The trick to doing Question Time

While preparing for my first Question Time last night, talking to former panellists, I discovered a strata of politics I didn’t know existed. With five million viewers it’s the most-watched political TV programme and is taken incredibly seriously by all parties. Blair expected his Cabinet to do it, and face the public (although one G. Brown never did). “Clear the whole day for it,” one Shadow Cabinet member advised me. “No lunch, no nothing, just prepare”. Some of the advice was chemical (half a beta blocker to calm the nerves, it turns out, is a trick of the trade). Most MPs advised ignoring the questioners, and saying what you wanted to say. Melanie Phillips’ advice was to do exactly the opposite. One minister suggested practising an array of facial gestures and postures: this speaks louder than words, he said. I was amazed that a seasoned TV veteran said his only advice was not to do it at all. QT has the second-greatest potential for career-sinking disaster on TV, apparently (The greatest is Have I Got News for You). So survival is a result, and I’m glad to still be here typing these words. You can watch the event here.

PS I’d never met Lord Falconer before, and found him as candid as he is amiable. He admitted on camera that ministers can only control a third of immigration, and that he’d like to see the publication of Yates’ loans-for-honours report. Infuriatingly loyal to Brown, though. I guess he has to make up for being thanked in the introduction to Seldon's new book.