Sir John Major questioned by Oxford students

SUBSCRIBE for more speakers ► is.gd/OxfordUnion
Oxford Union on Facebook: / theoxfordunion
Oxford Union on Twitter: @OxfordUnion
Website: www.oxford-union.org/
ABOUT THE OXFORD UNION SOCIETY: The Oxford Union is the world's most prestigious debating society, with an unparalleled reputation for bringing international guests and speakers to Oxford. Since 1823, the Union has been promoting debate and discussion not just in Oxford University, but across the globe.

[@DavidBrown-ts2us]

If somebody in the 90s had told me that one day I'd miss John Major, who'd have thought.

[@stuff2008]

If you miss him just sell the use of your property debt free to a European for pennies on the dollar and then rent them back from them at what ever rate they desire to charge you.

[@robertcottam8824]

​@@stuff2008 What an odd comment. Are you ok?

[@markking4730]

I miss him too.

[@stuff2008]

You do not miss him you miss the Briton that existed before the changes people like him made took effect.

[@stuff2008]

@@robertcottam8824 I'm ok I just understand the structural impact that these guys make. I do not see it as progress. You could have a society with pensions decent wages and a quility of life. In all sectors there is dysfunction developing. One example is the privatization of the water utilities. Billions of dollars in dividends were extracted and payed to forien owners, so that profit is not even being spent in the UK, the water infrastructure was not invested in an allowed to decay. The knowledge and skills of the ppl in that sector has decayed and the rivers are polluted. To fix the infrastructure is monstrously expensive as a result. The short term windfall of selling it off is not even worth the lost dividends and lost money in the UK economy. And it is true for most UK sectors. Even the money that would have been available to British capitalists has been squandered.

[@stevenperren1678]

Outstanding communicator ,never wastes words, and underpinned by excellent values.

[@markpalmer8083]

You are right.

[@itspudsey1062]

He and Joe Biden are the same age. Such a difference between them...

[@user-vy8bd4ny8q]

who?

[@kalicom2937]

John Major was, in my opinion, an excellent and wholly underrated prime minister. I think this interview highlights why I think that way.

[@stevedixon8567]

cheating on his wife with Edwina Currie I wouldn’t call excellent values

[@AndrewWingrove]

While working at a hotel in the midlands we arrived one night to find out that John Major was staying with us. The phone rang just after midnight and the caller said that the the PM was a bit peckish after arriving back late from a public event , and he was enquiring what was available. As we had the keys to the kitchen, we asked what he would like. After a few moments, the answer came back, sausages, chips and peas. And that's what we made for John Major at 1 a.m in the morning.

[@niburu1508]

Was Edwina with him?

[@8mm2digital]

@@niburu1508 No.

[@niburu1508]

@@8mm2digital 😳😳😳were you there as well? Another 3 in the bed?

[@borisgurevich5504]

1 am is always in the morning

[@thecrimsondragon9744]

Wow, no one else would be able to do that. All the restaurants would have closed well before then. Might have managed a kebab 🤣

[@jimmysaber]

I miss this type of calm collected type of political debate… I would vote for this man or this type of person

[@markpalmer8083]

Unfortunately, you won't get to vote for such a person again.

[@infrasleep]

Then tell the half wit students at Oxford-who evade debate-as they're too politically illiterate and sanctimonious to do so-and scream and yell and no platform anyone who can pull their infantile drivel apart. Oxford is for political fuck wits (ALL party's) These pompous morons would die if they saw Brian Redhead. Hugo Younger, Robin Day or Harold Evans rip the political hubris of the left and right apart back in the day-they'd 100% no platform them. Underlining the level of fuck wits there are at Oxford these days

[@kegal]

yeah I'm sure you would if this was a debate

[@Hatemoth]

Amazing how lucid and coherent he is considering he’s 80.

[@philipdawes2661]

Compare him to Joe Biden, or Trump who are both 'of the same generation' as JM.

[@Hatemoth]

@@philipdawes2661 exactly, that’s kind of where my mind was going.

[@pearsemckiernan]

Of. Sir. John. Was. 20.would.u......

[@alistairmcmaster8420]

As a Labour supporter I really like/respect John Major. Unlike the Conservative Party now, who only care about the rich, John cared about everyone and wanted to make the country he loved better.

[@meritpoint]

Post-Thatcher he almost sounded like a socialist!

[@Anna-tj7mp]

His stature has grown since stepping down as PM. He is a man of integrity.

[@stuff2008]

So much integrity that he sold more British publics property to Europeans for pennies than Hitler would have annexed if he had won. In fact more Europeans recieved dividends from the former public water utilities, mail, ect than the Germans payed in war repetitions. Maybe that is why you infrastructure is crumbling.

[@capri2673]

Wouldn't be difficult. He was a poor PM. He's more like a working class guy who just became a spokesman for the big corporations and the EU.

[@robertcottam8824]

​@@capri2673 One thinks that the Brexidiots ought to be a little quieter at the moment. You've done quite enough damage, thank you.

[@HarryWolf]

@@robertcottam8824 When the EU implodes, you'll thank us for our prescience. You're welcome 😁

[@robertcottam8824]

@@Millie.com232 These things are relative. One would get an expression of regret from Sir John. I doubt any such thing would be extracted from Boris, or Trusstastic - both of whom had extra-marital affairs. Count the number of children that DePfeffel has had outside marriage. I think it's five. How far do you want to go back? Churchill? All the way back to the 19th century if you can be bothered.

[@kenlennon]

Sir John Major. A good and honourable man. This nation needs men and women possessed by such qualities.

[@Andrew-rc3vh]

The view at the time was Thatcher was too militant and so people voted for John because he was balanced and sensible, not ideological. He's the only one I have ever voted for!

[@stuff2008]

@@Andrew-rc3vh ideological or not he still privatized. And that privatization has not reaped any public benefit. It just created flight capital in the form of forien payed dividends. And the cost has been to the small to medium sized business owners. Increasing bills and a shrinking market of well payed Britons to sell goods too. Inflation is caused by this. Not simply because of increased costs but because it is increased cost chasing less dollars.

[@Andrew-rc3vh]

@@stuff2008 Yes i understand that, but at the time it was the thing to privatise. Maybe it was British Leyland that made it so popular to do so.

[@newyyykkll]

80 is not that old. He can become Prime Minister again, maybe?

[@niburu1508]

Edwina Curry as well?

[@flymoon24]

An excellent talk and discussion by Sir John Major. I miss his integrity and stature as compared to some of the politicians we have and are experiencing today.

[@A2Z1Two3]

INTEGRITY 😂😂😂😂😂😂😂 Major was risking everything having a FOUR YEAR LONG affair with Edwina Currie whilst in public office , he was breaking his marriage vows and lying about his principles whilst trying to become Prime Minister ! Here were his PRINCIPLES during that time that wanted everyone ELSE to live by :- Selflessness, INTEGRITY Objectivity, Accountability, Openness, Honesty and Leadership. Don't make me laugh , the guy is a disgrace .

[@tomharrison1849]

Integrity 😂😂

[@saimoncole]

I have been waiting for literally decades to hear any significant figure express John Major's sentiments regarding Security Council reform. An excellent man. I've joined the UN in my country and am promoting his sentiments. Rather than rely on a saviour, I think we all need to contribute to solving problems.

[@Idekwtph]

Happy 80th birthday Mr. Major!

[@XTSu-sl1bb]

I WOULD VOTE FOR HIM AGAIN

[@dougdellwo3274]

Impressive questions from the moderator. This young man has talent.

[@fridaber6069]

Is it talent, or is it just having a private school education?

[@dougdellwo3274]

Young people are not talented because of private school they are talented because of hard work and commitment. That can happen any where.

[@danielmao2615]

@@dougdellwo3274 No doubt the moderator has talent to come up with those questions. However, a better quality of education is often what provides people with access to the confidence, communication skills, and platform via which to ask demonstrate what they can do and subsequently have it disseminated so as to receive broader recognition from those such as yourself.

[@garyh1572]

@@dougdellwo3274 yes, but unless you have a private school education ( and the right accent , then you're unlikely to get the same opportunities !!!

[@JoaoMarioChaparreiro]

i don't think the moderators education is in order here. however he did looked for answers to hard questions, hardly made public, and john major answered them with some level of transparency

[@erroreliminator2.076]

I find John Major to be a wise critical thinker. We need more people like him

[@alanb9443]

Well I find that hard to believe considering britian joined the EU in 1973 and major wasn’t prime minister until 20 years later….

[@diggerpete9334]

You are drunk.

[@diggerpete9334]

​@alanb9443 we joined the EEC, just a trade market. The EU was not created until years later and we never had a public vote to join until 2016 and we said, no.

[@hschsc1300]

I never agreed with John Major on all politics and I never liked him as PM, but he is among the most profound thinkers British politics has seen in the last many decades.

[@dietrichrosiers8184]

I wouldn't call him a 'profound thinker'l; he is more of a pragmatic, common-sense politician who tried his very best doing the 'right' thing.

[@davidoconnell4100]

Sweet Jesus you need to read a LOT more on political thinking.

[@thecrimsondragon9744]

Just goes to show how far we've fallen.

[@robbie_]

Don't be absurd.

[@A2Z1Two3]

Wow ' profound ' thinker , all his thoughts for four years was in his underwear ( or more accurately, Edwina Curries Lingerie 😢) He put the country at risk as later he became PM and open to blackmail by the Russia and the Chinese , or whomever might have found out about his secret affair .

[@daryltedstone9221]

I was 11 when John Major lost the 97 election, I never had a much of an opinion of him as i was rather young, but after watching this and listening to the interview he had with Alistair Campbell and Rory Stewart, i can see what a thoughtful and articulate man he is. This is the kind person a converative shound be, not the current rable who dont seem to care about anyone but themselves and their pockets.

[@owenbowler8616]

The UK seems to lack quality politicians these days

[@plot6736]

That is an understatement.

[@chrispythegull]

Such an honorable man. So classy to not covet all the glory of the Northern Ireland agreement. Pragmatism has died, sadly. He's the last of an all but extinct breed of politician.

[@stephenholmes1036]

Ask the railway workers if hes honourable?

[@niburu1508]

CHRIS - Edwina Curry?

[@niburu1508]

@@David-Saint here is the way to do it 🤢🤮- think I might join you 😄

[@gorgu08]

Total and utter gentleman and always will be

[@niburu1508]

Edwina Curry? What is she ?

[@adamrobinson8620]

@@niburu1508 You ask that question a lot. Perhaps your keyboard is stuck?

[@niburu1508]

@@adamrobinson8620 If a couple of times is A-LOT to you! Just asking what she is if he is a gentleman. You don’t seem to have an answer anymore than any other dipsticks do.

[@Adipsia1]

@@niburu1508 The fact is that he's still married to Nora - 53 years - so they have clearly worked through those difficult years. People, glass-houses, stones etc. spring to mind.

[@JK-br1mu]

He banged a sl-t.

[@MrArchie800]

This is a stark example of how our politics have degraded over the last couple of decades.

[@davidoconnell4100]

Major is a decent man you could sit and do a deal with. He should be remembered in this week (Easter) as someone who stretched his own core values to work with Albert Reynolds on the foundations of the Good Friday Agreement.

[@marko2873]

I never gave him much credit as PM, but listening to him here, there is a clarity of thinking that is missing in the voices of current politics.

[@DrumsTheWord]

His opinions on the House of Lords not being democratically voted is a something I also believe. We have some of the best, experienced and most knowledgeable members of our country sitting in that chamber debating laws passed on from the lower chambers. It's a quality seal that I do not see being improved. If you believe ALL politicians and lords (humans) are corrupt, then I don't see what we can do. Yes, there will always be rotten eggs, but do not put all of your eggs in one basket!

[@DrumsTheWord]

I also believe that becoming a Lord has become too easy, and is an insult to the other great democrats working in that chamber. Mr Major makes another great point that the numbers need to be halved at least. A lordship has become a mark of service, rather than something to be earnt and respected.

[@user-wu1dv6jk5s]

Unfortunately, the corruption is very real and definitely not a small problem

[@stavrosk.2868]

What an utterly decent man. I salute you mr Major

[@mwamutentamusakabantu5504]

He is kwowleageable erudite and at ease with the subject matter.Iam labour but I like Margaret Thacher and Jo hm Major However,the students have not been allowed to participate.

[@user-vy8bd4ny8q]

I love your left wing wit

[@stavrosk.2868]

At last someone who catchers my drift 😉

[@user-vy8bd4ny8q]

@@stavrosk.2868 bless you brother

[@stavrosk.2868]

Bless you too,sister.

[@vishaalbhatnagar3924]

Excellent discussion. Pleasure to hear the informed views of Sir John Major.

[@trevordance3453]

Probably the best prime minister a country ever had - Northern Ireland is what it is today thanks to this man and the UK benefited immensely from the citizen's charter...Not a bad legacy ...

[@randallsmith5631]

@ least he's a grown up & not a college student politician. Liz Truss

[@jamesmaybury7452]

I’ve often thought that John was one of our best PMs. Not because of what he did but because of his integrity, humility and wisdom.

[@markbradley2367]

More wisdom from Sir John, than the entire 600+ MP's currently' sitting' ...

[@andrewmartin2121]

Major does not seem to age, god bless him

[@rcihard999]

What a splendid interview. It is so hard to fid inspiration in any of today's politicians. John Major helped me to remember that honour, honesty, vision and talent used to exist

[@robbie_]

Pffftttttt hahahaha.

[@alextettenborn269]

What a great interview. The man stands for a voice of a sanity in an increasingly unstable world

[@davidnorton7437]

This man was having an extra marital affair when he was prime minister. Wake up!

[@John-qq8he]

A politician speaking common sense. I remember those days. What happened to them?

[@kiriakoz]

Tabloid newspapers... yes they've always been there but they've gotten worse over the years. They've rotted the brains of many people in UK, I notice it when I regularly visit.

[@TheSurrealWolf]

Unfortunately all the old school tories with a bit of sense, dignity and compassion have left/been kicked out over brexit.

[@kiriakoz]

@@TheSurrealWolf it's been bad longer than 6 years imo, it's gotten worse over the past 20 - 25 years, as someone who lived there a couple of times, once in the late 80-90's, once in the 2000's and goes back regularly.

[@aaropajari7058]

We voted them away.

[@John-qq8he]

@@aaropajari7058 Which landed us in the current mess. . We are so stupid.

[@A-Gordon-Brown-Stan-Account]

I'm loving the John Major appreciation in the comments, one of only two PMs who have any form of common sense.

[@capri2673]

He was a poor prime minister.

[@stephenholmes1036]

By destroying our railway system.?

[@dietrichrosiers8184]

He was a good Prime-Minister. A true consensus and pragmatic figure who managed his party in times of crisis.

[@stuff2008]

Didn't this guy by privatizing public utilities insure a steady stream of capital out of Briton via dividends. The water utilities alone have produce 18 billion in dividends. As a sweater apparently they were sold minus there debt just to have the new owners max out the debt shortly after without investing in infrastructure. Amazing the rate you can destroy the heartland of the industrial revolution.

[@danielwebb8402]

And what return on capital / investment has those dividends been?

[@debbiegamon1232]

The way I see it, is that "Change" is not about being with our European neighbours. It has, unfortunately, been about assuming more control. I used to believe that Conservative equated with liberty, but now I am afraid that the party whip seems more important than representing the adult voters of this world. I, for one, do not approve of people control. In my view, leadership is about being followed. I follow those who stand for honourable and courageous living. I think the people need a new system of politics that trully is ideologically driven.

[@mypointofview1111]

I wish politicians past & present wouldn't harp on about spreading democracy when we don't live in one. If the type of governance in other countries is a variant ofcwhat is practiced in the UK heaven help them, because the UK is still a feudal system with a nod to a type of democracy that subjects ordinary people to some awful inequalities and careless attitudes towards the vulnerable. Any improvements are made at a glacial rate. We need to do so much more to improve the lives of ordinary people who make the wealth of the countries they live in and honour their obligations

[@peadairod]

Albert Reynolds actually did see the GFA come into being, in his lifetime (d. 2014). Other than this unfortunate slip of the tongue by JM, it's a brilliant interview of a great statesman.🎉

[@corcaighrebel]

John Major deserves a lot of credit for working on Northern Ireland especially as he had nowhere near the majority that some of his predecessors enjoyed. He also presents well thought through ideas, which are often imbued with humanity & empathy especially re immigration. Pity he never joined Labour.

[@andrewgoodbody2121]

There is no credit available from us Irish in fixing the problems caused by the British government in the first place.

[@charlesdartagnan8788]

can you put the date the interviews were recorded in the descriptions please.

[@peterhickey1633]

very good questions from the audience gives you hope for the future. appear well informed.

[@angusmckenzie9622]

I absolutely agree with his comments on the relationship between the Republic of Ireland and UK. It's a consequence of the Peace Agreement which gets overlooked but shouldn't be.

[@connoroleary591]

I like John Major, even though I do menial work and he yelled at me, which was embarrassing as the late Queen was within earshot. I am sure if he had known how valiantly I defended him when the whole world seemed to deride him, he would have been a little more patient and understanding.

[@michaelwilliams3232]

The rail privatisation question at 31:12 and John Major's response revealed a quite skewed answer. British Rail was deliberately under funded by successive governments and investment post privatisation still came from the Treasury, rolling stock is leased from big banks. To say that private operators have had a positive impact is complete nonsense from John Major, railways still cost the tax payer an arm and a leg but instead of a flow to improve services, rolling stock and affordability, the cash goes to private investors as dividend. What's worse is that these private operators of our railways are state owned by France, Germany, China and therefore subsidising their networks. It could not be any crazier, certainly no crazier than a nationally owned railway whether we call that British Rail or not.

[@Glenn83100]

Could not put better myself

[@blueskiesabove3950]

Well put. It was a spectacularly bad decision by Major and his government.

[@crossman3940]

He is a tory

[@user-mp9hk6to8o]

Hes aged really well

[@binghamguevara6814]

He hasn’t aged at all. Still looks like John major.

[@erroreliminator2.076]

​@@binghamguevara6814he's 80years old

[@syedadeelhussain2691]

Major was never fully respected by the intelligentsia. But, In my opinion, he was not a bad PM, apart from the 1992 ERM Crisis, the sex scandals, the rebellion against him, and his affair with a lady MP. Now more people are listening to him as he talks common sense, which is rare these days!

[@davidtuer5825]

You're doing him down, Edwina Currie was the lady!! She was the one to kiss and tell. And when you look at who were those that rebelled against him, well what would you expect from them? after all they're the same bunch that shafted Margaret Thatcher.

[@alexk75]

The perfect example of a good, principled and honourable Tory.

[@A2Z1Two3]

He put the country at risk as later he became PM and open to blackmail by the Russia and , Chinese , or whomever might have found out about his four year secret affair with the dodgy Currie. For all we know he could have been compromised and was a spy as well as an adulterer .

[@Adipsia1]

Great interview. It was interesting to hear John Major ask, 'Where is the statesman big enough and powerful enough to bring the world together?' We need to find someone smart and caring enough to solve both this country's and the world's problems, and for me, that would be someone just like John Major. Even at 80 years old, he’s still s sharp as a tack but has such humility, wisdom and humour that he makes our current crop of politicians look like naive, self-serving amateurs. 'Dull and grey' to me was always synonymous with decent and understated. After the incessant puerile drama from the likes of Boris and Trump what this country and the world needs right now is John Major. It's enough to make me weep how degraded the west has become. :(

[@saimoncole]

Rather than rely on a saviour, I think we all need to contribute to solving problems. I've joined the UN in my country and am promoting John Major's sentiments regarding Security Council reform. I have been waiting for literally decades to hear any significant figure say them. An excellent man.

[@A2Z1Two3]

Was he Dull and Grey , whilst conducting a FOUR YEAR long affair with Edwina Currie , and at the same time espousing 'principles' we should try to live by , and whilst having ambitions to lead the country ?

[@ajw9533]

Speaking of the constituency parties, I remember an old lady from a local Conservative party being asked about Johnson for tv during a leadership contest. Her eyes misted over, and she said of this middle-aged, cowardly liar, "He's like a young Churchill." Absolutely bizarre.

[@railtonfeagus8539]

It's funny to remember when we used to have grown ups as Prime Minister...both in the UK and Australia.

[@geraldbutler5484]

Australia has one now- the son of a welfare single mother. Albo is a decent man who has the good of the country at heart.

[@donaldgraham6414]

Australia had one up until last year.

[@arunshah7171]

Excellent interview

[@SC-ys9or]

Tory party of recent years I find deceitful and divisive. What a contrast from a decent, articulate and bright man with a very refreshing and honest analysis of headline issues.

[@jimmygallagher3910]

What a wonderful communicator.

[@simonmorley8403]

Intelligent conversation is always welcome, no matter what political party you vote for.

[@bnkundwa]

Huge amount of work

[@user-hu1yi8ox9z]

If you look at his time as PM, though he did have a few bad policies. He was pretty progresive and had some pretty impressive acheavements, he could of easily been new labour.

[@brandX15]

Bring him back, please. Imagine a normal level headed person in charge.

[@foxtrot6612]

I never agreed with sir John's position on Brexit but cannot deny that he is a serious and thoughtful statesman

[@martinmcdonald4207]

He was always clear and articulate on the madness of Brexit.

[@foxtrot6612]

@@martinmcdonald4207 I fail to see how seeking the restoration of sovereignty could be regarded as mad. You exemplify the madness of the debate that was Brexit.

[@martinmcdonald4207]

@@foxtrot6612 It's obviously not the only thing you fail to see.

[@markpalmer8083]

Brexsh*t; the gift that keeps on giving?

[@davidtuer5825]

@@markpalmer8083 I see the remainers (actually, rejoiners is more correct) are expressing themselves with their normal, moderate and considered reserve. How are your German and French lessons going? Well I hope, if you succeed in overthrowing the referendum you will need to speak both.

[@marcopuleo]

Happy 80th birthday to the former PM

[@888mf4]

Sir John Major is a true gentlemen and a great politician

[@khar12d8]

The thing about Brexit is that the country voted for it. It's not an entirely Tory thing, Labour and the Lib Dems voted to hold the referendum too. Many Tories opposed Brexit, many supported Theresa May's softer version of Brexit. It was Tory "spartans" and Labour that shot that deal down. Britain has long been the most eurosceptic country in Europe, this isn't just a Tory thing. 52% voted for Brexit and the Tories at their very best only win around 44% of the vote.

[@JK-br1mu]

I supported Legs-it.

[@TheShanewalsh]

A wise and articulate man. Go raibh maith agat a Shean.

[@sirfrozsomji3984]

"John Major's political legacy: the verdicts of Historians on Major are pretty bleak. Weak and ineffective? 'In office but not in power', or 'The government that could do no right'." Aside from 'Black Wednesday', "His government was also associated with sleeze(for example, 'cash for questions or Conservative MPs being paid by outside interests to ask questions in Parliament, and sex scandals), though none of it touched him" Dennis Kavanagh: OPEN EDITION Journals.

[@aka8876]

My childhood prime minister 😀

[@MarcusTDM]

A very wise man and one of the great prime ministers this country has ever seen.

[@lloydnaylor6113]

Obviously the country disagrees with you after the 1997 General Election.

[@MarcusTDM]

@@lloydnaylor6113 they thought differently at the time about the party. The party not John Major.

[@jameswhite1755]

One of the beautiful things about the passing of time, is the more holistic acquisition of perspective, devoid to a degree of party politics. We need more leaders like Sir John

[@A2Z1Two3]

Yep more PMs with skeletons in his cupboard that could be exploited by foreign powers . ( and maybe he was blackmailed , we don't know that either). Sure we need more people like Major and Johnston 😂😂😂😂

[@xelakram]

Sir John Major is such a wise ex-prime minister. It is a pleasure to listen to his viewpoints and solutions to problems. Though I would disagree with him on the privatisation of the railways. He cites the parlous state of the railways prior to privatisation. He needs to go to Switzerland and see how well the railway network works there. And that is in public ownership. The privatisation of the railways was a dreadful mistake.

[@rich8436]

Then I would say have a good look at Japan, good sir. ;-)

[@xelakram]

@@rich8436 I presume that you are referring to the railways. If so, I can honestly say that I know little about the Japanes train system. By contrast, I have quite a lot of experience with the Swiss rail network; and it is run very well. The privatisation of our rail netwroks has been a disaster.

[@rich8436]

@@xelakram Indeed, their rail network is all privatly run and works great. This video is a good overview. kzbin.info/www/bejne/fZiulJ6pfslrf6c

[@xelakram]

@@rich8436 Thank you for the link. Naturally, I will check it out. I am sure that it works well in Japan. But privatisation of railways has not worked well in the UK. This is a huge subject, which cannot easily be discussed properly on KZbin. However, I would like to make a few points. They are as follows: Many small communities lose their rail services when the system is privatised because they are unprofitable to run. When the rail network is government-run, those communities enjoy rail services as a courtesy and to help the small communities survive. Private companies couldn't care less about such things. Also, when the rail network is privately-run, all profits go to CEOs and shareholders. Even though I am generally in favour of privately-owned businesses, not all businesses should be run that way. Some businesses are better run by government. One also has to think of what would happen in times of war. Especially when the privately-owned rail network is in foreign hands. This is a big subject. Our differences cannot easily be resolved here on KZbin. However, it is always a pleasure toe exchange ideas.

[@xelakram]

@@rich8436 I have just checked out the video link. Clearly, Japan has got the privatisation of trains sorted. One cannot compare the pathetic rail service in the UK with that of Japan. But I would say that the cultural difference between the Japanese and the Brits also plays an important role here, too. Thanks for sharing the link.

[@BallyBoy95]

31:20 mark - John Major explains why the railways were privatised.

[@KeithWilliamMacHendry]

A decent man for sure, respect from a Scottish nationalist.

[@Czechbound]

"There must be hundreds of thousands of votes" due to VAT on private tuition. Well, say 300,000 votes, so 150,000 sets of parents paying for, say 2 kids in private schools at a median of, say, 20,000GBP per pupil annually. So that's VAT on a spend of 6,000,000,000GBP. That's a lot of money that can be invested into schools so that you don't _need_ to go to private schools. You can see that Mr. Major's brain can't even make the connection that a) 90% of private school parents vote Tory anyway and b) high level of places available at private primary/ secondary education means that the state education system is crap

[@sebastiaanhols9103]

Dutch guy here who grew up in 90's Scotland. John Major was my first PM. It's a very bizar nostalgia seeing how this man represents those simple optimistic times as well as a better, more British, present.

[@MrLesterGibson]

His Government and party were in an ocean of sleaze by 1994 and in 97, the country couldn't wait to rid of him and them. Black Wednesday? Privatising rail and coal? Back to Basics'? The 'Blood' scandal? Those 18 years of Tory Government that ended with him were a disaster.

[@lloydnaylor6113]

@@MrLesterGibson yet the Conservatives won four elections in that time, obviously the British public disagree with you.

[@davidtuer5825]

@@MrLesterGibson I'd rather listen to John Major's views on those days than yours.

[@jaixzz]

Welcomed JM in 1990 but disagree on Northern Ireland and Scotland -- their independence is sensible -- except for the probable necessity of a defence pact...

[@rubberplantsandwich]

What a fine gent. The only problem witj JM was the press, the press hated him thus influencing public opinion about him.

[@A2Z1Two3]

The press supposedly disliked him, butxany wonder as his thoughts for four years was in his underwear ( or more accurately, Edwina Curries Lingerie 😢) And the press were either not allowed to report it or , worse they never found out about it , and they would hate him for that. He put the country at risk as later he became PM and was then open to blackmail by the Russia and , Chinese , or whomever might have found out about his secret affair with the dodgy Currie . For all we know he could have been a spy as well as an adulterer ?

[@roscomeon3965]

Prime Minister Sir John Major is a gentleman. So courteous and polite to all. God bless him. All his answers are nuanced informed principled and so valid. Great suggestions for the future. And he's so sharp. A brilliant mind and intellect. Great credit is also due to the interviewer. Better than most so called professionals. Good questions and allowed the former prime minister to answer unlike the clowns in the media generally to day. The so called professionals could learn from him.Well done. A great career beckons for him in whatever profession he chooses

[@HarryWolf]

A shame he didn't bring all those alleged good qualities to his Premiership.

[@roscomeon3965]

@Harry Wolf obviously your knowledge of the history of the period is very poor. He left the economy booming with Treasury finances in excellent shape allowing the next Labour government to spend spend

[@Lara-wm9rm]

See my reply above I definitely agree with you well stated I like Sir John Major and am so glad to have met him I just adore and love handsome and intelligent men and it doesn't hurt that he's older than me tall and has pretty white hair and gorgeous eyes lucky Norma Major !

[@HarryWolf]

@Lara Lucky Norma? I wonder how she felt when she found out her (handsome and intelligent 😂) husband was poking Edwina Currie! I bet she was so proud . . .

[@roscomeon3965]

@Harry Wolf A person's private life unless it impacts on their effectiveness or efficiency in the workplace is totally irrelevant. It's a private matter full stop. And only narrow minded bigoted people believe otherwise.

[@nicholascarson9924]

Excellent questions from a smart young moderator.

[@jamesmaybury7452]

When he was PM a reporter asked German, British and French PMs what they wanted for Christmas. Next days paper said French Pm hoping for world peace, German PM looking for an end to hunger, British PM would like a new pair of slippers. I don’t know if it was true but it does show his down to earth nature, nicely.

[@tomharrison1849]

The interviewer is excellent, especially without any notes. Far more impressive than the interviewee.

[@chrispalmer7893]

I think the idea that abolishing the charitable status of private schools is a policy that puts Labour in danger of losing the election is grasping at straws somewhat. Yes, those affected might be less inclined to vote Labour (you'd have to assume that a fair chunk of them weren't so inclined to start with), but Major ignores the possibility that it might gain approval elsewhere. Personally I'd commit myself to Labout tomorrow if they extended that to removing the charitable status of churches...

[@Iguazu65]

Rory Stewart is the closest person today to John Major ethos and grasp of the big picture.

[@nettlarry]

I didn't like him back then, but it seems some really get wiser when they age. An elder statesman par excelence.

[@nazirkhalifa5377]

How many people googled, How long did Margaret Thatcher remain as Prime Minister? 😅

[@kevanbodsworth9868]

A four-to-one decision is no longer a veto .. How you get that is another matter or problem....

[@MightySheep]

People often criticize the fact that politicians are all from a specific privileged background but then when it comes to voting everybody votes for the guy who speaks perfect queens English, nobody would vote for a PM with a northern accent, not even northeners 🤣

[@mintberrycrunch6657]

impressive physical & intellectual health! I had to check that I wasn't misguided as to when he was PM...

[@sdrawkcabUK]

❤❤❤JOHN❤️❤️❤️

[@CG-or1re]

i can't imagine ever voting conservative, but this is a proper prime minister

[@niburu1508]

What about Edwina Curry - what is she

[@Knappa22]

@niburu1508 She’s a former Conservative MP.

[@niburu1508]

And a desk top cheater

[@he1ar1]

On the question of the house of lords there are 2 camps forming. 1 wishes to preserve it and the best way to do that is to have some kind of electoral process (not necessarily a public general election) where the house of common is not involved. The second way is to simply abolish it and give more powers to select committees to make amendments to law. We have some kind of 3rd way where the commons can ignore any input form the lords and push it through. Where the prime minister uses ancient powers of kings to determine who sits in the lords. It is a veneer of checks and balances that provides a political endorsement for the government.

[@Jason-gd4qr]

The Major years nothing was really achieved other than the disastrous entry into the exchange rate mechanism. I don't think he ever had an idea other than do the will of the EU. He was the original career politician grey bureaucrat. There needs to be a step change in politics to make a difference something that he would never consider.

[@chrispythegull]

Even a passing glance at Wikipedia will clue you into why he couldn't get much done. Half the party were the ideologues he was talking about, and they (and the other 'bastards' he famously referenced) confounded him at every turn. A few missteps from some of his ministers were the coup de grace.

[@markking4730]

What about setting up the Northern Ireland agreement - it was not Blair but he as typical took the credit.

[@Jason-gd4qr]

@@markking4730 that was Mo Molan who got zero credit and was undergoing chemo at the time

[@jubear1493]

It's easy to forget that when a PM is one, they are largely projecting there party's policy's and not always there own, thus they might not always agree with a great deal of it personally at the time. Such is the nature of the job. John major, was and still is, about as middle of the road as its possible to get in politics, he himself might say that's quite possibly what led to his undoing as PM. I've never been a supporter of the party he chose to be in, but him as a political operator I've always found to be uncannily wise, ridiculously good at thinking out his words and actions before making any and not shy to seek others views on any given problem, even if there not of the same political persuasion as he is. Such things in my view for what it's worth, are what I like my politicians to always be doing, day in day out. Sadly such skills appear to be greatly lacking from many of those that are in the job, much less actually in power today and I fear they wont be making much of a comeback, ever.

[@user-lv9uy1nn8f]

I am waiting for interprenuers

[@kevinwilliams1421]

All I can see his him undressing Edwina while whispering sweet nothings…..

[@t.p.mckenna]

Very feeble answer on the railway privatisation. He may have believed in the notion of it then, but ALL of the Conservative privatisations can be seen to be wholesale theft of the public sector assets, under the mythological cover of creating a share owning democracy. Based on the latest figures (2021), UK share owner is 56% by rest of the world interests, and just 12% by individuals. Our trains are 75% owned by the national rail companies of other countries. Thatcher hated the railways and starved them of cash.. Investment and subsidy since after privatisation, came mostly from the taxpayer, with fare quadrupling and the taxpayer top as high as it ever has been.

[@magnuswalker7957]

Why do politions have all the answers when they are not in office

[@gerrykelly5164]

I enjoyed that…!🦘

[@Carthage95]

Wow

[@dehqonbob8855]

❤❤❤❤❤❤ Uzbekistan 🇺🇿🇺🇿🇺🇿 Dehqon bob 👈🇺🇿🇺🇿💪💪💪

[@ginojaco]

Well, that was a rather long exercise in self-justification.

[@kinorspielmann4649]

Grey. Wooden. The affair. No great shakes.

[@johnleadbetter5519]

HoL reform simple . Lords allowed in HoL no more than half of Mps so about 320 max at any one time patterned on party lines and their expertise in the subject . Each lord when appointed submits his 5 or 6 areas of expertise . Job done .