hiding behind what I assume is an assumed name.

[@ronsmith9780]

@@aciddrive1019 I know, how dare Hislop expose a man of exploiting injured soldiers by making a vast amount of money from some murky business dealings!

[@thomasbennett712]

@@aciddrive1019 Have you met Ian Hislop?

[@InshushaGroupie]

Mercer left his position at the company. And the libel case went nowhere.

[@bigmac7221]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/d5iUoGahpLl_ja8

[@garysmith208]

That was the answer i was looking for. Thanks for posting.

[@shaunkelly9860]

Of course it didnt - because it was true.

[@lostliberty9913]

Doesn’t make him guilty. 🤷‍♂️

[@InshushaGroupie]

@@lostliberty9913 Makes his argument here bullshit.

[@jbagger331]

This did not go the way Hislop thought it would go.

[@philip013]

Yeah, the Tory scummer came off looking like a great bunch of lads.

[@peteconrad2077]

Apart from that it did.

[@peteconrad2077]

John Burton try again using English.

[@peteconrad2077]

John Burton 1. I don’t have to do a thing just because an illiterate hick asks. 2. I haven’t been asked a question. Maybe get someone who has basic literacy to help you.

[@Caroleonus]

@@peteconrad2077 yes or no would be easier than that snobby dodge. Anyone with basic literacy (who therefore understands context) can parse the question "Labour?"

[@russellbishop1633]

Why does Paul Merton always look like he's in another place?

[@waheedsaeed5978]

He's an idiot

[@Eisenwulf666]

Because he often is. I may not remember correctly but i think i read an interview where he said he got bored of HIGNFY many years ago and now he is just on auto-pilot. Remember he used to be mainly an improv comedian, while the show is scripted and rehearsed ,sometimes for hours ,many parts must be repeated , it's a bit boring after many years. Another factor may be (imho ) his mental health: it's no secret he suffered from depression many years ago,maybe he isn't always in the mood for working. While in an office job you can somewhat hide that, on a tv show it's quite obvious. Personally i used to be very fond of him, now i can't stand him. He is always very well informed , but he mainly either : 1) makes a joke about Ian being posh,often the same one too 2) criticises the material the host is reading. He works best when he joins Ian in roasting politicians/personalities or when he talks about mute movies era comedians,a subject in which he really has a deep knowledge. The rest of the time he is "meh"

[@waheedsaeed5978]

@@Eisenwulf666 So why is he still there? He's almost never funny and just acts childish the whole time.

[@Eisenwulf666]

@@waheedsaeed5978 i have no answer to that question

[@DrCroccer]

@@waheedsaeed5978 Because he gets 20k for an hours work in which he doesn't even have to do much of anything. You don't have to be a rocket scientist to figure out why he hasn't quit.

[@ripplesguy1036]

Johnny Mercer came across as ok to me - Hislop got a bit of a slap with the £20k thing - should really have remembered the glass house rule there!

[@paulritchie5868]

Rubbish,Mercer is a chancer and took money from god knows who,Ian earns his money every week..

[@frazerduncan356]

Paul Richie, if that's his fee then there is no way he provides 10k of taxpayers'money, per hour worth of value.

[@VinylBC]

@@frazerduncan356 Not true, obviously enough people watched the show to make it viable.

[@frazerduncan356]

@@VinylBC they can broadcast what they like if it suits their ideology, regardless of viewing figures. They are unaccountable because we pay their wages.

[@LKeet6]

@@frazerduncan356 a lot of people watch it. That's the only thing relevant to the fee paid to people on the show, and CERTAINLY has nothing to do with dodgy companies that rip people off. People can choose not to watch this show, those people couldn't choose not to lose all their money.

[@GazpachoCop]

Johnny Mercer MP has a shocking track record for dodgy expenses claims!

[@sarahrickard4162]

And the rest

[@Blitz-ww8kh]

Does he though?

[@GazpachoCop]

@@Blitz-ww8kh Yes

[@burnamm7127]

Hislop defending the BBC or defending his lucrative future?

[@scottb4697]

He's defending his lucative future.Hes nothing without this show.

[@StoutProper]

Burnam M neither. attacking bent MPs with their noses in the trough as per

[@StoutProper]

Tim Donovan you obviously don't read private write or you'd know how much he's done for vets. For instance exposing a scam that was ripping off disabled vets from all the benefits they were entitled to.

[@markymark7803]

@@StoutProper Hislop is bent himself taking 20k of licence fee payers money for a single show, the irony as he tried to preach to others about their pay being too much 😂😂🤣

[@StoutProper]

@@markymark7803 so you say. Got any evidence of that pau cheque? You don't mind Simon Cowell getting 100k a show though, you don't mind mps expenses, it's just hislop apparently

[@padraigodonnell6081]

They left out the best bit. Johnny was tapping his pen on the desk and Paul gestured at him to stop and Johnny says" oh sorry. Does that ruin the recording?" And Paul says " well..."

[@johnsmith-wx5fb]

Why was that the best bit?

[@johnc3403]

@@johnsmith-wx5fb because it was voted "pen tapper of the year" by the Wigan and district pen tappers society and frankly John, if they say it's the best bit, then I'm with them.

[@johnsmith-wx5fb]

@@johnc3403 why arent you at work?

[@TheRealJoeSparrow]

john smith I like cheese on toast

[@johnsmith-wx5fb]

@@TheRealJoeSparrow and...

[@Ben-nr2rm]

Paul Merton should have jumped in and said 'he gets 20000?!?! I only get 10...'

[@Isleofskye]

Not when he is on £40,000 a show so he kept sturm....

[@biggusdickus5986]

Ian needs the money for the law suits he keeps losing lol.

[@S.Trades]

Surprised Paul missed that!

[@tommycoopersmagiccarpetwea817]

@S.Trades because he's on £32,589 per episode.

[@Louis-ew8mx]

Only the British can take what would be an uncomfortable situation to be a part of and somehow add humour to it and make it feel less uncomfortable for everyone involved.

[@fatherofdragons4880]

It's a skill learned young lol

[@FlintF]

.... as long as there's a camera on it/it's in public view?

[@awalk5177]

They cannot do this in USA.

[@charlottebowes7666]

I’m British, I used to do that for people as an out… Now I don’t care if people are uncomfortable at what I say, they just stand there waiting for me to make it easier on them… Nope, not this time 💋

[@adhughesy]

Have you checked all the other countries? Think you’ll find you’re wrong.

[@bonnie3447]

Christmas Dinner with family line has been used by loads of guests when things kick off and nobody ever mentions it.

[@francisbrown5469]

This is how the Ex service men get treated when then sell their souls to the highest bidder ...

[@danielfinch362]

People being arrested is not a guilty verdict.

[@humbleopinion1499]

Exactly. I had a "real" heated argument over this point with a friend who claimed someone was a bad person because he had been charged with an offense. The person in question was found not guilty. Being arrested is even less of a "guilty verdict".

[@nickharrison1604]

Why did Mercer resign from the Academy then?

[@jd8226]

@@nickharrison1604because he took up a ministerial post and was required to… Perhaps you should look to the fact he was never criminally charged to determine whether or not he’s guilty rather than the fact he simply stepped down from a job as he was required. Makes you look less stupid

[@nickharrison1604]

@@jd8226 you sound like his wife

[@ozricaurora]

​@@nickharrison1604 You in the habit of resorting to childish insults when you get proven wrong?

[@jonh9561]

Jeez 20k! Can't help but wonder how much does it cost for all of them per show?

[@FrankSidney]

This is why I don't watch the show any more.

[@listerofsmeg884]

No one cares

[@tonberrykinged]

Ah, I see... You only COMMENT on the show.

[@diamondgeezertunes]

Good !! . who needs a Mikey ( No one )

[@tonberrykinged]

@Daniel Washford Do you have a link to this story? I couldn't find anything.

[@kenholmes7075]

I gave up on this show years ago.

[@adamhardcourt9428]

So how come your here watching it,?

[@JB_inks]

@@adamhardcourt9428 because he's a moron

[@herbieshine1312]

@@JB_inks who is a "moron?"

[@robertoproz]

@@adamhardcourt9428 obviously ken.

[@tonberrykinged]

He lies!

[@SG-1-GRC]

This is not the first time, in this program, where people have had the opportunity to expose some pretty interesting stuff. I often think it is one of the best programme, on the BBC ,to hear honest and informed commentary about current affairs. Certainly few of its news programs documentaries or political interview shows offer the opportunity for an open dialogue from all parties.

[@krayon_eater]

Hislop exposed nothing. Mercer was exonerated and Rishi Sunak has reinstated him as Minster of Veterans.

[@citizenhal]

@@krayon_eater Sure, and that somehow makes all of the awful conflict of interest exploitation that he did just disappear? He's somehow a nice person now? Ok then. I guess all of the grifters and convicted criminals Donald Trump exonerated are totally fine now too.

[@teddansonLA]

@@krayon_eater Mercer was not exonerated. He had to resign his role in Crucial Academy, the company never sued because the investigation was correct. Also, the owner of Crucial Academy is under investigation by the serious Fraud office, and this story is part of that fraud.

[@utv5490]

Sunak has a great track record doesn't he?

[@TalesOfWar]

@@krayon_eater He also rehired Suella Braverman.

[@iancampbell9297]

Absolutely love Ian Hislop !! Spends more time in court than he does at home lol

[@harryf1ashman]

Hislop is a complete tosser. BBC fodder through and through. Does he really get 20,000 of license payers' money for being so completely crap? Why doesn't he take his own advice and do it for free?

[@hamishanderson6738]

Not as cutting edge as he thinks.

[@oliverbird6914]

@@hamishanderson6738 you have a go then

[@hamishanderson6738]

@@oliverbird6914 He never questioned the convid narrative. Or the many 'leftist' agendas, sorry, "conspiracy theories".

[@MaffeyZilog]

@@hamishanderson6738 What?

[@barry6482]

Nothing heated about that, Hislop and Mercer in conversation - both very much in control.

[@nickharrison1604]

Mercer wasn't in control... he soon resigned from the academy in question.

[@Mikados_Advark12]

Love Ian - he’s so real and fearless - brilliant bloke

[@deepzepp4176]

So real and fearless. Dancing and singing with Peter Mandelson and other politicians and journalists at a party. Real anti-establishment, yeahhh.

[@jesperthorsson3586]

@@deepzepp4176 Spot on - he's very much part of the establishment

[@TheOldGuest]

@@deepzepp4176 "You hold political figures to account but you also go to parties with them, so it doesn't matter!" How did 3 geniuses think this was worth an upvote lol

[@deepzepp4176]

@@TheOldGuest Have you ever heard of having a conflict of interest? Might want to look into it. You’ll be blown away by the concept.

[@TheOldGuest]

@@deepzepp4176 Attending a party that someone else attended is not a conflict of interest. Ever heard of creating a logical argument? You'll be blown away by the concept.

[@wightangel]

This is how grown-ups act. No bad language, no raised voices. Just a heated discussion between two respected adults.

[@peterduff9281]

Don't forget they're on a recorded TV programme, so if there was any bad language or shouting they would have re-shot it. In private it might have been a different matter!

[@callumhardy5098]

And a the very dry remark from the mentalist aunt/uncle who tries to keep the family together, Paul Merton….

[@GK1976A]

Yes, but they still didn't get anywhere. One accused the other and the other denied everything. Complete waste of hot air. That Johnny Mercer comes across as a complete slime ball, so my money's on Ian Hislop.

[@dec-hw3lm]

@@GK1976A Slime ball Mercer Versus a Putrid Hectoring obnoxious Rich parasite Hislop who Steals £159.50 from the Poorest that Goes to make up his £40.000 per half hour Smugathon indulged shite Have I Got £159.50 From You !

[@krishnan-resurrection714]

2 POSH PUBLIC SCHOOLBOYS ARE HARDLY REPRESENTATIVE OF THE HUMAN RACE . . .😁

[@shellsbignumber2]

20k a show! Yeah thats a disgrace. Hislop quickly skirted over that one.

[@jameshowe6481]

How is 20k a show a disgrace? :\ ... Am I missing something?

[@HydroSnips]

He’s a private citizen though in a private contract, so he can get paid whatever he agrees because we live in a world where that’s how it work. Mercer is a public servant, an MP who earns at least £80,000 in taxpayers money (before expenses). We pay him for his time and here he also has a gig on the side. MPs shouldn’t have second jobs when they’re taking public money, they should focus on what we pay them to do. You wouldn’t pay a builder for his time and let him nip off for half a day to work on someone else’s house.

[@MrBannystar]

@@HydroSnips *"He’s a private citizen though in a private contract, so he can get paid whatever he agrees because we live in a world where that’s how it work."* *"Mercer is a public servant, an MP who earns at least £80,000 in taxpayers money (before expenses)."* Hate to point this out to you, but Hislop's salary is effectively paid by the taxpayer also, as is everyone else at the BBC. Your builder analogy was ironic as that *IS* a private contract.

[@HydroSnips]

MrKunt Yes, he’s paid to be on a comedy show. He isn’t on the BBC board where he can forward and advance legislation that could effectively pay him more. Mercer’s gig on the side involves using his time in Parliament for a bit of lobbying that could potentially lead to increased veteran funding and a nice bonus for him, when he should be doing his actual job which is to represent people. I don’t get why people would argue for a free pass to a politician breaking the rules. It takes a chisel to democratic representation if people start caping for MPs using their office for third-party, personally-profitable ventures.

[@MrBannystar]

@@HydroSnips But has he broken the rules? Admittedly, I haven't followed this story, but Hislop's gone after him and he comes out badly in this exchange. He's suing for libel for a good reason, and I don't see the issue with MPs earning more money on the side as long as it's above board. If their constituents are happy enough to re-elect them then where's the problem?

[@mikecarberry6887]

Charities pay £200k to the top person running them. I gave up on this and s lot of BBC shows years ago...stopped being funny.

[@mattoniy2840]

Tbh they both smashed it, most impressed with the defence. Good debate.

[@equalitypeace1695]

Deniability is not a impressive defence

[@helpmeImbeing]

20000GBP for 2 hours. Obviously a man who speaks for the pensioners being asked to pay license fees.

[@whitsthecraic]

That's his job, he's a TV panelist, has been pretty much since the show started. Mercer on the other hand, is an MP with his snout in a trough. Try directing your faux rage to the people who really deserve it.

[@sharpley753]

The TV tax should have been ditched years ago. Totally outdated in 2019 and i'm a non-payer. I've no issue with Hislop earning £20k per episode but I won't be contributing to it.

[@whitsthecraic]

@@sharpley753 The licence fee is not the issue here. I totally agree that it is an out dated, barbaric use of public resource and quite a terrorising tool towards certain members of our community but to attack the employees is not the answer. Attacking the likes of Johnny Mercer, a fully salaried MP with multiple side positions and salaries, should be more in the public interest.

[@StoutProper]

FPVtrainee and an elected publicly paid mp accepting 85k bribes of dodgy gangsters is OK?

[@insertnamehere5146]

nothing faux about some bloke on the Public funded TV getting £10K a hour. Especially a publically funded television network that is currently rifling the pockets of the over 75s in order to keep its Luvvies in Lobster and champagne

[@shadowside8433]

Mercer's Behaviour over the last 6 months or so does tend to paint him in a similar light to the way he comes aross in this scene.

[@Blitz-ww8kh]

And how’s that? A mature individual who’s able to hold a constructive conversation without throwing insults around?

[@shadowside8433]

@@Blitz-ww8kh so, you haven't seen his social media output recently?

[@guitarreilly]

No please explain!.? @@shadowside8433

[@andy.robinson]

Why would 20k shock so many? Do they expect a TV presenter to turn up for £35 an hour or something?

[@alanfizzypop9607]

about a fiver an hour would be overpaying these turds and would be correct for sitting on arses doing sweet nothing apart from bullshit it must be like being up the pub and getting paid 20 k a week to take the piss out of the tax payer who cannot do anything about it the bastards are laughing all the way to the bank and we the licence fee payers are keeping them in a life of splendour

[@skp8748]

I suppose they think that the BBC is paying them directly... Truth is BBC would commission a politics/current affair gameshow... a company would secure the rights charge a set fee and ongoing production fee but the main attraction is the BBC gives you access to a huuuge and global audience... the company owns the IP and can license it in other markets, allow reruns, merch ect not to mention the portfolio benefit it has... If the BBC is offering 20mill for a 3 season kids fantasy show it makes PERFECT sense to spend 50mill and over deliver by producing a hit show... That initial 30mill loss is insignificant to what your IP would then be worth, merch, spinoffs, movie, licensing and what the beeb would pay for a few extra seasons.. Night manager, Sherlock, Luther, Merlin, Capture, Vigil, Bodyguard, Peaky blinders, Line of duty ect ect Not to mention that BBC STUDIOS is a for profit separate arm of the BBC and generates hundreds of millions in PROFIT each year for the BBC

[@Alex-wh8xr]

Also because hes having a go at mercer taking money and whats the difference? At least mercer's has the possibility hes actually helping people.

[@iainmcguire7190]

@@Alex-wh8xr how does Mercer being involved help a veteran retrain in cyber security?

[@joejohnson8789]

​@@Alex-wh8xrthe difference is Ian Hislop isn't claiming to do HIGNFY through altruism. Mercer is, and is taking a huge fee for an afternoon's work when he could easily turn it down so that money can be re-invested into the education programmes.

[@aires69uk]

The Anne Widdecombe jokes not so funny now hey.

[@paulphillips9228]

Not Anne (at least three pensions -state, UK Parliament and ex MEP ) Widdecombe, plus her writing for the Daily Express, plus her being the go-to gammon for any why-oh-why documentary. Makes Ian Hislop seem underpaid!!!

[@markymark7803]

@@paulphillips9228 Least she works and had morals standing by the country that paid her. But I wouldn't expect you to know what loyalty with your racist slurs

[@alanllewelynthomas343]

£20,000 for 2 hours is actually very cheap by broadcasting standards. Alan Shearer earns £85,000 for contributing 3 minutes of opinion to Match of The Day every Saturday night.

[@alanllewelynthomas343]

@David J I didn't say that I think it's cheap, read it again, it really isn't that difficult to understand. I simply stated a fact, namely that by broadcasting standards, £20,000 is cheap.

[@giteausuperstar]

I would expect Shearer spends a good few hours in the studio with each show. They do a lot of prep beforehand since it’s a live programme and he’s doing punditry for the BBC an awful lot.

[@alanllewelynthomas343]

@@giteausuperstar of course they do prep; they watch the games live in studio making notes and selecting extracts for illustration for broadcast later. But MoT isn't live and never has been. It's recorded at 8.30pm, allowing the Beeb time to make quick edits and adjustments. Same goes for Hislopp on HIGNFY. What we watch is a highly edited version, and the full episode, including the full rehearsal, takes 4 hrs.

[@derekfancett8218]

"earns"

[@canihazburgers]

J Mercer answered every one of Hislops questions and answered them well. I'd support a man who's served like he has over a celeb journalist any day of the week.

[@Alex-cw3rz]

Answering them well... 2:21 Where he claims he didn't say it was a smear from the other side to be confronted by is own comments a few seconds later. The confidence of his lie then does make you wonder what else he was making up doesn't it.

[@DN21Media]

He didn’t answer a question. Typical Tory scumbag.

[@jimbrown4386]

@@DN21Media Shut up lefty.

[@TheVanpablo79]

canihazburgers he didn’t answer them well at all. Put the daily mail down and start thinking for yourself.

[@irateindividual8086]

I cant stand hislop but mercer is a warmongering careerist regardless of his prior service

[@keychainere]

To all those complaining about lefty BBC, this show has always been like this. It hasn’t got more left wing, you’ve just become increasingly right wing and not even realised it. The BBC has had many people running it for decades, it’s a not single entity with a figurehead to run the show like Sky is. It’s also politically accountable unlike all the other channels. You may not like them. I don’t always like them, but it’s a lot better than an American alternative.

[@chrism6315]

Agreed, the BBC is a lot like democracy in general, its absolutely useless, except when compared to every other alternative.

[@kanedNunable]

i say they are right wing because they allow boris to bullshit with impunity they say its left wing because they dont want to drown refugees and call black people n******

[@Minimoshi]

Stonewall...

[@seanolusina6058]

Well said mate 👏

[@SGADRM]

Delusional much..

[@_Mentat]

£20,000 for a 30 minute prog?! That explains the license fee, I guess.

[@cliffordhatton4444]

YEARS ago, the Match of the Day pundits were getting £40,000.00 per show.

[@ICECREAMK1NG1-jw8ig]

Yeah that explains why I don't fucking pay it !

[@DinseeNuffin]

@@ICECREAMK1NG1-jw8ig Nor me, in the words of Nan, "Whaaaat a fuckin Liberty"

[@gramule]

@@ICECREAMK1NG1-jw8ig whilst paying sky and the likes s88t loads. doh! bbc 41p a day. do the maths dolt

[@kevinlongman007]

@@DinseeNuffin Nan...a character in a BBC show.

[@forbiddencrisis4149]

Hislop moaning about 85k for 4 hours work. Yet gets 20k for 2 hours Is his argument a little hypocritical?

[@JordanReed1]

No because it's not illegal to be on a TV show

[@davidwilson9264]

Yeah but it's still just less than half Mercer's hourly rate.

[@zipz8423]

forbiddencrisis no because the basis of his argument matters.

[@Caroleonus]

@@JordanReed1 is it illegal to train veterans for cyber security work? He questioned his earnings, not the legality of his work.

[@mrpusser0348]

@@davidwilson9264 85K a year not per hour you simpleton

[@EnglishCad]

Only one way to sort this. Fight! My money's on Mercer.

[@1EVERTONION]

English Cad he’d bash his old wrinkly head in I reckon

[@boboboborific]

Yes, a trained soldier vs an old man. We should resolve all our problems by force! What's the point of this society lark anyway

[@EnglishCad]

@@boboboborific err it was a joke🙄

[@boboboborific]

@@EnglishCad Fair kop. It can be hard to tell on the internet these days

[@EnglishCad]

@@boboboborific no worries 👍

[@stoolpigeon4285]

This is not funny- and 20K for Hislop, that's an insult

[@dontalkt2meboutheros]

For a day's work? That's a year's salary for some people.

[@paulcowell7588]

You see this is what's called intelligent articulate debate...I think we can all appreciate that.although the bloke in the t shirts body language is a give away...

[@peterthomas9423]

Why does GARY LINEKER GET 1.2 MILLION PER YEAR FOR A FOOTBALL REVIEW SHOW. Supposedly highest paid star in BBC programming.? IT TAKES 7793 PEOPLE TO PAY HIS WAGE.

[@bentruthuncovers9331]

Golden boot '86 or something

[@LOTPOR0402]

@@bentruthuncovers9331 privalaledged more like it

[@daveowen8502]

Bless old Paul trying to defuse the situation

[@junglejamesie]

Is it a dolphin in a bathtub?

[@deadinthebed963]

He always wants last word

[@Pfth]

Heeeey, let's not give the sleazy Tory guy a tough ride.

[@jimladd2774]

This show died when Merton and Hislop flamed Deaton for doing what is generally commonplace for many in that realm, in his private life. Unfortunately been degenerating since.

[@clearlake3492]

Jim Ladd Er, Angus Deaton left the show in 2002 - in other words, 17 years ago. So to claim that HIGNFY died at that point is a bit of an overstatement. Also you misuse the word 'denegrating'. Look it up if you don't believe me.

[@jimladd2774]

@@clearlake3492 died (figure of speech), in a literal sense, yes an overstatement, in terms of the high water mark of the spirit/effectiveness of the show, for me, alas no. Not sure if it was a typo/misunderstanding BUT , didn't say denigrating. (If that's what you meant).

[@clearlake3492]

@@jimladd2774 Clearly I need stronger glasses. Apologies for that. As for HIGNFY going downhill since 2002, it has managed to struggle on despite your disapproval. It just underlines the fact that you can't please everyone.

[@jimladd2774]

@@clearlake3492 No apology necessary. My opinion about the show and liking it matters about as much as my "position in society" (U.K.) tho i speculate that is also the causal agent in the magnitude of the mess the UK currently finds itself in , somewhat. That said I personally like both Merton and Hislop and am respectful of his work with Private Eye. I believe they made a mistake in capitalizing on the DENIGRATION of Deaton disproportionately and know it and although the show has been successful and entertaining the hosting has often been disjointed and awkward especially in comparison. Dying was perhaps too loose .

[@Brewsterboy]

Jim Ladd As well as the BBC

[@jamesm1579]

I don’t pretend to know anything about this case and I like Ian Hislop, but I respect the way Mercer stood up for himself there and that comment about 20 Grand was a good counter punch! 🥊

[@fluffyollie]

Both mercer and hislop (and all the panel) took a wage as this would be reasonably expected with light ents are a part of their jobs (except mercer as an MP. Was this declared as an earning additionally to his MPs wages of about 85k?). Not entirely sure of the point that he was making.

[@livingthroughtv]

Yeah and FYI he definitely isn't getting 20k got a two hour recording, haha

[@TrequartistaFM]

@@livingthroughtv he didn’t deny it did he?

[@awalk5177]

@@TrequartistaFM He didn't need to even acknowledge the question. I remember in the past at a dinner in America, the usual question there is "what do you make" meaning how much money you are earning. This is not normally a polite question in UK, but in US it is quite common. The guy pressed the enquiry until I told him. I was a specialist consultant for a big US corporation, and then he was even more upset when he heard the answer. Sometimes it is best not to throw numbers about.

[@jimmoynahan9910]

@@awalk5177 It's not polite in either country. No cultural difference.

[@v4o82]

I couldn't find out what happened with the libel case - anyone know?

[@shmookins]

I don't know what any of this is, means or about. I did find it strange when Hislop said: "why don't you do it for free". Why? It's a job and a business. Why would you even suggest he does it for free?

[@lindsayheyes925]

I think that comment by Hislop says everything we need to know about his descent to the left. He has become a Communard.

[@humbleopinion1499]

Mercer could have turned it around on Hislop and asked him the same question. Or at least asked if he donates some of the 20 thousand pounds to charity. It's not as if it's hard work doing a TV show - it seems a ludicrous amount of money for such a short amount of work.

[@nakkadu]

This seems really interesting except I don't know who this guy is or what they're talking about

[@nakkadu]

@ thanks, I know who Hislop is (wouldn't describe him like that but whatevs) never heard of Mercer so ta.

[@Bucketheadhead]

John Smith If he was he wouldn’t have bashed Corbyn so much. Do you just assume that everyone who bashed your heroes are liberal rentboys and champagne socialists? Also, does Mercer have honour simply because he’s an ex soldier?

[@nigels9500]

Like Hislops political views. This show has run its course

[@VinylBC]

What are his political views?

[@inbredyokel4202]

Oh so you like racist, misogyny, xenophobia and lies? How awesome, I expect the care home which awaits you will be lovely

[@therespectedlex9794]

Inbred Yokel Hislop isn't like that. Infotaining he definitely is, but sadly not a fringe righty.

[@zipz8423]

Nigel S what do you want to replace it with? The Festival of Brexshit?

[@contentsniffer]

Yeah, what are his political views that you find so abhorrent?

[@DonMuffatello]

Well done on Paul breaking the discussion

[@bkray26]

I met his wife Felicity. I couldn't get a word in edgeways and all she kept going on about was how remarkable Johnny was.

[@jfedererj]

Not the time or the place, seriously. I mean why even ask him on

[@johnc3403]

more and more, this program has become a platform for Ian Hislop's over-inflated ego.. Guests come on in good faith, are treated well behind the scenes no doubt, then ambushed in front of the cameras, all in the name of good TV. It's sickening that they used Jimmy Saville in the same way, to get laughs about his dark side when they and the BBC should have been reporting their suspicions to the police. They literally used that predator to boost their ratings. I've long lost interest in HIGNFY.

[@nm3260]

John C guests come on with good faith 😅😅

[@stevenfearn85]

Oh come on. They do it to everyone who comes on. Its not personal

[@martinmckay3241]

JC J..for exactly that reason...Hislop is a snivelling little weasel, full of his own self importance trying to get on over on someone who'd beat the shite out of him in a heartbeat....HIGNFY it's presenters and audience will mock and make fun of everybody else not falling for their PC bullshit.

[@stoptheworldiwannagetoff4780]

@@stevenfearn85 Name me a lefty who's been questioned in this manner?

[@RenaissanceEarCandy]

Even though it wasn't an outrageously funny joke, the reaction to Paul's Judge Rinder crack was probably the loudest laugh I've ever heard from a studio audience.

[@CycolacFan]

Paul would naturally step in to save his friend in a situation like that.

[@25dimensionsfrancis42]

Those that work for the B.B.C. protect it at all costs. I wonder if the others on the panel would like to show us their tax returns and their expenses though if they get B.B.C. expenses they may as well just plead guilty.

[@alan36753]

Well said sir

[@johnmartinez7440]

@@alan36753 In what way?

[@smpgeek]

An honest, non-corrupt, straight talking politian does not compute with these passed their sell by date 'comedians'. What Paul said at the end wasn't even meant to be funny and the NPC audience laughed anyway.

[@PrivilegedWhiteRabbit]

Mercer tried to demonize Roger Scruton so fuck him.

[@alancoppin4771]

20000 for 2 hours !! Much more than the average Hobbit receives

[@oleggorky906]

Yeah. Tell me about it! 🤣🤣

[@Will-yi9cg]

@@oleggorky906 did u make an account just for this comment? ;0

[@oleggorky906]

😂😂 It's nine years old. But when I saw this it was just too good an opportunity to miss! 👍👍

[@Will-yi9cg]

@@oleggorky906 ahahah luv it

[@jahdonkey]

indeed. he deserves twice as much at least

[@Noname47122]

I know they’re trying to make Mercer look a fool and embarrass him but for me Hislop and HIGNFY comes off worse here. For a Tory he comes across quite well

[@Myway953]

Typical BBC employee or contractor which ever WAY you look at it! 20 thousand a show ! They now can stick this show WHERE THE SUN DON’T SHINE.

[@jonnyhenrikson]

I'm not political. I'm not trying to start any discourse. I dont know who Mercer is beyond this short video. That said, he seemed to be very capable of answering those questions. He also seemed direct with his responses. Good for him

[@CalbinuElian]

He is an MP who served in Afghanistan.

[@romulusnr]

It's easy to pull that off when you're good at lying.

[@timflatus]

Presumably Mercer had no idea this would happen when he agreed to appear on HIGNFY

[@clowncarqingdao]

Then presumably he's a bit dim ...

[@sarahrickard4162]

Agreed

[@christinefarrell6438]

Doesn't Ian Hislop kinda have a reputation for this? I've seen other clips where he's a lot harsher too...

[@S.Trades]

He'd be very naive not to see this coming.

[@adamgibson9385]

in the end, was Paul right? i cant find any info on the outcome

[@dannycheesums]

What was the outcome of all this?

[@garyhardwick8489]

Ian Hislop is a legend.

[@mumofgirls9991]

Turns out He was completely wrong about this, and never did publicly apologise. Shame

[@jesperthorsson3586]

@@mumofgirls9991 doesn't suprise me at all - he's a sanctimonious twat

[@robertandrew5768]

​@@mumofgirls9991 Hislop used to be right wing Conservative now left wing Labour woke struggling to make Private Eye still relevant . God, would the great Peter Cook ever have put up with this little " sperm of the devil " ( apologies to the late Paula Yates. )

[@kathrynpitt4973]

Can we have Hislop on every Commons scrutiny committee please?

[@anyoldorion]

Thanks to YT for a reminder on why I don’t miss the beeb...

[@MrDaiseymay]

WHO ?

[@glennreeve9686]

Respect to all.

[@markheitz7963]

It still amazes me that these guy's turn up for this show

[@wimbledan]

Paul Merton judge rinder joke. Brilliant

[@indidelasaf4315]

Not really that funny anymore, this show, is it? More like Newsnight than Have I got News for You.

[@neilmartin3220]

Indi De Lasaf Yep it’s terrible now. Such a shame always used to watch this show and was guaranteed a laugh. I think it’s time to be axed tbh.

[@kimrunic5874]

Neil Martin I disagree. The real draw of this show when it first started was not the ‘comedy’ aspect, it was that it had some teeth. That’s what’s happening here.

[@indidelasaf4315]

@@kimrunic5874 Not that I'm a massive fan of Johnny Mercer - or any politician for that matter - or anything, but that was just excruciating. You would expect a bit of piss-taking and for guests to be made to feel a bit awkward, but to outright accuse him of fraud? There was no comedy value there. There's a time and a place for that kind of grilling, and this format isn't it.

[@millwallholdings]

Its about as funny as cancer, plus the captains are too old now, pension the old cunts off now

[@listerofsmeg884]

The world is such a beyond parody shit hole now that it's difficult to get laughs out of current affairs. Not HIGNFYs fault.

[@cyber_rachel7427]

I had to rewatch this to actually see the argument, because I spent the first time through being baffled by the sheer broadness of Mercer

[@jonathaneffemey944]

Thanks for posting.

[@richey761]

My bet he gets more than 20 grand an episode

[@mr.d.6529]

Stopped watching this tripe after Angus..

[@joebloggs8422]

Paul Merton breaking the tension 😂

[@Pfth]

Mmm... shame... just when I was hoping it would get even more ramped up!

[@Wow55579]

Anyone at the BBC complaining about pay needs to take a hike

[@LOTPOR0402]

Yeh a hike down the job centre for a minimum wage job ,it's all most are worth anyway

[@cyclist68]

Hislop is worth £10m and Merton £3m. As they are both in their 60s and there are no pockets in a shroud I would guess Merton has it sussed.

[@jamesdoubtfire]

Why should he be helping veterans for free? While I believe the cause comes from a good place, why shouldn't he use his knowledge and status to help this ex-service personnel gain employment. They recruit them, train them and seek opportunities for them. I'm sure he has a family to feed so why the not? If it was a huge consultancy which is privately owned and sole objective is to make money for it shareholders, would this be deemed ok?

[@Tadzio5050]

Maybe I'm missing something but 85,000 pounds in anything with cyber in the name is not a lot of money but more importantly, raking a guest on a friggin game show over the coals seems both rude and unproductive. Ian Hislop? Yuck.

[@richarddavis3239]

@Tadzio5050 - Totally agree and in particular I share your opinion on Hislop (Yuukkkkk).

[@DaChaGee]

Gotta love Ian Hislop.

[@jamied3594]

Nah

[@undesignated3491]

20k for 2 hours lol it's supposed to be a comedy show !

[@freebornjohn2687]

Its supposed to be a satirical show that ridicules guests when they get the chance. How many episodes have you watched? Remember how Angus got it after being exposed?

[@undesignated3491]

@@freebornjohn2687 Many and yes Angus incident was class along with when two jags went off on one

[@siblej1]

I thought this was a comedy show

[@twold4this]

@@DaysOfDarknessUK Ian Hislop is one of the greatest living Englishmen!

[@jamstonjulian6947]

It's a topical news quiz. Whether you find it funny depends on the personalities involved.

[@davidknight2104]

Hasn't been for years its gradually become more and more left wing and biased its dying a slow death

[@Pirosbor]

Life is a comedy

[@russellgerrard3944]

Used to be when Angus Deayton was running it. But now it's about as Funny as an Unflushed Toilet. Just a Conservative and Trump bashing half hour.

[@unperdants]

I can't find any record of the libel action Mr Mercer said was being taken by, presumably, Crucial Academy. Does anyone know how it ended - or if they did, in fact, take action?

[@chrispalmer7893]

Only thing I could find was that not longer after this aired Mercer did in fact leave Crucial Academy, which he says here he would have done it was proved that there was the link to the shady firm. That plus the absence of a libel suit (all be it one that was unlikely to go anywhere - Hislop was quite right in saying that the BBC were not the only outlet to spread what he is claiming to be a libellous claim) suggests there was a good deal more truth in the allegations than Mercer wanted us to think. It is possible / likely that Mercer took certain assurances from people he trusted with less skepticism than he should have...