I happen to be one of those who admire Vince Cable, the Business Secretary, who is one of our more sensible politicians. I am also a supporter of the coalition government which is trying to get the country out of the mess it found itself in last May.
It is possible that Mr Cable was indiscreet when he recently spoke to two women claiming they were constituents concerned over changes to the benefits system; that is for others to judge. What concerns me more is that it seems to be lawful for a newspaper to send two undercover reporters to interview someone with the sole purpose of encouraging and eliciting from that person statements which might be embarrassing if later published.
It’s about time that the government outlawed this type of provocative journalism that has become virtually endemic in this country. If a journalist wants politicians or other persons to answer questions, then let them be put plainly and without deception.
Of course, whether such questions are answered truthfully is quite another issue!
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It is possible that Mr Cable was indiscreet when he recently spoke to two women claiming they were constituents concerned over changes to the benefits system; that is for others to judge. What concerns me more is that it seems to be lawful for a newspaper to send two undercover reporters to interview someone with the sole purpose of encouraging and eliciting from that person statements which might be embarrassing if later published.
It’s about time that the government outlawed this type of provocative journalism that has become virtually endemic in this country. If a journalist wants politicians or other persons to answer questions, then let them be put plainly and without deception.
Of course, whether such questions are answered truthfully is quite another issue!
.
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