I got asked to be a Guest Speaker on the BBC Three’s Free Speech. Free Speech is formatted like Question Time; members of the audience ask questions to a panel of politicians or others involved in politics. Yesterday was the live broadcast to the Nation from Liverpool Hope University. I arrived a few hours before the broadcast with butterflies in my stomach and a buzz of excitement.
I realised once the broadcast had started I realised my vibrant purple shirt made me stand out, more than I had intended to do so. I listened to the questions asked, answers from the panel and opinions of the audience members. The debate lived up when we came to my topic: drugs and alcohol.
Rick Edwards (the Presenter) came to ask about my experience working in the field.
I had been expecting to be introduced differently and to get two minutes of air time. But because the debate had been lively, I knew I had to cut it down. So I said my piece.
This video clip is what I said:
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It was a thoroughly enjoyable experience and I learnt so much about the TV World. I think I looked good, sounded OK and did well considering it was my first time. If a simliar opportunity comes along in the future, at least I’d be less nervous as I now have some experience. I would like to thank everyone who encouraged me to do it as well as two special ladies for their expertise and advice (they know who they are!).
If you are a UK resident and want to watch the whole Episode you can for the next seven days on the BBC iplayer: Free Speech – Episode 11. You can also get involved with the debate on Facebook or Twitter.
Obligatory Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed on this blog are solely my own and do not express the views or opinions of my employer or any other associated company/organisation.
Blog soon,
Antony
Thursday 7 March 2013
This interesting video by Dr. Ron Singer (a retired GP) explains what is likely to happen as a result of the NHS reforms:
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I think Dr. Ron Singer explains the changes and potential impact very articulately. NHS is going to be cut, provision is going to be patchy and private providers are going cherry-pick the services that they deliver, those that generate the most profit for the minimum amount of work.
It’s despicable and I can’t believe the bill got through parliament so easily. In the next few years, we will all regret the changes that are made to the NHS in England. But by then it will be too late to do anything about it. I wish there was someway to act and make politicians listen.
Blog soon,
Antony
Saturday 14 July 2012
I was there, and this post will explain why.
 People coming together to show their opposition to the governments cuts. |
I agree that cuts need to be made but I don’t agree with the depth and short time in which the cuts are being made.
I don’t believe other options have been fully considered by the government. I don’t think that the private sector has the capacity to pick up the redundancies from the public sector. I don’t believe that the private sector in the majority needs the knowledge, skills and experience of Nurses, Youth Workers, Community Workers, etc. whereas the public does, if we don’t image the issues we will have in our society in future. I don’t think our NHS should be for sale to the highest bidder. |
Finally I don’t think the government is listening to the people it is suppose to serve and I feel lied to by David Cameron, Nick Clegg and their parties. I believe things need to change and I’m playing my part.
I was in the heart of the protests, which for the most part were peaceful. I heard the roar of the crowd, the growing anger and frustration. There were reportedly 500,000 people there, but looking around I think the media may have under reported.
I hope that the next step is a National Strike by all Unions, if they wont listen to protest let’s him them with what they care about money. One day’s loss of production.
Blog soon,
Antony
Sunday 3 April 2011
About
Antony Simpson - Author, Blogger, Nurse & Witch.
Author of eight books.
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