|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Today Programme Report - Text Only Version BBC Radio 4 |
|
|
|
Print This Page Back to HTML version |
|
|
|
04th October 2004 Attack of the 'Brainies'! On Tuesday, the Deputy Prime Minister evoked a Dan Dare-esque vision of armies of big-headed aliens descending on Brighton, when he referred to think-tank members as 'Mekons.' But what did he mean? Mr Prescott suggested that think- tank members are out of touch with 'the people.' They are academics and ideologues, detached from grass-roots politics. These 'brainies' 'make assumptions' about the Labour party membership, when, claimed Prescott, they should be out 'knocking on doors and talking to people.' But was he being fair? The following day, we invited Sunder Katwala, the general secretary of think-tank the Fabian Society, to respond. We asked him whether think- tanks were really full of 'pointy heads.' Mr Katwala rebuffed this claim. Think-tanks are not merely full of lofty policy theorists, but are accessible organisations, trying to engage the electorate with clear information about politics. Far from floating round in an orbit of theory and ideology, claimed Katwala, these thinkers are dependant on people, not 'ministers.' Katwala was not offended by Prescott's comments, and said there were 'no plans to attack Planet Pressa at present.' Infact, the Fabian society would happily welcome Prescott to their ranks, said Katwala, but he has chosen to remain a 'conscientious objector.' Prescott's imaginative description has inspired cartoonist Peter Brookes to create the illustration below.  The BBC is not responsible for external websites |
| About the BBC | Help | Terms of Use | Privacy & Cookies Policy |