In Other Words

We are in the last days leading up to the Brexit deadline.

Once again I am listening to BBC Radio 4's Today programme. John Humphrys is interviewing  Michael Heseltine.

John counts his fingers

Heseltine is presenting a very sophisticated and nuanced description of the desperate state of UK politics, the possible outcomes of the Brexit process and some options to avoid what he sees as the approaching disaster for British business and the population generally. I find myself nodding and muttering 'Yes..."

Michael looks for his glasses

Towards the end of this eloquent discourse Humphrys say "In other words [Theresa] May must go..."

This is not what Heseltine was saying, it may be the case, but it was not the point.

This is a common tactic with Humphrys and his colleagues in many political interviews. 

When will interviewers stop trying to sum up complex situations with simplistic statements? It is just fishing for headlines and soundbites which only serves to feed the shallowness of tabloid broadcasting.

The answer, as far as the Today programme is concerned, is when he leaves later this year. As for the rest I am not so optimistic. I wish these interviewers would allow some more of the nuance, and in the process help listeners understand when circumstances cannot be summed up in a few words. 

In other words, just stop it!