Question Time panel quizzed in West Bromwich
[gallery] Comedian Jimmy Carr's tax affairs and plans to scrap GCSEs sparked a lively debate as BBC Question Time came to the Black Country.
Comedian Jimmy Carr's tax affairs and plans to scrap GCSEs sparked a lively debate as BBC Question Time came to the Black Country.
Cameras were rolling at the new £77 million Sandwell College in West Bromwich as David Dimbleby took the chair for the hour-long television programme last night.
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He was joined by Justice Secretary Kenneth Clarke, Labour's Shadow Health Secretary Andy Burnham MP, Len McCluskey of Unite the Union, political economist Ruth Lea and Midland businesswoman of the year Julie White.
The audience's first question was whether celebrities who avoid paying tax were the 'moral equivalent of benefit cheats'.
Student Craig Hill asked the panel whether Britain should scrap GCSEs and return to O Level style exams prompting a passionate discussion.
Former Sandwell mayor and Wednesbury stalwart Bill Archer said the basic skills of reading, writing and mathematics were still important for pupils. Sandwell College's chairman of governors John Tew said he needed to hear the full argument before deciding whether or not he was in favour.
Who talked most sense on Question Time in West Bromwich last night?
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