Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ

In an exclusive documentary on Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Radio 5 Live former Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Secretary Jacqui Smith will investigate the pornography industry in the UK – meeting those who make, watch and comment on porn, it was announced today.

In a Radio 5 Live documentary, Porn Again, which airs on 3 March, Jacqui Smith will talk for the first time since porn films appeared in her MP's expenses claims about her own attitudes to the industry. She also speaks to film-makers and actors, philosophers and feminists, politicians and commentators.

Commenting on the programme, Jacqui Smith said:

"As I know from my personal experience, porn fascinates us – media and public alike. But we actually know very little about what it's like to work in the industry and what porn is doing to our society, our children and our relationships.

"In making this programme, I've been able to challenge my own views and attitudes and I want others to have the chance to join the debate too."

Jacqui Smith was at the centre of one of the more memorable incidents during the MPs' expenses scandal of 2009 when it was reported that she had mistakenly claimed for the cost of two pornographic films. In an exclusive documentary Ms Smith talks about the porn industry, its protagonists and the men and women who consume it.

As she questions those involved, she is also forced to question her own opinions and experience along the way. Does pornography damage the men and women who make it and watch it? What should our response be to the easy accessibility of porn on the internet?

The programme will be broadcast on Thursday 3 March from 9.30pm to 10.30pm. It will be followed by a special edition of the Tony Livesey Show, where Jacqui Smith talks to Tony and takes calls from listeners.

The 60-minute programme is produced by Tonic Media And Productions Ltd for Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Radio 5 Live.

AB