The Morality of Voting
Combative, provocative and engaging debate chaired by Michael Buerk. With Ella Whelan, Giles Fraser, Michael Portillo and Nazir Afzal. #moralmaze
βYouβre joking β not another one!β That was Brenda from Bristol, back in 2017 when Theresa May surprised the country with a snap poll. A penny for Brendaβs thoughts as we climb aboard the roller-coaster for our third general election in four years. The pundits are predicting only its unpredictability. The parties are fractured and fraught, the voters are frustrated and fatigued, and Brexit prances through the pantomime. The old safe-seat certainties are crumbling. Campaigners on all sides have been encouraging tactical voting to stop the opposition at all costs. Is that morally acceptable, or should we vote for the candidate we most closely support, even if they have no chance of winning? If our long-held tribal loyalties seem less certain, is that good or bad? Does it shake up candidate complacency or threaten community interests? Is it OK to stand in the voting booth and ask βWhatβs in it for me?β or are we there on behalf of all humanity? Perhaps the question is not βHow should I vote?β, but βWhy should I bother?β People fought and died for our right to vote, so is it a moral duty to go to the polling station, even if we spoil our ballot? Or is it wrong to criticise those who stay at home on election day, nursing their anger or their apathy? Featuring Dr Lisa McKenzie, Alan Hamlin, Richard Harries and Professor Lea Yp.
Producer: Dan Tierney.
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- Wed 13 Nov 2019 20:00ΒιΆΉΤΌΕΔ Radio 4
- Sat 16 Nov 2019 22:15ΒιΆΉΤΌΕΔ Radio 4
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Moral Maze
Live debate examining the moral issues behind one of the week's news stories. #moralmaze