Yes between two candidates and two parties but more than that

Yes, between two candidates and two parties, but more than that. We have a chance to take a giant stride forward for the good of all humanity. We can choose between the future and the past, between reason and ignorance, between true compassion and mere ideology This is our moment, and we must not falter.. Their belief is just that, an article of faith, and they are entitled to it.But it does not follow that the theology of a few should be allowed to forestall the health and wellbeing of the many. And how can we affirm life if we abandon those whose own lives are so desperately at risk?In a few months, we will face a choice. They argue that interfering with the development of even the earliest stage embryo, even one that will never he implanted in a womb and will never develop into an actual foetus, is tantamount to murder.A few of these folks, needless to say, are just grinding a political axe, and they should he ashamed of themselves But many are well-meaning and sincere.

Wouldn’t it be a sure way to boost viewing figures for, say, Newsnight? “I put it to you, Minister – oh, excuse me while I just take off my blouse…”. I am here to talk about the issue of research into what may be the greatest medical breakthrough in our or in any lifetime: the use of embryonic stem cells – cells created using the material of our own bodies – to cure a wide range of fatal and debilitating illnesses: Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis, diabetes, lymphoma, spinal cord injuries, and much more. And we should expect no less, considering that one of the newscasters, Samantha, is a psychology and zoology major; and the other, Lily, is said to find “nothing better than a good book – Albert Camus and his existential teachings being a favourite”.The BBC, which is always looking for ways to “freshen up” its current-affairs coverage and bring in younger viewers, should perhaps take note. But I am assured that the content will be subject to rigorous editorial control. I refer not, of course, to the imminent retirement of Sir Trevor McDonald from the ITV 10.30pm bulletin, but to the arrival in London of a rather different news team.

The newly UK-based anchors Lily Kwan and Samantha Page will begin reading reports fully clothed, and then gradually discard items of apparel throughout the programme until they are down to their birthday suits.Some cynics may scoff that this will be no substitute for the “serious” news. This column can reveal that, as of 16 August, Sky Channel 235 will be screening the Naked News (also at 10.30pm, so distraught McDonald fans will have somewhere to migrate to). “‘Ow many bloody reviews you gonna write then?” he said.The bare factsAnd finally.. British newscasting may never be quite the same again. When I spoke once to Pete King, the club’s co-founder, about reviewing a gig for this paper, he told me that he’d leave a ticket in my name at the door. As it is common practice for critics to be given two tickets each, I asked for another King was unimpressed. So one night, after his set had finished, Rollins told the club managers to lock up and leave him in there By morning, he’d written the entire score.